The Secrets That Free Us

Chapter 34

Grace

I sing along to the old TI song blasting through my headphones as I mix the red brush strokes with the blue tones already on the canvas.

Everyone has been so supportive since I opened up. I haven't seen much of Cole lately so I'll have to make sure he's okay. If I know him he'll be drowning in his guilt right now.

I don't hear Hunter as he comes in due to the music in my ears so when I feel his strong arms wrap around my waist I let out a scream as I'm finishing covering my painting.

I know by his touch that it's him but I still get a fright.

"Shit, sorry Gracie." He gives me a sheepish smile, "You ready to go?" He asks.

Hunter wanted to take me on a date today. He told me to be ready for four, I check my watch, "It's only - shit it's 3.30 already? I can't go like this."

I look down at my clothes. My ripped jeans are paint splattered and my yellow Tshirt is also sporting a few paint spots. Not to mention the hair piled on the top of my head is more than likely covered too.

"You look beautiful. And we aren't going anywhere fancy, wear a fucking bin bag if you want." He tells me, deadly serious.

I roll my eyes before he adds, "I'm serious. No one is gonna see you except me. And I think you look perfect."

"You're only saying that because these jeans make my ass look good."

"No, I'm saying that because the smile you've been wearing lately makes you look good."

His comment catches me off guard. Hunter is always so honest and doesn't filter his thoughts and that's one of the things I love about him.

Wait, I mean like about him. It's far too early to be thinking about the L word.

"Plus it makes me look good because I'm the reason for it." He boasts with a proud smile.

"Sure ya are, come on, let's go then." I make my way out of the garage I look at Hunter in confusion as he crosses the grass to his house.

"Date night's this way sweetcheeks." He tells me and indicates for me to follow.

I follow him into his house and through to the kitchen where I let out a gasp of surprise.

All of the blinds are closed encasing the room in darkness but the fairy lights and tea-light candles scattered all over make up for the lack of light.

In the middle of the kitchen island an assortment of all my favourite nibbles are prepared. A gift sits neatly wrapped at the end of the counter.

"What is all of this?" I ask. How did I get so lucky? Is what I should be asking.

"You've been through so much lately and you've came out of the other end stronger. I thought you deserved a little something. And I've noticed you struggle with big amounts of food so I thought nibbles was best."

I freeze at his words. I didn't think anyone had noticed that, "I'm working on it." I admit in a small voice.

"Eating disorder, right?" There's no judgment in his voice, only the question.

"I'm better than I used to be. I've been working on that with Dr.B for a while now. I enjoy food now I just have to remember to eat sometimes but my stomach is still adjusting to eating big portions so I try to eat little and often."

"You've came so far in such a short space of time Gracie, don't be embarrassed about your mental health ever. Especially not with me. I'll always support you."

His words bring a tear to my eye. How is this gorgeous human even friends with me never mind dating me.

After we eat and talk some more Hunter hands me the small gift on the edge of the table.

I open it carefully. Inside the box is a bangle bracelet with a round charm dangling from it. When I inspect the charm it has the word Survivor on it.

I throw my arms around Hunter and thank him, placing a soft kiss on his lips.

He grabs my waist and the kiss deepens before I remember something.

I pull back and grab his hand, "Come with me."

"Where we going?" He asks as I drag him back across the lawn in the direction we came from.

I open my garage back up and position him in-front of my easel holding my painting from earlier up.

"I never said thank you for the books you sent at Christmas so I thought I would do this for you instead. If you don't like it just tell me." I nervously ramble. I haven't painted in so long before our assignment I'm not sure if I'm any good anymore.

"I'm sure I'll love it. Now come on I want my gift." He beams like a child at Christmas.

I slowly pull back the old dust sheet covering my work and watch as Hunter takes in the paint work and just stares. No emotion shining in his blue eyes, no words coming out of his mouth, nothing to show me if he likes it or not.

I painted us. That day at the beach with me, Hunter and Coco in the background. We both look so happy, heads almost touching, the sun beating down on us and it began to set. The perfect scenic picture.

"You can say if you don't want it- I know its cheesy I just thought-" I begin before he grabs my face between his hands on my face and kisses me with so much intensity I feel it in my knees. And other places.

"I love you." He says as he pulls away and smiles down at me.

"Wh.."

"Fuck taking it slow. I'm in this for the long haul, always have been, always will be. I. Love. You."

I smile, a big cheesy smile, "I love you too." I tell him before kissing him again.

We may not be perfect and I have a lot of shit to work through but with the love and support of my family and amazing boyfriend I'll get there eventually.

A/N Thank you so much for all the reads, support, comments and votes!

Grace and Hunter's was probably my favourite to write so I hope everyone enjoyed!

But.. who turned up at Cole's door???!

Cole's story will be coming soon! I will be posting an Epilogue in the next few days to introduce his story and Hunter and Grace will also be making plenty of appearances!

Thank you again, love you all!