Where I Belong (Parker_Games)

30.) Golden

Dani's POV

The warm breeze blew through my hair as a soft melody played from the BMW convertible vehicle radio. Sun rays glistened down on the ocean below us, and seagulls flew low over the empty shore looking for food. Tall grass swayed back and forth as the car coasted up the small hill to a pale yellow beach house in the distance. That house was the only one perched atop this hill over looking the sea, and it was the last one on this dead end road.

A bright reflection of something caught my eye and tore my gaze from the beautiful, yet private, California scenery.

Oh! I looked down at my engagement ring bouncing the sun rays all around the open space.  A soft hand glided into mine as I tore away my gaze from a pale yellow diamond.

I looked up to glance at Parker who was leaning towards me in confidence.  "Are you still certain you want to marry me?"  Curly hair was blowing freely around his smile. 

"Absolutely," was all I managed to speak before we leaned in for a quick kiss. 

"Remember," Belle began to state, "no PDA in front of the child." Her laugh carried from the front middle seat all the way to the back. It even carried through the wind and small radio music.

I'm glad her and Brayden could come along because Lora needs all the support she can get.  She may look emotionless on the outside, but the way she keep fiddling with her jewelry, biting the inside of her cheeks. . . she's nervous.

Lora drove the car around a small turn in the road to reveal the house we've only been seeing from a distance.  Except this time, the house was much bigger than I had expected.

It had two stories with a balcony over the whole top.  A small stairway led from the second story balcony to a covered self made observatory on the roof. A wrap around porch had several potted plants on the railings; however, some of them looked dead at certain angles. They had no curtains on their windows because I could see straight  through their house to the other symmetrical windows on the complete opposite side. The small details of the craftsmanship shown through the more I looked at it.

Needless to say, we were all a bit shocked.

"I don't think I can do this," Lora stated as she put the car in park and turned off the motor. She started taking deep breaths swiftly while she gripped the steering wheel tight.

Everyone in the vehicle glanced at me as if they were signaling to comfort her.

"Lora, they told him about you. They sent you pictures. They told Lucas you were a superstar traveling the world and would be back to get him soon. He knows you are his mother." I positioned myself in the backseat so I could take a better look at her. "He's probably just as nervous to meet you but still very eager.  You're not alone in this."  She looked up from her steering wheel with determination in her eyes.  The heavy breaths she once took were just a faint memory. 

"What if he asks about his dad," she asked in a serious tone. "I gave him up to give him his best chance. What if he resents me for it?"  I could sense the hurt in her tone, but she continued to hold it together. 

I sighed.  "We will cross that bridge when we get to it, but right now, there's a little boy that need his momma inside that house."  A small smile grew across her face.  Her hands fell in her lap gently as if to say she was finally ready. 

Once everyone was out of the vehicle, Parker and I stayed farther behind the rest of the group to observe and let Lora and Lucas have their moment.  Brayden and Belle stood off to the side holding hands while giving Lora her space as well.

A heavy breeze began blowing around us. 

"Momma," a little boy shouted from inside the house.  Suddenly, a small figure began running toward Lora from the front door.  Once the sun was out of my eyes, I saw Lucas for the first time. 

Lora dropped to her knees with arms wide open.  Without hesitation, Lucas ran into them and embraced her tightly.  Soft sobs could be heard from both of them even through the ocean waves crashing on the shore. 

Tears swelled up in my eyes from the joy I was feeling.

Finally, I found a place where I belong...

I belong in the moment with my friends and fiancé making memories that will last forever.  The past has a funny way of changing feelings toward a person, but if the bond is strong enough, you will always find a way back to them. . . no matter what they've done. 

I belong with love in my heart. I forgive easier. I love faster than I ever have before towards anyone who crosses my path. Every person I meet is no longer a stranger. My door is always open to people of all cultures, races, religions, etc. My soul will be a safe place for the weary to rest and confide in.

Where do I belong exactly? Let's see...

I belong wherever my heart carries me.

I joined the CUBE, met the love of my life, lost my best friend I was dating who fought so hard for me...lost my mother, nearly lost myself in the process of all the hurt and torment.....gained myself again through the help of Parker...learned to trust the healing process.......I healed. Once I healed and worked through the trama, I found happiness. 

"Everything is looking golden for us, Dani," Parker stated while admiring the ring on my finger.  His thumb gently brushed over the yellow diamond as if to clean it. 

"Not exactly," I joked at him. 

He sighed.  "What do you mean?  All we have to do is plan a wedding."  Yeah, that's a big deal.  I don't think he understands the magnitude of 'planning a wedding'.

"We still have to announce our engagement publicly.  I think our fans should know."  I bit my lip in anticipation.

He nodded in agreement.  "Okay, but give it another day or two.  Let our professional photos come back first.  Besides,a few more days between us and family and friends wouldn't hurt."  A small kiss landed on my cheek from his soft lips.

"You're right. . .since we have forever." 

***

Thank you all for the continued support on this fanfic.  From the bottom of my heart it means so much to me.  You guys have kept me motivated and determined to write.  I owe it all to you.

I also finished my first fanfic!!!

It is an extremely rewarding feeling. 

Now, I'm off to write the sequel!

Much love,
Jenger ❤️