My Way to You: A Second Chance Romance (Love in Everton Book 7)

by Fabiola Francisco

  “Everything is going to work out,” Faith says softly, easing my nerves. So long as I have her with me, I know that’s true.

  When Cali runs up to us, I say, “Let’s go inside.” I open the back door, and Cali rushes in before us. Faith giggles and I smile, watching the light that brightens her face.

  “You know what we should do?” She turns to ask me.

  “Tell me,” I smirk, crossing my arms, eyeing her.

  “Hang your Welcome sign.”

  “I was expecting a different response,” I lift my eyebrows.

  Faith chuckles, walking toward me. “We’ll do that later,” she promises, huskily.

  “Then, let’s get this thing hung quickly,” I joke, grabbing the wooden sign that’s leaning against the wall by the front door.

  Faith’s laughter follows me, and I proudly smile because I’m the reason she’s in a good mood.

  “Is this the wall you were thinking about?” I hold the sign up in the center of the wall, between the front door and a window.

  “It was, but I’m not sure I like it in person. Here…” She walks over to me, holding the sign. “Look at it yourself.”

  I take a few steps back and stare at the sign, shrugging. “I’m not much of a decorator,” I tell her.

  “How about here?” She holds it on a wall that’s perpendicular to the door.

  “Hmm… I don’t think so. The wall is too big for the sign.”

  “Darn,” she frowns.

  “I’ve got an idea.” Faith’s eyes light up, waiting to hear it. “Come on.” I open the front door for her to walk out. Taking the sign from her hand, I hold it up on the slab of wall between the door and window, but on the outside. The wood from the sign contrasts against the beige-painted wood siding on the exterior.

  “I love it there,” Faith beams. “It will be the first thing people see when they come visit you.”

  “Perfect. Let me grab my tools,” I kiss her cheek.

  Running into the garage, I grab my toolbox and head back to the front porch. I mark where I want to drill the screw and get to work on hanging this sign.

  Once I’m done, we both take a step back to admire it.

  “There. It already feels homier.” Faith reaches for my hand, locking her fingers with mine. I smile over at her, and I realize then that this is more than a sign. For Faith, this is a reassurance that I’m coming back. That this is my permanent home.

  “It does,” I agree. “Let’s go inside.” I tug her arm, dropping the toolbox by the front door and leading her to my bedroom.

  I’ve got plans to keep her satisfied all night, satisfied enough that she’ll be feeling me until I return from Virginia. A reminder of what I do to her, what she makes me feel. I need to have her, need the sensation of her nails piercing my skin as we both race for our orgasms. Because flying out to Virginia isn’t only affecting her. I also remember the pain in my chest the last time I got on a plane and flew out that way.

  ***

  “You’ll let me know that you’ve arrived safely, right?” Faith says as she pulls into the airport.

  “Of course, babe.” I squeeze her hand. “I’ll call you as soon as I land.” I kiss the inside of her wrist and smile against her skin when a shiver runs through her.

  “Thank you,” she says quietly.

  “You don’t need to thank me. I’m not doing you a favor. I’m calling because I want to. I have you in my life because I want you in it,” I say with conviction.

  “I know, but I can’t help but feel a little weird about this trip,” she confesses.

  “Hey,” I squeeze her fingers. “This isn’t a reenactment of the past. It’s different this time, and I have a return ticket. I’m coming back to you.”

  “I know you are. I’m being silly and emotional. Maybe I’m getting my period.” I chuckle, and she shakes her head. “TMI?” She scrunches up her nose.

  “Nah.” I lean forward and kiss her cheek when she parks along the drop-off line at the airport. “See you soon.” I grab her face and kiss her deeply, swiping my tongue against hers, giving her every bit of myself I can in this kiss as a promise that she’s what I want, who I want to come home to.

  “I’ll call,” I say against her lips.

  “Good. Now, go before I turn this car around,” she jokes, a beautiful smile curving her lips. “I’ll keep an eye on Cali and the horses, even though Gavin will be around.”

  “Thank you. You’re welcome to stay at my place, you know that.” She nods.

  I step out of her car, looking back as I make my way into the airport and wave at her. She waves back with a sad smile, and I vow to prove to her this is different than the past.

  Taking a deep breath, I check-in to my flight and make my way toward security, hoping and praying that I find my mom in a perfect state when I arrive in Virginia.

  Faith

  I sneak into church five minutes late and curse when all the church-goers narrow their eyes at me. So much for a slick entrance. I also probably shouldn’t curse under my breath when walking into the Lord’s house. I take a seat in the last row of pews and try to focus on what the Pastor is saying.

  My mind is elsewhere, though. I should’ve skipped church and returned to Easton’s house, but I know that would only fuel my anxiety about his trip. I tell myself it’s just a short visit to see his mom, but my worry about what he’ll find triggers fear that he’ll want to return to Virginia to take care of his mom. It’s silly to think so, knowing that he does want to be here with me, but my mind is playing tricks on me, and I’m falling for them like a naïve child.

  I sigh when we finally finish our Sunday service and walk out of the church in search of my parents to say hi.

  “Sweetie, you came,” my mom’s surprised voice rings in my ears.

  “I did, a few minutes late, but I made it.” I smile, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  “I’m glad. You’ve been rather busy with Easton these last couple of weeks. We’ve barely seen you.” Her curiosity is written on her face as her eyebrows lift slightly.

  “Yeah, work has been crazy preparing for spring break next week as well. Checking accounts, making sure everything is processed in due time,” I explain.

  “Where is Easton?” my dad asks, looking around us.

  “He flew out to Virginia this morning. He went to visit his mom.”

  “That’s nice,” my mom grins, patting my hand. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon,” she whispers. I nod, grateful for her reassurance.

  “Why don’t you come over for lunch? It’s been too long since you’ve come. Will, Rose, and Luke are coming, and I believe Brett will join us as well. It’ll be nice to have the whole family together.” My mom gives me a hopeful smile.

  Unable to turn her down, I say, “Sounds great. Do you want me to take dessert?”

  “Just bring yourself, sweetie. I made an apple pie and have vanilla ice cream at home.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Aunt Faith,” Luke’s loud voice hits my ears as I watch my favorite kiddo run toward me.

  “Hey, Peanut.” I hug him, no longer able to carry my nephew like when he was little. “Hey, guys,” I wave at Will and Rose when they approach us.

  “Are you coming to lunch?” Luke asks.

  “Yeah,” I grin, watching his eyes widen in excitement.

  “We can play together. I’ve gotten better at throwing a football. I can show you how.” He bounces on his toes. I chuckle and nod, rubbing his hair, which he quickly tries to comb back in place.

  “Where’s Easton?” Will asks, looking around the front of the church the same way my dad did.

  I once again explain that he went to Virginia and hope I won’t have to spend the afternoon talking about Easton and his trip.

  “I’m going to let Easton’s dog out, and then I’ll see you at the house,” I tell my family, stopping at Cup-O-Joe for a coffee on the way out of church before hopping in my car and driving to Easton’s house to check on Cali.<
br />
  I still have a few hours before I hear from Easton, and I’m already anxious. Lunch with my family will be great. My mom is right; it has been way too long since we’ve all been together at the same time, especially that we live so close to each other.

  My brothers see them more often since they work on the ranch with my dad, but I haven’t made the same effort to see my parents since Easton returned to town. We’ve been living in our private world, but we do have to continue with our own lives as well, find balance.

  Maybe when he comes back to town, we can have dinner with my parents. They’ll want to see him and catch up. My dad and his father were friends once upon a time.

  …

  We laugh at a joke that Luke tells us as I sit at my parents’ kitchen table with my family. He’s been the center of our family since he was born, especially being the only grandchild and nephew.

  “Aunt Faith, where is your boyfriend?”

  My laughter catches in my throat as I tell him he’s visiting his mom. Luke shrugs noncommittally. “Does he play football?”

  “Yeah, and he played basketball when he was younger,” I respond.

  “I don’t know how to play that yet.” Luke looks at his plate and eats a forkful of mashed potatoes.

  “How long is he away for?” Brett asks, taking a drink of his beer.

  “You’re late to the party. I already explained this and rather not have to go over it,” I say sarcastically.

  “Hey, some days you skip church, and other days I do,” my middle brother winks.

  I scrunch up my nose. “Ew, I don’t want to know.”

  “You’re the dirty-minded one. I had too much to drink last night and woke up hungover.” Brett’s wide smile mocks me.

  I roll my eyes, ignoring his dig.

  “Dirty mind? Did you not wash your hair?” Luke asks with raised eyebrows.

  Brett coughs out a deep laugh, his entire body shaking. Will glares at the two of us.

  “He means that she wasn’t having nice thoughts about Uncle Brett,” Will explains. His jaw is locked in annoyance.

  “That’s not nice,” Luke frowns.

  “Oh, sure, make me look like the villain.” I shake my head.

  Rose laughs at all of us but remains quiet, letting us siblings sort this one out.

  “If the shoe fits,” Brett smiles, pointing the neck of his beer bottle toward me.

  Brett is a few years older than me, and he and Will are only a year and a half apart. While they’re overprotective, they’re also pains in my ass most of the time.

  Being the only girl, I needed to learn to defend myself from their mischief. Most times, we created havoc in our home when they’d team up on me. It’s also thanks to my older brothers that I know how to defend myself.

  “Are you excited for spring break?” I ask Luke, changing subjects. He goes on to tell me all of his plans for his break from school. Since I work at school, I get to see Luke every day, usually sneaking in a hug and kiss from him while he’s at lunch or recess.

  “How about you? Are you going anywhere?” Rose asks me.

  “I have Poppy and Harris’s wedding this coming Saturday, and besides that, I plan to relax. It’ll be nice to have some time off.”

  “Don’t forget we’re having Easter brunch here,” my mom reminds me. “You can bring Easton.” She gives me a hopeful smile.

  “I’ll ask him when he returns.”

  I spend the rest of the afternoon with my family and learning to throw a football correctly, per Luke’s command. Apparently, my previous knowledge was all wrong. Ah, to be a seven-year-old again.

  I get back to Easton’s house, opening the door and smiling when Cali comes charging at me. Thank goodness for her company while he’s away. Easton offered for me to stay here if I want, so I won’t have to drive over earlier in the mornings to feed and take Cali out and then return at night. It makes sense, but it’s weird sleeping here without him.

  Walking back into the house, I look at the big space surrounding me and sigh. There’s no way I can stay in here for the rest of the day. I’ll get cabin fever. Scrolling through my phone, I dial Abbie’s number.

  “Hey,” she answers right away.

  “Hi, what are you up to?” I hope she’s free to have coffee. Averly has Mason, and Poppy is in the middle of last-minute wedding details. I don’t want to put either of them in a position where they’ll feel bad saying they can hang out with me when they have other responsibilities to tend to.

  “We’re at Finn’s parents’ house. We had lunch here.”

  “Oh, okay. I’ll let you go then.” I hear Mason giggling in the background and smile.

  “What’s up?” I hear her whisper something before she’s back on the line.

  “Nothing. I was going to ask if you wanted to meet at Cup-O-Joe for coffee, but not if you’re busy.”

  “Sure. Can you give me a few? We were getting ready to leave here anyway.”

  “Who is that?” I hear Averly ask in the background.

  “Faith,” Abbie’s voice sounds distant.

  “What’s going on?” Averly speaks into the phone.

  “She wants to meet at Cup-O-Joe,” Abbie responds for me, and I laugh at their exchange. It’s surreal to me that these two will officially be sisters-in-law very soon.

  “I’m quite offended you didn’t call me as well,” Averly says now, I’m sure taking control of the phone.

  I chuckle. “Well, I know you have Mason and didn’t want to take you away from him and Eli.”

  “What’s going on?” she questions with suspicion.

  “Nothing. I just wanted coffee,” I say defensively.

  “Huh. We’ll meet you at Cup-O-Joe,” she huffs.

  Before I can argue, my phone beeps. I check the screen, seeing that Easton is calling. “Okay, see you in a few,” I say and switch over to the other line.

  “Hey,” I smile.

  “Hey, babe, I just landed. How are you?” He sounds tired.

  “Good, how was your trip? Any problems grabbing your connecting flight in Chicago with the short layover?” I sit on the couch with Cali at my feet.

  “I got there right as they were boarding. Perfect timing.” I relax hearing his voice. I don’t know why I’m so jittery about this trip. Well, I know where my worry stems from, but it’s different this time. That’s what I keep telling myself, using it as a mantra.

  “I’m glad. I had lunch with my parents and brothers.”

  “Good, you haven’t seen them in a while,” he comments the same as my mom did.

  “I know. Are you waiting for Camden to pick you up?” I lean back on the couch.

  “Yeah. He’s going to drive me to Charlottesville. I miss you already. I so wish I were home with you.” I smile, hearing him say that.

  “It will go by quickly, and then you’ll be back here with me. Have you spoken to Allyson?” I know his sister is curious about this trip. They’re both worried about their mom, and it’s hard being so far away.

  “I sent her a message when I boarded in Chicago.”

  “Okay, good. Are you sure you’re okay?” I notice the worry in his voice as he speaks.

  “I am,” he says firmly. “I know she’s okay, and that was my main concern. Now, I just have to see what’s going on at home, with her phone and all that.”

  “I’m here if you need me,” I tell him, hoping he takes me up on that.

  “I can call you at night, video chat so I can see your beautiful face.” I bite down my smile, butterflies fluttering in my belly.

  “You better, Mr. Hard Locke,” I tease.

  Easton groans. “Babe… That makes me think of your naked body, and then I’ll definitely be hard. No need to make a fool of myself in a public airport,” he whispers into the phone. “Camden is pulling up. I’ll call you,” he promises.

  I laugh, feeling a lot more relaxed. “I can’t wait to see you, and you just left. Tell Camden I said hi.”

  “I miss you, too,
babe.”

  I smile, releasing a deep breath when we hang up. This won’t be so bad. I shake off the anxiety from my body, and Cali’s head pops up, tilting as she looks at me as if I were crazy. I cackle, hugging her and then telling her I’ll be back soon.

  Grabbing my purse, I run out to meet my friends for coffee.

  “What is going on?” Averly demands as soon as I walk into Cup-O-Joe.

  I widen my eyes. She’s so bossy. “Nothing, honestly. I was just, I don’t know… I didn’t want to stay in Easton’s house so early.”

  “Are you worried he won’t come back?” Abbie asks quietly, a lot more tactful than Averly.

  I nod, biting my bottom lip. “It’s ridiculous to think that,” I shake my head.

  “It’s normal,” Averly wraps an arm around my shoulder, much more gentle this time.

  “Thanks for coming,” I smile over at her.

  “Of course. Poppy is on her way as well.”

  “What?” I screech, opening my eyes. “Why? She’s super busy with the wedding, and I don’t want to bother any of you.”

  “Faith, you’re our best friend. We’re here for you no matter what’s going on in our lives,” Averly gives me a sad smile. “We know this isn’t easy for you.”

  They’re acting as if Easton left for good, but I know that’s because they know me, and they think those are the feelings moving through me. They aren’t too far off. As stupid as it feels, a part of me is reliving the emotions I felt when Easton moved. I shouldn’t be, but it’s as if my mind has held on to that experience, and any sign of a similar one triggers the way I felt when I lost him the first time.

  Easton

  “Hey, buddy, how was your trip?” Camden slaps my shoulder as I throw my bag in his trunk.

  “It was good. Thanks for picking me up.” I slide into the passenger seat of his Audi, smiling to myself as I remember Faith’s reaction to me driving a fancy car.

  “Happy to hear that and glad to have you here for a few days, even if it’s for shitty reasons.” I nod once, looking out the window as he pulls out of the airport. The view is the total opposite of Everton. Buildings line the streets as Camden drives through the city before jumping on the highway toward Charlottesville.