Page 97 of Perfect For You
“I thought this was built for their retirement?”
“The house was. The garden was here forever. My great-grandmother’s. Taken over by Grandma when they moved here, then by Mom, now by you.”
“Our Deja vu, all the feelings, it’s your grandparents.” Tears spring to my eyes. Like someone somewhere is happy I’ve figured it out. He smiles. Like he’s known all along. “You are my home. Truly.”
Our home comes into view and my breath is taken away. The vinyl siding made to look like old cedar clapboards with black shutters is everything I ever wanted.
Every single member of our families stand out front waving and there’s a lilac colored ribbon across the front porch steps.
“My girl! I’m so proud of you!” Aggie runs to me as I step out of the car.
“I’m so sorry I had to do it, Aggie. I never wanted to do this. I wanted Lily to change him.”
She hugs me tight. “You don’t worry about that. He did everything to himself. He was given every opportunity in the world to lead a good life.”
I nod, tears threatening to fall down my cheeks when all the Keaton women run over and join in on the hug.
I’m so grateful to be a part of this family and have them as my village.
“Mommy! Mimi K says I can cut the wibbon!” Lily has made great strides in daycare with her speech.
“Well, sounds like we need to cut that and go in to see our beautiful new home.” I join her and Cooper at the front steps as everyone snaps photos.
But before we do, Cooper drops to one knee.
“Aubrey, you’ve given me the greatest gift in this life. Unconditional, unwavering love and my princess. This home gets a second chance at love with you and I. Will you be my wife and help me fill this home with love until we’re old and gray?”
The tears that were threatening to fall earlier are now falling like waterfalls down my face.
“Mommy! Say yes!” Lily tugs on my arm.
“Yes! Forever yes!” I drop to my knees and pull his face to mine, kissing him.
He opens a velvet box showcasing two matching rings. One for Lily and one for me. He slips each of them onto our fingers and when we turn the rest of the family rushes at us.
“You're going to officially be a Keaton!” The women all exclaim.
