finding me while loving you

part 16

Grace's POV

"I'm a little nervous, baby." I said, playing with her fingers that were in my lap.

"Why, weirdo?" Demi laughed. "You've talked to all of them so much on the phone. They're so excited to finally see you."

"I know, you're right."

I looked at my girlfriend driving her car down the streets of Texas, watching her drive was starting to become my favorite thing.

"Did I tell you I got my placement for the NCLEX?"

"What exactly is that?" Demi questioned, squeezing my hand.

"It's my state boards exam; once I pass, I'm officially a registered nurse and can start to work as one."

"That's sexy." Demi giggled. "Are you nervous?"

"A bit." I explained. "I'll probably stay in Michigan for a while, Dems. It'll be so helpful being able to work at my job and collaborate with my nurses there. And I really miss just being at home."

"I get that, sweetheart. We'll make it work, I promise. I'll also do whatever you need to support you during your studying and testing and stuff."

I lifted her hand and kissed the back of it, butterflies in my stomach. We let the music play and sat in comfortable silence.

"Dems?"

"Mhm, baby?"

"I'm really so sorry still for the other night." I tried to talk but she cut me off.

"It's over, Gracie. It's really okay."

"I can't stop thinking about how I made you feel. It eats me alive."

"Hey." She spoke. "I love you so much. I promise, it's okay. We're going to have so many more moments like that, sadly."

I sighed and continued caressing the skin of her hand. I hate that I felt so guilty, but it was a shitty thing for me to say.

"I love you, too." I said back. "I love you so much."

—

We were all gathered around the kitchen table, playing card games. The initial meeting all of Demi's family went so well. I was greeted with so many hugs and warm embraces. I was sitting in between Madison and Dallas, Demi across from me in between her parents. We were in the middle of playing Uno, but I kept getting distracted by Madison as we were in our own world, talking about the latest season of Haunting of Hill House.

"Gracie?" I heard Dianna say.

"Yes, ma'am?"

She gave me a sweet smile.

"You've got siblings, right?"

"Yes. I have my older sister, Penelope, and my two younger brothers Carson and Kai."

"Yeah, my best friend Carson." Demi said laughing. "I talk to the kid more than I talk to my own friends."

I laughed along with Demi, feeling my heart flutter at how much they like each other.

We continued on with the game, making jokes and laughing.

A few hours passed and we were in their backyard, Demi and her sisters sitting out by the pool, talking to each other. I was sitting on the outdoor furniture with Dianna, getting to know each other more. I couldn't help but keep looking at Demi, loving to see her smile and laugh around her sisters.

"She's pretty, isn't she?" Dianna questioned.

"She's so pretty." I agreed. "Genuinely the prettiest girl in the world."