Chapter 17

Sarah

The evening was warm, a gentle breeze whispering through the open windows as I returned from New York, my heart a patchwork of closure and new beginnings. As I pulled into the gravel driveway of my childhood home, the soft glow of the kitchen lights spilled out into the dusk, welcoming me back into a world that had shifted in my absence.

Walking into the house, the familiar scents of garlic and herbs hit me, a reminder of countless family dinners. Tonight, though, was different. Tonight was about celebrating new chapters and affirming decisions that had been both tough and transformative. My mom, ever the silent sentinel of my life's twists and turns, had orchestrated this welcome home dinner. Her knowing smiles throughout the evening spoke volumes of her relief and happiness, especially when she glanced at Harper, who was helping set the table.

"Sarah, honey, could you help with the salad?" my mom called out, her tone casual but filled with underlying excitement. As I joined her in the kitchen, our movements around each other were fluid, a dance we had perfected over the years.

The table was set with care, each plate and utensil placed with intention, mirroring the deliberate choices Harper and I had recently embraced in our lives. We sat down to eat, the meal unfolding like a ritual of reconnection. Harper's presence at the table not only bridged past gaps but also solidified her place in my present.

"Everything tastes amazing, as always," Harper complimented, her gaze meeting mine with a warmth that sent a flutter through my chest.

Mom chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm just glad you're here to enjoy it, Harper. It's been too long."

The conversation ebbed and flowed, a mixture of light-hearted banter and deeper, more meaningful exchanges. Harper shared snippets of her conversation with Hayden, her words careful, respecting the privacy of their closure yet open about her feelings.

"Remember those summer evenings when Harper practically lived here?" Mom said, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia.

Harper laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "I pretty much did live here! Your house was always my second home. I missed this place so much."

Mom nodded, her smile warm and approving. "Your presence has been missed. This house felt empty without your laughter and energy."

"Thank you," Harper said, her voice thick with emotion. "It means a lot to hear that. Being back here, with both of you, feels like coming home."

We reminisced about the past, sharing stories of our teenage escapades, the mischief we got into, and the dreams we had back then. The years melted away, and it felt like no time had passed at all.

"There was that time we tried to camp in the backyard, and it started pouring rain." I laughed.

"Oh my god, yes!" Harper exclaimed. "We ended up dragging all our stuff back inside and building a fort in the living room instead."

Mom chuckled. "I still have the pictures of that night. You two looked like drowned rats but so happy."

As the dishes were cleared and we moved to the living room, the soft padding of our steps on the old wooden floor felt grounding. We settled around the coffee table, cups of tea in hand, the air around us thick with unspoken thoughts and shared history.

Mom broke the silence first, her voice gentle yet certain. "I've always known you two had something special. Even when you were just kids running around causing havoc." Her eyes softened. "Shane was never the right fit, Sarah. I think you needed to walk that path first to see where you truly belonged."

Her words, though expected, resonated deeply, affirming my own reflections on the journey that had led me back here. "I know. It took me a while, but I understand that now. And I'm here, where I belong."

Harper reached over, her hand finding mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We were each led in our own directions, but I believe we needed to grow separately to be guided back to this moment when we were ready."

As the evening drew to a close, Harper and I lingered at the door, not quite ready to end the night. "Today was perfect," I whispered, standing close enough to feel the warmth of her breath.

"It was," Harper agreed, her eyes locked on mine, reflecting the soft porch light. "This is just the beginning." She smiled and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss to my lips before turning towards her car.

As Harper's car lights faded into the night, I closed the door and turned back into the warm embrace of the living room, where Mom was tidying up the last few cups.

She paused, a soft smile spreading across her face. "I'm really happy for you, sweetie. It's been a long time since I've seen you this content," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

I moved closer, taking her hands in mine. "Thanks, Mom. It means everything to hear you say that. I've been worried about what you'd think."

Mom squeezed my hands gently, her eyes brimming with warmth. "All I've ever wanted is your happiness. Seeing you and Harper together, it just feels right. You both deserve this chance at joy. Just promise me you'll keep looking out for each other. That's all I ever wanted."

I hugged her tightly, relief washing over me. "I love you. Thank you for being here, for supporting us."

She hugged me back, just as tightly. "I love you too. Always, no matter what."