to live for the hope of it all.

Chapter 61

April 18th, 2024

"I hear you laugh and look up smiling at you,
I run and run..."

Beckett

"I'm proud of you," I said, resting my forehead against Bailey's. "I know it took a lot, but you did the right thing."

"I know," she smiles softly, pressing her lips to mine softly. "Thank you for being there."

"Always."

We were standing in the hallway, catching a break from the chaos in the kitchen. Bailey and Grandpa Matt came over a few hours after school and have been here since.

Wren hadn't shown yet, but I can tell Bailey is anxious for her to get here, she keeps sneaking glances at the door every few minutes.

Like we summoned her, the doorbell rings, and Grandpa Matt rounds the corner before spotting us with his usual tired smile he has these days.

Taking a step back, I interlace my fingers with Bailey's as Grandpa Matt opens the door. Wren stands on the other side, her hands shaking at her side.

"Harlow," Grandpa Matt says softly, pulling the blonde to his chest. "I've missed you."

I feel Bailey's hand squeeze mine, and I look to see my girlfriend's eyes watering as she watches them together. Tugging on her hand, I pull her back towards the dining room before pulling her chair out for her. She eyes it for a second before sitting, and only when I take my place next to her does she take a deep breath.

Caleb stands from his chair as Wren walks into the room, and her eyes automatically meet his. He smiles softly at her, but when she turns away without so much as a look back, he deflates a bit.

Red flag, Beckett.

Caleb doesn't meet my questioning gaze, and I instead turn to the girl at my side as my thumb traces circles on her hand.

My mother brings the food to the table, and everyone quietly serves their plates before eating. The tensions are running high, and the silence is deafening.

But when I sneak a glance at the man at the head of the table, I catch him swallowing a laugh. He fails, and a snort slips through, causing everyone's heads to turn to him.

"Sorry," he laughs. "I was just thinking about that time after we first did a dinner here, and Bailey and I got back to the house. She was burning red as a tomato that entire night, whining because Beckett hadn't talked to her. Now look at you two."

Was she now?

Expecting my girlfriend's cheeks to be heated at the story her grandfather shared, I turned my attention to her.

Except she wasn't blushing.

She was beaming.

There she is.

I knew she was there.

She watched as her grandfather laughed, and even though it was at her expense, she laughed with him.

God, that sound.

I love that sound.

"Idontknowwhattosayaroundhim," Grandpa Matt mocked, pushing his chair back as he rocked back and forth to laugh.

"I did say that," Bailey laughed, and everyone looked at them like they'd lost their minds. "That feels like forever ago."

"Only about four years ago," he smiled. "It's comical."

"How about when you stormed in here yelling to him that I was single?"

"Oh yeah, I did do that," he beamed. "Seems like it worked. Boyo pulled up his big boy pants after I called him out."

"I did," I laughed, squeezing Bailey's hand.

Their laughter died down after a moment, but that moment lingered through the rest of dinner. Spirits were high, and I was officially naming this one the best of the good days. It had been a while since I'd heard the old man laugh, or Bailey.

It was the best sound.

When dinner ended, I gathered everyone's plates before heading to the sink to wash them. My mom ushered everyone into the living room, but I felt my cousin's presence before he approached the sink. Grabbing a towel, he started drying the dishes I washed before placing them in the dishwasher.

"You alright?" I asked.

"Yeah," he answered curtly.

Yeah, not believable.

"What's going on with you and Wren?"

"Nothing," he sighed. "She uh, she's not interested."

Yeah, right.

"And you are?"

"Unfortunately," he laughed lightly, drying his hands with the towel before turning to me. "I'll be good, I think I'm gonna head out though. I got some homework to finish up before class tomorrow, thanks for inviting me."

"Alright, see you," I tell him, walking him to the door.

After locking it behind him, I head into the living room where the others are. Bailey and my mom sit on one side of the sectional while Grandpa Matt and Wren sit on the other.

"Where'd Caleb go?" My mother asked.

"He had some homework to finish up before tomorrow so he called it a night," I sigh, and my eyes glance at Wren. Her brow is furrowed as she contemplates my answer.

"I uh, should probably head out too," she says, standing suddenly and wiping her palms on her jeans. "Thank y'all for having me."

"Bailey," Grandpa Matt smiled gently. "Let's head home too, I'm about ready to head to bed."

"Okay," Bailey said, following them to the door before turning to me and smiling softly. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight, Bailey."

"Goodnight, Beckett."

"And goodnight, Grandpa Matt!" He laughed, guiding Bailey out the door. "Thanks for dinner, Anna."

"Of course," my mother smiled. "Call if y'all need anything."

"Will do," he replied.

__________________________________

Leave chapter feedback here :)))

__________________________________