43. Ayla

43

AYLA

T he flames dance in the fireplace, casting a warm glow over Teller, Clay and Kip’s handsome faces as we gather on the plush rug. Outside, the rain continues to patter softly against the windows, a soothing lullaby now that Piper is fast asleep in her crib.

Teller approaches, a steaming mug of hot chocolate in his hands. “I made this for you,” he says softly, settling down beside me. His eyes meet mine, searching. “Ayla, I told you I loved you the other day. You never said it back.” He pauses, vulnerability flickering across his face. “I need to know how you feel about me.”

Well…I wasn’t expecting that. My mouth suddenly feels dry, and I greedily drink the hot cocoa, gasping when it burns the roof of my mouth.

“Way to put me on the limelight,” I comment.

But Teller isn’t the only one waiting for my answer. Clay and Kip lean in, their expressions a mix of anticipation and apprehension. I can practically feel the weight of their gazes, three pairs of eyes fixed intently on me, awaiting my response with bated breath.

Briefly, I wonder if that was the reason that they’d been so willing to drop everything for this little getaway…so that they could get some answers out of me.

Clever.

My heart pounds wildly in my chest as I wrap my hands around the warm mug. How do I even begin to put my feelings into words?

Kip reaches over to tuck a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my skin and igniting sparks. Clay rests a strong, reassuring hand on my knee. “Talk to us.”

I’m suddenly overwhelmed by the depth of emotion swelling in my chest--a tangle of love, longing, and fear. I swallow hard. It’s now or never. I have to be brave and tell them the truth…

Taking a deep breath, I gather my courage and meet their gazes. “I care about all of you so much,” I begin, my voice wavering slightly. The words feel inadequate to express the intensity of my emotions. I’ve never been good at expressing myself. There have been so many years of suppressing them to please others that I’m not sure how to tell them how I feel. “I’ve never had a home I’ve felt so safe in. But it’s complicated, I don’t know how to put down the walls I put up to protect myself and sometimes I’m scared.”

There. I said it. My heart is laid bare, vulnerable and exposed. I search their faces, trying to gauge their reactions. Will they understand? Will they still want me, despite my fears and insecurities?

“What are you scared of?” Clay asks.

I swallow. “I’ve never had a relationship go right, in my life, not with my mom or my sister, or the one boyfriend I had and…”

“First,” Kip cuts me off. “You have to realize that we’re not them, that we’re not going to run for the hills when things get hard.”

Teller nods, his eyes shining with sincerity. “He’s right. We’ve got your back, no matter what. You can trust us.”

Kip’s thumb traces gentle circles on my cheek. “We’re here for you, sweetheart. Always.”

Their words wrap around me like a warm embrace. I lean into their touches, drawing strength from their unwavering support.

“I know,” I whisper, my throat tight with emotion. “And I’m grateful for that. More than you can imagine.” I take another sip of hot chocolate, letting the sweet warmth fortify me.

I glance at each of them in turn, marveling at the love and understanding etched on their handsome faces. How did I get so lucky? To have not just one, but three incredible men who care for me so deeply.

The air feels charged with anticipation, the crackling of the fire echoing the energy between us. I know I’m on the precipice of something life changing. All I have to do is take the leap and trust that they’ll catch me.

I set my mug down and take Teller’s hand, lacing my fingers with his.

A smile tugs at the corner of Teller’s mouth as he squeezes my hand. “You’re so strong, Ayla. Stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

I duck my head, warmth spreading across my cheeks at his praise. “I don’t feel strong most of the time. But with you guys... it’s different.”

Kip scoots closer, draping an arm around my shoulders. “That’s because we see the real you. The brave, resilient woman who’s been through hell and back, but still has the courage to open her heart.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them back. I’m not used to this kind of raw, unfiltered affection. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying, like standing on the edge of a cliff and knowing that one step could change everything.

“What if I mess this up?” The question slips out before I can stop it, my deepest insecurity laid bare. “What if I’m not enough for all of you?”

Teller’s grip tightens on my hand, his gaze intense and unwavering. “You could never not be enough, Ayla. We love you for who you are, flaws and all.”

Kip nods, his expression earnest. “We’re in this together, remember? Through the good times and the bad. We’ll figure it out as we go.”

Their words wash over me, soothing the jagged edges of my fears. I lean my head on Kip’s shoulder, letting his warmth seep into my skin. Teller’s thumb rubs gentle circles on the back of my hand, a silent promise of support.

“I... I don’t know what I did to deserve you guys.”

Kip chuckles softly, the sound rumbling through his chest. “It’s not about deserving, sweetheart. It’s about being right for each other, and that’s what we are.”

I nod, letting their love and acceptance wash over me like a soothing balm. For so long, I’ve been running from my past, afraid to let anyone get too close. But here, in this moment, with these incredible men surrounding me, I feel a sense of peace settle over my soul.

Teller lifts my hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to my knuckles. “We’re in this for the long haul, Ayla. You’re stuck with us now.”

A laugh bubbles up from my throat, the sound light and carefree. “I think I can live with that,” I tease, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.

As we sit there, the crackling of the fire and the steady beat of the rain against the windows creating a cocoon of intimacy, I allow myself to imagine a future with these men by my side. A future filled with laughter, love, and endless possibilities.

For the first time in my life, I’m not afraid to dream.

I lean into Clay’s embrace, my head resting on his broad shoulder as I let out a contented sigh. “I never thought I’d find a place where I truly belonged,” I confess, my fingers tracing idle patterns on his thigh. “But being here with all of you, it feels like home.”

Clay’s arm tightens around me, his lips brushing against my temple. “You’ll always have a home with us, Ayla. No matter what.”

Kip reaches out, his hand finding mine and intertwining our fingers. “We’ve got so much to look forward to together,” he says, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “Lazy Sundays in bed, family vacations, watching Piper grow up...”

I’d like nothing more.