So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

49. Hope

Eden

I showered as quickly as possible, wanting to get out and make a phone call before Reed came up again. I hated lying to him, even if it was just by omission. The guilt curled in my gut, and I immediately thought back to the beginning of our relationship. I promised myself I would tell him once I knew if I was a match. I didn't want him to get his hopes up or, worse, think I was doing this for selfish reasons.

I sat wrapped in my towel on the edge of the bed, holding my phone in hand. I visited a local clinic after the convention today to submit another sample, not only for the benefit of Lizzie but also to complete the HLA compatibility for June. I had been avoiding Glenn's calls for the last few days; he was incredibly frustrating and only made me even more stressed about the whole process.

"This is Dana; how can I help you?" She answered.

"Hey Dana, it's Eden. I was just checking in. I popped in a clinic in Atlanta this afternoon and submitted another sample." I began talking with the donor coordinator, who had been helping me during this process.

"Hey there. Okay. So that was the last part for the HLA compatibility, and then you're being tested for another match. Have you spoken to June? or Glenn?" She asked, surprising me as we usually didn't discuss them.

"Actually, no. I haven't. I'm traveling for work and just haven't had the time." I certainly wasn't planning on divulging my life history to Dana, the donor coordinator.

"Okay. I believe you need to be in contact with Glenn. He's been trying to reach you. Once we have the results for this last HLA sample, we will schedule the procedure. I should have results for that within a week and results for the other in the next day or two."

"Thank you, Dana," I replied just as Reed walked into the room; his smile faltered when he saw me on the phone, still wrapped in my towel.

"You look upset." He commented as I ended the call.

"Just dealing with the donor stuff, I'm good." I hummed, standing to find my clothes. He took two quick strides, wrapping me into his arms, holding me to his chest.

"You're an amazing woman. What you are doing for them, for June, shows how wonderful your heart is." He kissed the top of my head as he held me. Being held by him was the most comforting feeling and always had me melting into him.

"Thank you. I'm just doing what anyone would do."

"Stop! That's not true, and you know it. Now, get dressed, and let's head down. I made a delicious dinner, and Bennett arrived." Reed smiled with a laugh.

"I'm not sure which I'm more excited about, Bennett or the dinner." I teased. Reed didn't give me a moment's chance before he started a tickle attack, leaving me naked underneath him on the bed.

"I'm more excited about this." He began kissing my cheek and down my neck.

"I can tell." I cackled.

"You think you're funny, eh?"

Reed's lips smashed into mine, his tongue jutting around and wrestling with mine. It felt so good to be in his arms and kissed by him. I didn't want to stop, but I knew we should. We were in his childhood home, his family and friend downstairs.

"Reed." I moaned.

"I know." Kiss. "I know." Kiss. "Later, you're all mine, though." He stood up, pulling me with him and tucking the towel back around me. "I'll see you downstairs." He quickly adjusted his pants and headed out while I chuckled. I was hopelessly in love with that man.

*

"This is delicious," Allen commented as we all were seated to eat.

"Yeah, I have a hard time believing that Reed had anything to do with preparing this meal." Bennett teased.

"I did most of the work," Lizzie commented bashfully.

"That's more believable." Bennett winked at her, causing her to blush. These girls were lucky to not only have Reed but Bennett as well. "So, who is gonna challenge me in Fifa after this meal?"

I smiled across the table at Reed, looking around the table with his family, all so full of love. I couldn't help the moment of pain I felt, missing my Grandparents and feeling such sadness at the situation with June and Glenn. I felt a hand cover mine and looked over to see Lila. Her smile was wide, and her eyes full of concern.

"You okay?" She asked quietly as everyone was talking amongst themselves.

I nodded. "I'm good. Thank you."

"Eden and I have some plans after dinner. I expect you and you." He spoke, pointing his fork from Amy to Lizzie. "To take this loser down in Fifa and defend the family honor."

*

"I'll meet you by the truck in five minutes," Reed stated as he jogged up the stairs.

"Any ideas what he's up to?" I asked Allen as he walked through.

"All I know is he asked to borrow the truck," He shrugged. "I hope you guys have fun; enjoy the time alone. Bennett will keep us all entertained, that's for sure." We both laughed as he leaned in, giving me a quick hug. This family was ridiculously affectionate, but I couldn't say that I hated it.

I leaned against the red truck, waiting for Reed and scrolling through my phone. I texted Brynn, checking in; as usual, she flooded me with pictures of her food and her and Tate. She acted like I was in another country and had been gone for months.

"Who has you smiling like that?" Reed interrupted.

"Brynn." I smiled as he leaned down, pecking me on the cheek.

"I'm jealous. I was hoping that only I could make you smile like that." He stood back, opening the truck door for me.

"Silly man."

"A fool in love." He countered.

As we rode along the country road, I took in the scenery, enjoying the moment with him. I tried to get more information on what we were heading to do, but he was tight-lipped. The sun was starting to go down, the sky a beautiful mix of orange, purple, yellow, and reds. I watched as we passed the town high school, middle school, and a few daycare centers before he turned into a lot. We bounced along a gravel road until we stopped near a large field.

"We're here."

"And where is here?" I asked with my brows raised.

Reed didn't answer. Instead, he jumped out of the truck, grabbed a bag from the back, and came over to my door.

"I know you're not a sports fan in general, but..." He paused as I hopped down. "This is the field where it all started for me. I always like to come by here and kick the ball around when I'm home." He smiled, reaching for my hand, which I happily took. "I've never brought anyone else here, not even Bennett. It's weird, I know. But, I fell in love with soccer here, so I just thought I should bring you here." He shrugged.

My heart swelled ten times its size; this was the sweetest gesture anyone had ever shown me.