We pour so much emotion into that kiss, as if I’m apologizing for my words earlier and she’s giving me strength to do this. When we break apart, I grab her hand and lace our fingers together. I bring our joined hands to my lips. Pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles, I tilt my head toward the living room.
“Come on. Everyone is waiting for us.”
We walk hand in hand to the living room, and I expect to see everyone deep in conversation except everyone is staring at us with mouths open. The silence and tension in the room is ready to explode.
My father is the first to speak. “I’m sorry. Could you repeat what you said, Haylee?”
I swallow hard, and my grip on Haylee’s hand tightens.
Oh, fuck.
Well, I’m not sure how Zach planned to tell them that Dani called, but I don’t think it was them overhearing it from my big mouth. At least the secret is out now. Silence fills the room as our parents try to process what Zach just told them. Zach and I are currently sitting on the couch across from our parents.
My hand hasn’t left Zach’s since we walked into the room. I run my thumb over his skin, trying to reassure him. Nerves and anxiety surround him.
“My baby girl is coming home?” Kelly asks. Her voice is shaking, and Adam tries to comfort her with his arm around her.
Zach’s leg bounces nervously, and I place my hand on his thigh.
He briefly looks up to me and smiles weakly before turning back to his parents. “Yeah, Mom.”
All at once, questions come flying out of nowhere.
“Is she safe?”
“Is she okay?”
“Where is she?”
“Why didn’t she call us?”
“Does she need anything?”
“How long will she be staying?”
My head is spinning from everyone speaking at once. My grip tightens on Zach.
I interrupt the slew of questions. “Okay, slow down. One question at a time.”
I rub Zach’s back in a circular motion. I’m not used to being the one put together. He is usually the strong one. But that’s just how we work; if he needs my strength, I will be there for him, and vice versa.
“Go ahead, babe.”
Zach clears his throat. “She called last night. She said she is living in some New Hampshire town and is tying up some loose ends there before heading this way. I offered her the guest room for as long as she likes.”
The tears are falling steadily down both my mom and Kelly’s faces. This is a conversation we all have only dreamed of the past four years. I would never have thought this would become a reality; I am sure that is how they feel too. Adam squeezes Kelly’s shoulder, bringing her closer to his chest.
“When is she supposed to arrive?” my dad asks as he rubs his hand up and down my mother’s arm.
“Monday.”
Kelly jumps to her feet. “Well, we should be there when she arrives, right? We have to be.”
Oh, no.
Side conversations begin, and I can hear my mom and Kelly making plans to come to the house. No, this just won’t do. This is not the right way to go about this. Smothering her is only going to make her run again. Like Emmett reminded me, Dani and I were a team. This isn’t what she would have wanted.
My voice is stern and direct. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea.”