When the Flower Falls (Fitzmael 7) - COMPLETED

26: A Thought

"I GREW UP HATING MY OWN family," Jealrain said quietly, releasing a shaky sigh. "I felt... forgotten. Lost. And when no one came looking for me, I convinced myself I didn't matter." Her voice softened, breaking at the edges.

I was just looking at her, admiring her.

"For years, I trapped myself in the past. I chose to stay there—inside my pain, my suffering—because that's where every memory of my mother lived. I thought that as long as I held on to those feelings, I could keep her with me."

She forced a small, trembling smile. "But in holding on to that hurt, I forgot so much. I forgot how Kyler used to comb my hair when we were little. I forgot how Ari would dance like an idiot just to make me laugh when I cried. And I forgot how my dad—this man who can take down an army—once tried to make sugarplums for me because he didn't know how else to show me love."

She looked at each of them—her eyes soft, full, open. "Thank you all for being patient with me," she whispered.

Then her gaze settled on me completely. "And you... your love taught me how to forgive. I was lost, but you still found me." Her voice wavered, full of warmth and truth. "Thank you for existing, Ren."

When Rain finished her speech, I leaned in and kissed her cheek before rising to my feet. I took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the moment settle into my chest.

"Thank you for accepting me," I said softly as we lifted our glasses for a toast.

Their eyes were on me—kind, welcoming, grounding.

Then I looked at Rain, and my heart tightened in the best and worst ways. "It took me almost thirty years to find you," I whispered, trying to smile through the ache. "What took you so long?" I dropped my gaze for a moment, blinking back tears.

Rain laughed gently, then mouthed, I love you.

"I want to spend the rest of my life with all of you," I continued. "I've been flying airplanes my whole life... and now, all I want is to sit by the ocean with you—just fishing, just living—until we're all old and gray. Words will never be enough to explain how grateful I am to be part of the Forrester and Martinez family."

"Cheers!"

We clinked our glasses and continued eating as the conversation flowed around us. The island was enormous, but Rain and I were still stunned by how much Dad had prepared before we even arrived—food, lights, candles, everything glowing like a quiet celebration. He had even brought two bouquets of flowers just for us.

"Do you want to go fishing later?" Mr. Forrester asked suddenly, cutting into his medium-well steak.

"I'd love that," Kyler replied.

"Me too!" Ari smiled.

"I'm coming too," I said.

"Of course, you're coming with us, son."

I smiled. It felt so good knowing he saw me as his son too.

We talked for hours before deciding to rest. When we arrived at our room, I finally noticed my phone and grabbed it.

Whenever I'm with them and here on the island, I forget that cellphones exist. Everything I need is right here anyway.

I smiled when I saw Rain in front of me while she was changing.

"Use your phone, Ren." She chuckled. "You have a lifetime to stare at me." She walked toward me and kissed my lips. "For sure, many people are greeting you right now so check your phone. You can't forget your family and friends just because you're with us, okay?"