Thriving in Darkness by KL Donn

Author:KL Donn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: KL Donn

Farren

So much love surrounds me, and as much as I adore it, I have to step out of the room and into the kitchen where the glass door is slid open and breathe in the fresh air. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would have my father back, let alone grandparents.

And it’s all Crux’s doing.

He has done so much more for me than any man has ever provided for the woman he loves. In a sense, we’re a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Only our love story doesn’t end in tragedy. We have one victory after another.

“Bird?” The man in question steps up behind me. I lean back into his chest, and immediately, his arms hold me tight. He always holds me tight. There isn’t a time of day when we’re together that he isn’t touching me in some way and that always turns into this.

“It’s overwhelming,” I explain quietly. “But I love it.”

“It’s a lot to take in at once,” he agrees. “So, I shouldn’t tell you that we’ll have more guests in about an hour for dinner?”

Laughing, I’m not at all surprised. “Who else do we know that isn’t already here?”

He shrugs in that way he does when he’s got a trick up his sleeve. “You’ll see.”

Turning in his arms, I slide my hands around his neck. Standing up on my toes, I kiss him on the chin and whisper, “Merry Christmas, Crux.”

Unsatisfied with my modest touch, he captures my lips in his for a searing lip lock full of emotions. “I love you, Ren.”

“I love you back.” Forever, I’ll love him back.

Hours later, once everyone has gathered in our home and settled at the table, I stare around at our family. The ones we love by blood and others through bond, and I feel a sense of completeness. This is the family I choose for myself, and I couldn’t be more content.

Clinking my glass of water, I stand and address the table as a whole, meeting the stares of Ben, Andrew, Zack, and Echo, who were our surprise guests that Crux wouldn’t tell me about. “I’d like to make a toast.” They all stare at me, and my future shines brightly before me. “Life was never easy for me. I had more heartaches than I thought could possibly be real. We all have, I think. So, this year, I’m toasting Crux.” I look to him and he stands beside me, one hand on my stomach, making butterflies flutter around and slowly brings his hand up to my cheek. His gaze captures mine as I finish. “If not for you, I wouldn’t have found trust”—I place my hand over his—“love”—I put my other hand on his heart—“and family.” I encompass the room with my eyes.

Tears hover in my dad and stepmom’s stares as they hold hands. My grandparents hug. Cross and Crew smirk like they knew this was going to happen. Cocky boys.

“Your life, bird, was always meant to collide with mine,” Crux whispers in my ear before he kisses the side of my neck.

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