And so when Noah and Enzo mentioned wanting their family to visit in Hawaii, I told them that sounded wonderful. Thankfully, they have already laid the groundwork for what our situation is, and while Noah’s parents don’t quite get it, they still want to stay at our house in Oahu. Enzo’s dad has a harder time with it, and we rented him a hotel for when he comes.
It’s a lot of details that we will continue to iron out over time—but right now—I feel more whole and healthy than I ever have in my life. And the fact that I could leave my therapy appointments, knowing I have my men waiting for me with loving, open arms, is something I will cherish forever.
“So, do you want to know the surprise?” Mason asks.
I nod. “I still don’t believe you could have planned something without me knowing.”
Noah hands me his phone. I look at the screen confused.
“What is this?” I ask, taking in the infamous castle.
“Disneyland.”
“Well, I know that, but what does it mean?”
Noah cups my face with his hands. “You missed out on a lot, remember, and I promised you I’d take you to Disney one day. So, tomorrow, we’re going.”
“Really?” I can’t believe he remembered.
“Really,” Noah says. “And we have VIP passes and everything.”
“You guys… you’ll really go?” I look at Ethan and Enzo specifically because I have heard them mention multiple times that Disney is a commercial trap.
“With you?” Ethan grins. “Chloe, I’ll go anywhere.”
“Besides,” Mason says. “We paid for them to close down Tom Sawyer’s Island for us for an entire hour.”
“Wait, what?” I ask, grinning. “Seriously?”
“Damn straight,” Noah says. “Hell, after our hour there I guarantee we will always remember it as the happiest place on earth.”
“I’ll be happy just to be there with you guys.” I shake my head, amazed that this is my life. Knowing I’m the luckiest girl in every sense of the word.Chapter 41CHLOEWalking up to the gates of Disneyland with Noah, Mason, Enzo, and Ethan, I can’t help but grin. The fact they planned this for me, knowing how much I would like it, fills my heart with joy.
The last few months have been so hard for us. After Mason’s accident in Tahiti, recovery took a lot longer than any of us expected. But with that chapter closed, and Mason’s not-quite-supportive sister now gone, it’s just the five of us again. And we are all whole and healthy. We’re ready to take on whatever life throws our way, and today, it seems like the only storm we’re going to encounter is pure bliss.
“I’ve never seen you smile quite so much,” Ethan says, reaching for my hand. Mason is paying for tickets while the rest of the guys and I wait for him. Me? Not so patiently.
Before I know it, Mason is back and I’m being whisked through metal detectors and then walking down Main Street.
“How could you not smile in a place like this?” I look around taking in the old-fashioned fire trucks and streetcars. There are so many children holding balloons, and Mickey Mouse is having a photo op. Straight down the street is Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. I sigh, feeling like a princess myself, “This really is a dream come true.”
“You deserve it, baby,” Noah says. “It’s about time you created some memories at the ‘happiest place on Earth’.” He squeezes my shoulders, and when I look back at him, I think about how special this all is.
My men know how hard my childhood was. I never had anything, certainly not a dream vacation. I had foster homes and social workers and CPS reports. Nothing magical … and nothing my own.
But now, as we walk down Main Street, with a map in my hand, I feel like things are coming full circle for me. Not everyone gets some picture-perfect order to their life. A mom and dad, a safe and clean home, a happy childhood complete with a college savings account.
But that doesn’t mean everyone can’t find their own happiness one way or another. I certainly never expected to find mine like I did. I was stranded in Jamaica after a creep tried to take advantage of me.
Then, when I felt like I had hit rock bottom, my men found me on the beach and gave me shelter, offering me their protection.
And later their love.
“Are you crying?” Mason asks, giving me a sidelong glance. I have been weepy for the past week.
“No,” I say defensively, blinking fast. “Okay, maybe just a little. I just...”
“We know, baby, you’re just so freaking happy,” Ethan says, smiling. That smile means a lot, considering I know he was the most hesitant about coming to this theme park, which makes sense in a lot of ways. Ethan and I share similar childhoods. But where I am looking to erase painful memories and create more positive ones, Ethan has a hard time letting go of the pain he’s experienced.