Always

48 : it's not your fault

Meemaw chuckles, clearly warming up to him. “Alright, alright. But if you two came all this way, the least I can do is whip something up. Sit down, both of you.”

“Meemaw, really, we’re fine. You don’t have to—” Lucas begins, but she silences him with a wave of her hand.

“No, Meemaw, seriously, we’ll leave in an hour or something. We really don’t want anything.” She gets a little sad as she takes in our words.
“But I didn’t even get time to talk to my future son-in-law,” she says, pouting cutely, making me spill the water in my mouth.

“Meemaw, you can’t say that!” I gasp, still choking on the water stuck in my throat.
“Ah, you shush,” she waves her hand in dismissal.

We spend the rest of the time just talking—or more like Meemaw telling him my embarrassing stories.

“We should leave now. It’s almost midnight,” I says, looking at the clock.

“We’ve been here for two hours?” I gasp, shocked, to which he chuckles.

“Oh, you shouldn’t leave this late, child. It’s way too dangerous,” Meemaw says, her voice laced with concern as she sets down her teacup.
“Don’t worry, Meemaw,” Lucas reassures her with a warm smile. “I’ll make sure she gets home safely.”

I glance at him, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and nervousness. “We’ll be fine, really,” I add, though my voice lacks conviction.
“Still, you should stay the night. There’s no sense in risking it,” Meemaw insists, already bustling to make up the spare room.

“No, Meemaw, we must leave. I don’t think he’d be comfortable here.”

“Hey, talk for yourself. I love this place—it’s so homey,” he says, hugging Meemaw sideways while she smiles, cupping his face. Dramatic ass.

“But then we don’t have any clothes.”
“Oh, you have yours, Ivy, and I’m sure we can find Lucas something from Alex’s wardrobe.”
“Are you sure?” I ask, looking in Lucas’s direction.

“Yes, I’m sure,” he says, without a bit of insincerity in his eyes. It’s oddly comforting.
“Okay, then. Let’s stay the night,” I say, and Meemaw practically jumps in excitement.
“Now, let me find some blankets.”
Lucas comes closer to me.

“God, I love her,” he gushes as soon as she leaves the room.

“Yeah, that’s Meemaw for you,” I reply, smiling as I lean against the doorframe.
Lucas chuckles softly, shaking his head in amusement.I nod knowingly.

“She’s been through so much and still manages to light up a room. It’s hard not to love her.”
Meemaw reappears, her arms laden with blankets. “Alright, you two lovebirds, I’ve got everything you need!”

“Meemaw, we’re not—”
“Not what? Staying warm tonight? Nonsense. Now, Lucas, you’ll be in Alex’s old room, and Ivy, your usual spot is ready for you.” She doesn’t miss a beat, ignoring my flustered protest.