Never let you go

Chapter 70

One year later and three weeks later

Hunter:

I can't believe I'm doing this. I can't believe I let her talk me into this. I really needed to learn how to tell her no. I thought maybe after being with her for over a year that saying it would get easier, but it hasn't. It's actually gotten harder.

She convinced me about a month ago that it was time I did this. She had suggested it before but never really pushed the issue and I had been grateful. I guess she finally got tired of me hiding from my past though and decided she needed to start pushing. As we stand here now though I was seriously regretting agreeing to this.

As we walk away from the baggage claim I can see my parents waiting for us in the distance. My mother is all smiles as she waves at us happily. My father on the other hand only manages a small awkward smile. We hadn't made much progress this past year as far as repairing our relationship went. My mom and I were doing well though and she loved Grey. They talked on the phone more than I did which made me happy considering how things started out when they first met.

When we finally reach my parents Grey stands back as she lets my mother hug me first. "It's so good to see you honey" she whispers warmly to me. I know she's been waiting a long time for this so I'm trying to put on a brave face for her but being back here is making me anxious.

"You too mom" I whisper back trying to mimic her warm tone.

When she pulls back from me I watch as her face lights up as she takes Grey in and the sight warms my heart and helps ease my nerves. "Well Grey, if you don't just get more beautiful every time I see you."

I watch as Grey blushes and I love how after over a year of knowing her I still love watching her do that. It was cute and sexy as hell. "Thank you Mrs. Williams" she says sweetly as she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. "Hello Mr. Williams" Grey calls to my father who stands silently a few feet back from us.

My father manages a genuine smile for her and I suppose that's only because Grey is impossible not to like. "Hello Grey" he says. "Nice to see you again." He turns his attention to me then and nods formally. "Hunter" he says by way of greeting.

I nod back mimicking his formal posture and attitude. "Dad" I say.

Luckily before things can get any more awkward my mom steps in. "Well, you two must be exhausted. Why don't we get you guys' home so you can get cleaned up and rests a little?"

Grey and I both nod in acknowledgement and I take her hand in mine before following my parents out to the car. Having her here was making this slightly easier on me, but I was still panicking on the inside about being here again. This is the first time I've been home since I left almost two years ago. I wasn't sure I was ready for this. I wasn't sure I would ever be ready, but Grey and my therapist both agreed that this would be good for me so here I am.

The drive home from the airport takes about an hour and the whole time I keep Grey tucked tightly next to my side. I concentrate on her the whole time because if I allow my mind to think about anything else my thoughts will turn to the accident and Jess and all the bad shit I left behind here. Grey is the light amongst all the darkness. Without her I'm not sure where I would have ended up but I have a feeling it wouldn't have been anywhere good.

Eventually we pull up to the house I used to call home and I feel Grey perk up against me as she takes everything in.

"It's beautiful" she whispers to me.

I suppose she's right. My childhood home is really beautiful with its big windows and five acres of property that is filled with flowers and ponds, but I guess after years of fighting with my dad and then the accident I stopped noticing its beauty.