Back to Me (Carolina Rebels 1)

“Oh, it’s so good to see you,” Mom says, squeezing me.

“I’m happy to be here.”

“You look happy, Meredith.”

“You do look radiant,” Dad agrees, taking my carry-on.

“Thanks.” I smile, knowing it’s all because of Noah.

Mom pushes my hair behind my ear to get a good look at my scars from the car accident. They aren’t that bad, and I’m sure they’ll continue to heal and be barely noticeable. “I’m glad we can finally see you. I’m about to suggest you stop being in a car. This is your second car accident in a year.”

“And neither were my fault. I wasn’t even driving last time,” I remind her.

“I don’t care.”

“Let’s head home. You can talk there as well as you can here,” Dad says. He looks at me as we begin walking to the parking garage. “Are you staying at your house or ours?”

“Yours,” I answer. “I am going by the house at some point because I’ll be driving my car home. I’m actually thinking of selling the house. Maybe. I don’t know yet.”

“Why?” Mom asks. “It’s a lovely home. If you keep it, you and Noah can have your own space when you come to visit. Have you talked to him about this? I’m pretty sure he’s been looking for a house to have up here, but he’s a picky man and Carol said he hasn’t purchased one yet, so he stays with them.”

“I just happened to think about it while I was on the flight here. I’ll talk to him about it and see what he says.” We get into the car and Dad starts driving.

“Not to mention, you have a gorgeous yard,” Mom adds.

“Too damn big of a yard,” Dad grumbles. Probably because he mows it for me. I told him I’d hire someone, but he won’t let me and insists on doing it himself.

“It would be perfect for hosting a wedding,” Mom continues. She twists in her seat. “Let me see the ring.”

I hold my hand out to her. Dad glances at it since he stopped to let a car back out of a parking space. He smiles. There’s something a little off about his expression, though.

“What’s the smile for?” I ask.

“I’ve seen that ring before,” he answers as he faces forward again and resumes driving.

I lean forward with confusion. “What do you mean?”

His eyes flick up to the rearview mirror. “Noah asked for permission back then. It was not easy to tell that boy yes, and I’m still not sure how he managed it, but he convinced me to give him my blessing. Then, he asked me if I would go with him to help pick it out. I did.”

“Really?” My eyes water as I glance down at my ring in awe. It means so much more now than just a second ago. Not only does this ring hold our history, but my dad had a hand in the process of Noah acquiring it in the first place.

“Yes.”

“He wanted to get me a new one, but I told him I wanted this one when he proposed. I’m even more glad that I stood my ground now.” I grab my phone and text him, as I explain to my mother how I saw my ring before he proposed.

Me: I love you the most.

Noah: I love you, too, Mere. But...any particular reason why?

Me: Dad told me that you asked him for his permission and that he went shopping with you.

Noah: Ah. No wonder you love me the most. You really should. I am awesome.

Me: Yep. Also, Mom thinks we should have the wedding in my backyard.

Noah: We can check it out when I come up for Christmas, but if that’s what you want, then that’s what I want.

Me: You’re being very sweet.