The Carmichael Sunshine

Chapter 19

Walking back into the manor is like coming home. It smells familiar, feels familiar. Weirdly enough, the first time I came here I thought it looked like a haunted castle. Now, it felt like the warmest, most comfortable place in the world. It helps that Connor hasn't taken his hands off of me, reminding me that he's my anchor – my real home.

It was nice spending the week recovering at the Murphys, but I'm happy to be back. It feels like a new chapter.

Maggie walks out to greet us. I'm expecting her usual, cold demeanor, telling me to make sure I don't track mud in the house. But she shocks the hell out of me when her eyes go bright and she pulls me into a hug.

Maggie.

Hugging me.

I look at Connor, wide-eyed. He just shrugs.

I let my own arms go around the old woman, holding her tight.

I smile. She smells like the lavender-lemon lotion I got her.

She finally pulls away. "Welcome back, Ms. Morales."

"It's good to be home," I smile at her. Maggie's lips turn up slightly.

"Kid!" Frank's voice booms from down the hallway. I squeal in delight as he pulls me in a big, bear hug.

"Careful of her arm," Maggie hisses.

I laugh. Connor is watching, smiling.

Frank puts me down. "I missed you, kid."

"I missed you too," I squeeze Frank's upper arm. "You're my favorite prick, you know?"

Frank grins proudly.

Maggie takes my bag out of my hands. Connor leads me to the back patio because I tell him I want to see the garden. As we're walking around and I examine the status of my tomato plants, I feel his eyes following me carefully.

"What?" I smile, not looking up at him.

"I just can't believe you're real sometimes."

I bite back my emotion and turn to him. "You're such a charmer."

"I don't think I've ever been called that in my life," he growls. I approach him and put my arms up around his shoulders. "Will you stay with me?" he asks quietly.

I nod, tears in my eyes. "Yes. Please."

He smiles and kisses me right there in the midst of the pepper and tomato plants, like it's nothing, no big deal at all. Like we didn't just agree to never leave each other's side for the rest of time. Connor puts his forehead against mine again and we breathe each other in.

"You can keep the house in the city. I know it's special to you."

"Connor, I don't want you paying for that..."

He moves his arms down from my waist to my hips, pulling me closer against him. I sigh blissfully at the hardness of his body. "Too fucking bad."

"I can't believe you left the sunshine dish towels out...I can't believe Maggie allowed it," I smirked.

"She loves you."

I laugh incredulously. "Oh, please!"

"She does," Connor smirks. "I know it's hard for you to believe. Besides, I want this to be your home, too. Do whatever you want with it."