"The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience." — Eleanor Roosevelt

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Chapter 79
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Maggie

Kimberly's car disappeared into the distance down the road, its engine roaring as it went. Raven, in her new pearl pink Range Rover, followed closely behind in the wake of the Dodge Charger. The windows were rolled down, and a song blared from the speakers, assaulting my ears.

I chuckled quietly to myself, partially closing the car door to let a gentle breeze pass through. Luke was further down the street, about three or four minutes away, picking up a few minor items for the building.

Earlier today, the girls had stopped by to lend a hand with the painting, and we ended up hanging out for a couple of hours. It was a simple activity, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.

The warmest and most unbearable months of summer were upon us. The relentless heat was taking its toll, but fortunately, the rainy season in Washington was still in full swing.

It had been a month since my grandmother's funeral. Each day brought something new, but it wasn't necessarily good or bad, just a profound sense of change.

The pain obviously hadn't gone away, but I could say that it had settled into a tolerable state. Ever since I got my grandmother's message for me, it had touched me in a good way. They, she, still brought tears to my eyes, and some days, I would just settle in my spot for a couple of hours to let it out. Others would carry on as normal as they could get, with a peaceful setting to them that she had managed to give me.

I was better. Not perfect, but better. A good better.

That wasn't it, though.

It had been a month ever since my father was tortured to death.

The exact moment Luke said those words to me was the moment that everything shifted. Everything. My father was dead.

The very reason behind my fractured mind, soul, and body was gone. For good.

Kade had came over the next morning to explain the details to Luke and I. His father was the one behind it. He was willing to do anything to get on Kade's good side, despite it being impossible and nearly laughable after everything he'd done to him and his family.

Regardless of it, though, he fell for the bait Kade offered over the phone: his time, reconnection, and forgiveness. With the right tips from his cellmates who were also my fathers, he was able to give an estimated location for my dad, since he had spent years detailing his other cellmates on the plans he had once released. Kade had ended the call the moment his father gave him the information, then gave it to one of the men in the cages to follow up on. It was history from there.

Luke hadn't given me details in order to save me the gore, but I knew that my father's ending had been painful. It was slow and tortuous, just as he had inflicted on me all those years ago, and in the present, mentally.

I cried for hours the same night I found out. Luke had to hold me and talk me out of a panic attack during it, and even though it had worked, my breath and all else was still caught in my throat.

The tears weren't out of sadness, though. Not regret or grief, either. It was out of relief.

Relief that the monster had finally been ripped from the life I never allowed him permission to. That I wouldn't have to fight for the life that I had built off of the one he tried to destroy. That I was finally, finally set free from him. There was nothing, but relief in that, as well as another fact.

I could finally breathe.

Even with him gone, though, it didn't take away from the things he left behind in my head. As badly as I wished it did, I knew better than to live in a fantasy.

I had to keep going, though. If not for survival then for life, because now, it was my own to shape and form. There was only forward. If I ever tried to go back too far, I would run smack into a brick wall of uselessness. I shouldn't ever go back unless I planned to use it toward my present, or to my future. That was it.

Luke and I didn't want to take any loose chances with the other men my father hired, though. I told him that since their 'leader' was gone, then so were they, but there was no absolute certainty.

Luke didn't like the chance of maybes, though, not when it came to my life. So, until they were gone, we decided to keep the precautions up, just in case.

It had been quiet for the past month, though. There were no attacks. No threats. No suspicious activity. Nothing.

I was relieved, but it still didn't knock the chip of nerves off my shoulder. I wasn't quite sure why. Perhaps it was because I had gotten so accustomed to looking over it, that it nearly seemed wrong not to do so now.

Either way, I was grateful. More than that, really. I had found the chance my grandmother trusted of me: living.

That was what I planned to do. That was what I was going to do, by any means necessary.

After we finished for the day, Luke and I were heading to Jax's house for family night. Granny's soap operas, Jax and Tony's food, games, champagne, and laughter were on the agenda. It was long overdue.

I was excited for Luke, too, though. He'd never experienced regular family activities like this before.

Jax considered Luke family, and even though Tony found Luke a bit...violent — which was a somewhat accurate description, depending on who you asked — he still liked him. Luke was now part of our family, and seeing him enjoy it warmed my heart.

I glanced around the freshly painted room; the smell tickled my nose. This was the sixth of ten, just as beautiful as the others. I couldn't wait for the rest, especially for Luke. He deserved it all.

The bell above the door rang, signaling Luke's return.

My heart raced at the thought of seeing him again, but it sank when the security alarm started to blare so loudly it was deafening.

Grimacing against the noise, I jumped up. I wasn't taking any chances, not with the others still out there.

Rushing to my bag in the corner, I retrieved the pistol I had left there earlier, just in case.

I tried to focus my hearing past the blaring alarms, but it was nearly impossible. The security system, however, was helpful, as Luke would have received a notification on his phone about the activated alarms by now.

I found the cool metal and switched off the safety. I wouldn't be caught off guard again.

Over the grip of the gun, my hands encased the other, my feet as light as possible against the floors.
I had to be careful. This place was huge, and with that, came many different sorts of hiding spots.

Through the long, wide hallway, I examined the space carefully, but found nothing out of the ordinary. It could mean nothing, though.

Slowly, I crept along the walls of the hallway until I got to end, which led to the open space of the entrance. My ears were hinting something past the alarm, but I couldn't place it too well amongst the blare. Either way, the person had broken in, and that obviously wasn't good.

I pulled in a breath for good luck, nearly believing my lungs incapable of accepting it. The fear had found its way into my limbs, making them stiff with both that and alert.

I moved my neck, first. The entryway was large, so it would take a moment for me to examine it the way I needed to.

Once I did, my movements ceased.

In the corner of the room, standing in front of the cooler I had brought, was a little boy. Since I knew the girls and I were going to be here for a long while today, I had packed us sandwiches, as well as snacks and beverages.

I scanned him over, carefully. Covering him were oversized, tattered clothes and shoes. The boy was so small, it looked as if he were falling into the cooler. A dirt smudged hand held the top open while he rummaged through with his free hand.

Quickly flicking the safety off, I tucked the gun back into my waistband. It was just a little boy. But, why he was here, I realized, made my heart sink all over again.

I kept my steps small while I grabbed my phone from my pocket. Luke had given me the security code— my birth date—for the building, too, so it only took a couple of seconds to deactivate.

The alarms went silent, and so did the boy. His rummaging stopped, and his body went still.

I watched over him, cautiously. He could be a ploy sent by one of my father's men, but I didn't think they'd go this far. Or, he could just be a hungry baby. I didn't know.

"Hey," I called, softly.

The boy jerked around, but I had to give it to him for bravery. He had been caught red-handed, and didn't try to book it straight away.

On a slow foot, he turned to face me entirely, allowing me a better look at him. First, I caught the Twinkies he had shoved into his pocket, at least three sandwiches in hand, and a bottle of water.

"I hope you know..." I attempted to tease, taking a step closer. "As someone who's broken into this place before, I suggest trying the front door next. It's a whole different experience, trust me."

The second our eyes clashed, I thought the poor boy would fall out. Just as quickly, though, he was on the run.

Despite looking as if he lacked the energy, he rushed toward the door with all of his speed behind it. I caught up just in time, using my body to block the front door off.

His widened, fearful eyes swept over mine. "I'm sorry. I'll put it all back." He stumbled back, expression full of regret. "Please don't call the cops—"

"Why would I?"

He looked at me as if I were an alien. "Because..." He took another step back. "I tried to steal from you."

I shrugged. "That's true, but I won't be calling the cops about it."

"You..." His eyes fell, then raised to me with confusion. "You won't?"

I dropped a hand from the door. "Not if you tell me your name, no."

The reluctance on his face grew, and so did his silence. When he didn't make a move to speak, I said, "I'm Maggie. Maggie Norris."

"Um..." His eyes flashed to mine just for a second before he averted them to the door behind me. "I think I should go."

By what he just attempted, I knew that he was hungry, but was too scared to act on it. I didn't know shit about him, except that he was an innocent, hungry baby, though. Nothing else mattered.

I didn't know where his parents were, but they either didn't have the resources to feed him, or didn't care to. Either one made my heart clench all the same.

Swiveling, he started for the back exit, which must have been where he snuck in from. On his way, he made sure to leave the food he took, but before he got to the hallway, I called out, "How about a sandwich?"

At this, he stopped walking. I didn't know his age, but I could guess certain bits of his intelligence were stronger than most his age for probably all of the wrong reasons.

"Or..." I paused to motion to the cooler. "Three sandwiches?" I had made plenty for Luke since he ate a lot, but there were some still left behind.

A hesitant second stretched on before he slowly turned to face me, again. His little brows raised to the roof at me. "Really?"

"Really." At his hesitant expression, I offered a smile. "Promise they're worth it, too. I made them myself."

Nibbling on his cheek, he cast a careful stare at me. In it, I could see him trying to piece me for a motive or any malice intent. I tried to appear as sincere as I honestly was.

"There's candy and desserts inside, too, if you want some." My smile softened as I pulled the cooler top open. "My boyfriend, he loves pop tarts and candy, but I promise I won't tell him who took them if you won't."

He took an ambivalent step closer. "Seriously?"

"You kidding me?" I handed him one of Luke's blueberry pop tarts for reassurance. "I'll take the blame this time, I promise."

At my offering, I saw the hesitation edge out of him. He took slow, careful steps to me until he was back in front of the cooler. Just as he reached it, another voice was added to the room. The loudness of it nearly sent me into aftershock until I recognized it.

"Maggie!" Luke's heavy footsteps hit the ground, and a second later, he was turning me to face him, the worry in his face as high as ever. "Are you—"

When he took notice of our visitor, he went stiff lipped.

Hell. I should have texted him, but I hadn't thought of it in the moment. A 6'4", violent looking, resting bitch-faced man with dark tattoos and a mouth of curses wasn't exactly a warming sight for a child that was already terrified.

I could see Luke having the same suspicions as me about the boy being with my father. I squeezed his arm to try and get his attention, but instead, he focused a glare on the boy. "Who the fuck are you?"

"None of your business," the boy snapped back at him, much to my surprise.

"Well, it became my business when I walked in, and saw that you broke into my building."

The boy threw a glare at Luke. "Then, walk back out."

Luke narrowed his eyes back at him, already marching forward. "You—"

I swept a glare of warning at Luke that he caught. Just as he returned it, I turned back to the boy, who looked ready to make a run for it, again.

"There's said boyfriend right here." I squeezed Luke's arm with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I'll hold him off if he tries to take your pop tarts, okay?"

The boy remained hesitant, but when I passed him one of the treats, he relaxed into my offer.

He looked to Luke, again, the same glare following. His eyes darted over to mine next as he scooted closer. "He seems mean." When Luke heard it, he scowled back at him.

I chuckled at that. "I won't let him be to you, I promise." I nodded toward the cooler. "How about you start picking out what you want while I go make sure of that, alright? Pick anything, too."

I knew he didn't fully trust me, and I couldn't blame him, but I guessed his hunger won. Giving in, he started to pick through the cooler while I turned to Luke.

When I squeezed Luke's arms, he made sure to shake his glare off, a look of worry crossing his expression at me.

Gently, he cupped my face in his hands. "What happened? I got here as fast as I could once I got the alert."

"Everything's fine. He broke in." I nodded at the boy. "I caught him digging through the cooler for food. He tried to run, but when I offered food, he stayed."

Over my shoulder, his eyes ran over the boy until he made the realization I did, understanding setting in. "What's your name, kid?"

Tucking a pop tart away, the boy mumbled, "I don't give my name to people I don't like." Raising his head, he looked to me, next. "Ledger's the name."

Luke snorted. "Nice attitude."

I stepped closer to Ledger. "I love your name."

He smiled, revealing a missing tooth. "Thanks. It's kind of basic, but basic doesn't have to mean bad, I guess. I let people that I like call me Ledge, though. You can, too." Over my shoulder, he looked to Luke, and rolled his eyes. "You can't call me that."

"I'll try not to lose sleep about it." Luke shrugged. "I'm Luke."

Ledger, noticing Luke's scar, tilted his head with raising realization, "Aren't you Mayor Vaudest's son? I guess that explains why you're so mean. At least you're real about it, though. Your dad and brother aren't."

Luke chuckled. Ledger paused, sandwich in hand as he turned to me. "Can I take an extra one?"

I waved him off and observed him, closely. His chestnut brown hair cascaded in gentle waves around his ears, softly brushing against the fair canvas of his forehead. His eyes reminded me of Luke's— a deep, enigmatic shade of blue. Framing his round face were plump, rosy cheeks with a small scar in the right corner of the upper lips. And then there was his button nose, undeniably adorable as ever. Despite his slender frame, though, it was evident that he was thinner than what his body was meant to be.

"You know what?" I crouched to his level. "Take the whole thing."

Wide eyes glanced between Luke and me. "Seriously?"

"Of course. We're full, anyway." I smiled, warmly. "It's kind of heavy, though. If you want, we can give you a ride back to your place—"

"No!" he rushed out so quickly, he nearly tripped over that word alone. At it, he caught himself, and waved my request off in a calmer note. "I mean...no. I can do it."

My heart squeezed at the meaning behind it. "Okay."

He glanced at the cooler before returning to me. "I'll come back to leave the cooler. I usually lie a lot, but I'm not lying this time." He offered a pinky. "Promise."

I chuckled. "You're fine, hun. Have it."

"How old are you?" Luke asked from behind me.

Ledger glanced at me, and I nodded. "Six plus three."

Luke pursed his lips. "Shit, you gave me a hard one. Okay, add the three, subtract the six. Divide a little bit..." His head tipped to the ceiling in fake thought, "Twenty-seven...wait, no." He swept a tatted finger between the both of us, before finally landing on Ledger. "Thirty. Final answer."

My mouth twitched. "My guess was three."

Ledger's face scrunched. "Uh..." He glanced around the building, then back to us. "Are you sure you two should be business owners?"

Chuckling, I joined Luke, who was equally amused. Ledger handled the cooler well for his size.

"Kid," Luke called out to him. "Wait a second."

Ledger turned around.

Luke pulled out his wallet, and swept through the green bills until he had a good amount in them. After tucking his wallet away, he stepped closer to Ledger to give the money to him.

Ledger stared down at the bills, confused. "Uh..." He raised a brow at Luke. "Did you forget the part about me being a sometimes liar? I could be a con artist for all you know. Are you sure you want to give this to me?"

"As long as you promise to use the front door next time," Luke shrugged. "I'm willing to risk it."

"Thank you." He looked at Luke with a nod. "I still don't like you."

"Smart."

Luke smiled at me. "I like you."

I laughed softly. "I like you too."

With a nod to us both, he used the front door, before turning his dark, big eyes back to me. "Bye, Maggie."

***

"You like to eat bread. Um, you like to swim..." I paused, before a better hint followed up, "Oh, you scare Levi!"

Luke got it, immediately, at that. His face and shoulders fell with defeat as he shook his head. "I'm a fucking duck."

"You're a fucking duck," Tony, Jax, and I all called in union, laughing.

I chuckled, making room for Luke in his seat, but he picked me up and sat me in his lap, instead. Warmth filled me up to the brim as he hugged me to his figure.

Jax grinned as he shot up from his seat, "My turn." We all chuckled as he held his phone to his forehead. "Let me have it."

Luke rested his head on my shoulder and said, "Cheese."

"Now, how the fuck is that supposed to help me any?"

Tony and I laughed. Luke kissed my shoulder, creating a blissful feeling.

Tony dug his chin into his fist, rocking it around as he looked to Jax. "Kids love you. Sometimes even party about you when they do good on tests."

Jax thought for a moment before giving the room a glare. "You're all idiots."

I raised my glass of champagne to him. "Takes one to know one, bitch."

Luke chuckled, and I leaned back, resting my head on his shoulder. "You using your insults on someone else now, Norris?"

His grin attracted my own. "I keep the special insults just for you, you know that."

The drawl of his laugh in my ear started a trail of goosebumps over my skin."That's my fucking girl."

Our eyes touched first, and that was enough. My heartbeat soared, and through my back, I could feel his just as erratic. Either of our grins softened into the smiles we only gave each other, and we knew.

As soon as he leaned in to kiss me, we were interrupted by a cookie being thrown at us. It thumped me in the chin, then fell right into my lap.

I scowled at Jax, who matched it. "What?"

"Enough with the PDA, already." Pretending to gag, he rolled his eyes at the both of us. "You two have been going at it every other second from the moment you stepped inside. I've been timing it too, so don't you dare say otherwise, Maggie." Pointing to me, he turned to his lover with a scowl. "I told you we should have stocked up on the disinfectant spray."

"Leave them alone, Jax," Tony chuckled, nodding back at us in encouragement. "I think they're adorable."

Jax scoffed. "Aren't you supposed to be on my side?"

"Maggie helped me peel the potatoes when you didn't. Pick which twin I'm rooting for, right now."

Luke chuckled, wrapping his arms around my stomach. Despite the flush of my insides, I managed a glare at my brother. "See why Tony's always been my favorite?"

"We've only been dating for a year, you dumbass."

"And, I haven't claimed you as a sibling ever since."

"Whatever." Jax motioned to his phone, widened eyes full of alert coming to us. "I'm running out of time, hurry up!"

Luke and I had arrived hours ago. Jax had cursed me for coming early, but I could see his relief and happiness above all else. I came early just to have more time with him, so I didn't care, and neither did he, realistically. As soon as I stepped inside, he was pulling me in for the longest hug in history.

The moment Luke smelled the baked goods Jax had made for us, though, everything else was abandoned. When Jax mentioned the pinwheels he had made just for Luke, he nearly forgot me in the doorway from how quickly he rushed in.

We had all cooked together, then opened the champagne Luke and I brought over. It had been nothing, but fun, honestly. We had reruns of granny's favorite soap opera playing in the background while we played games and ate. It was nearing midnight, now, and if I weren't getting so sleepy, I would have loved to stay even longer.

We would be back next week, though. I couldn't wait. I missed my brother, as well as Tony. I missed everything.

By the time Jax found the answer to his question, the time on his phone had run out, but he still refused to give up, so through our laughs, we cheered him on.

Now, Luke and Tony were cleaning up the mess in the living room, while Jax and I worked on the dishes. He told me that I didn't have to help, but it was really me just wanting to soak in everything I could from my brother, again.

Jax, after placing a dish aside, picked up another. "You know, Tony and I thought about hiring a maid," he teased, bumping my shoulder. "Think you can handle it?"

I chuckled while washing my bowl. "You'd probably pay dust."

"Dust? Seriously?" Jax feigned hurt. "Dust and a penny for minimum wage laws, that's more my style."

Our laughter filled the atmosphere, especially his. It was these small moments I'd missed most about him, including his distinctive, frog-like laugh.

After a comfortable silence, he asked, "How have you been after everything?"

He was talking about granny, but also about our father, too. Despite how badly I wanted to keep it hidden, he was still Jax's father, so Jax had been alerted of our father's release and death, too. It had been why he was so worried when Luke and I left the day of his release.

Jax didn't know the true nature behind our father's death, but he did know of it. An hour after he found out, he was at my doorstep and we were in the others arms. I wasn't sure if he had the same reaction as I did, but I did see the relief in him above all else.

For so long, though, Jax had treated it like it was much more personal to me, despite me trying to tell him otherwise. We both had been through a lot in that house, with our parents, especially on the night my father was caught.

There was no comparisons of trauma to me when it came to anyone, especially Jax, despite him treating it as such. We both deserved the same treatment, and concern for the other, as well as all else. I cared about his demons just as much as he did mine.

"I'm fine, I promise. Sometimes, I still can't believe he's gone, but there's a strange relief too, surprising as it is on some days. How about you?"

Jax scrutinized me, sensing my honesty. "I'm fine too. Like you said, it's just a relief. The only anger I find in it is the fact that I couldn't have killed the motherfucker my own self."

I nodded; it was true. If the opportunity had arose, I wouldn't have thought twice about pulling the trigger. What relieved me of that idea was that someone else had done the same, but with much more pain added to it.

Through Jax's anger, a softer emotion emerged. "You know...Granny would have loved all of this."

"Absolutely. You know how she felt about that one doctor—"

"I'm not talking about the soap opera, despite how true that is," he laughed. "I'm talking about this. Us. Me and Tony. You and Luke. Me and you."

My heart sank and soared, a bittersweet feeling stinging my eyes.

As I picked up my bowl again, I said quietly, "She would have."

Jax pushed his hair away from his eyes. "I'm just glad we can honor her wishes."

That same emotion coursed through me. "And we'll only continue to."

Jax smiled, earning one from me. "Together."

"Always," I affirmed.

After putting my dish away, I was enveloped in another hug. It felt familiar and heartwarming. I returned it, and Jax pressed a kiss to my head. Tears welled up, and my throat tightened.

"She would have been proud of you, too, Maggie." His embrace tightened, mirroring my own. "I know I sure as hell am."

I chuckled softly. "You're one to talk, loser." I sighed into his chest, "Not a day goes by where you don't amaze me, you know that?"

"I am pretty perfect, aren't I?"

"Don't be ridiculous." My face rested against his chest. "You're the absolute worst."

His laugh held deep emotion. "I'm really glad to have you back, Mags." My eyes closed as I nodded. "Life hasn't been the same without my sister, and it never will be. Promise you won't take that away from me again, okay?" His grip held an ache. "Please?"

I shook my head, holding him tighter. Through a shaky breath, I made a vow that would never break. "I promise I won't."

***

I grinned up at Luke. "Ready for another one?"

A scowl accompanied his eye roll. "Me saying no won't make a difference, will it?"

"Nope," I laughed, pecking his cheek. As soon as I leaned back, my grin widened. "Why doesn't the sun go to college?"

Luke turned his head back, groaning. "Because, it's the damn sun, woman."

Laughter reached through the walls. "Luke, you have to give an actual answer."

"Why am I still in this shower with you?" he sighed out.

"Not an answer, but I'll take it, anyway..." I paused for effect before revealing, "Because it already has a million degrees!" Laughing, I thumped my head back on his chest. "Get it? A million degrees—" Through my giggles, I groaned at him. "You forgot to laugh, Luke."

Luke grinned and shook his head at me. "Guess it was so good that we both forgot something, huh, baby?"

I frowned past my giggles. "What did I forget?"

"To make it funny."

I scowled back, preparing a retort, but his perfect laugh interrupted. Warmth filled me as his lips brushed my earlobe in a kiss, then another, before he continued washing my hair.

We'd gotten home an hour ago and showered together. Since then, I'd been entertaining myself with puns, and annoying Luke in the process. He was washing my hair now, and his fingers on my scalp were almost putting me to sleep. I knew he enjoyed it as much as I did, especially because he loved my hair.

Goosebumps prickled my skin as Luke stretched around to kiss me. His lips met the corner of my jaw and then my forehead. When he finished, my pulse was racing. A smile played on my lips, matching Luke's as he leaned closer to my ear.

"Are you trying to grow your hair or something?" he asked.

I nodded. "Mhm. I want it longer, but I just don't want to deal with washing it, honestly."

For years, I kept it short because it reminded me of my father, who loved it. But I cut it off in my grandmother's bathroom during a mental break years ago.

I had just wanted to grow hair that his hands had never, and would never be in, again. It was the idea of taking something back as my own, as well. Despite giving Jax and granny a jump scare when thirteen year old me came out of the bathroom after them attempting to get in for the past few hours, scissors and a big chunk of hair in my hand, and with mascara dripping down my cheeks, it did work.

That was the reason why I only wore it down around Luke, too, even when we were enemies. No one else had that part of me, since I never let my hair down for people or situations I didn't trust or like.

Now, though, I had made the realization that it, amongst many other things, were mine. This life. This heart that I had only just started to learn about a couple of months ago. And especially this hair that was as beautiful, and as mine as I would let it be.

I could do with it as I pleased, and I wouldn't consider my father or the others in it, either. It was my choice, and my choice was to say fuck my father and his rotting, piece of shit corpse, and grow my hair as long or cut it as short as I wanted it.

Luke said, "You'll look beautiful either way, angel." At my blush, his grin widened as he massaged my scalp, earning my hum of satisfaction. "I'll make you a deal, though."

Pleasure surged through me. "Tell me."

"If you decide to grow it longer, I'll wash it every night it needs it for you."

My eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"Fuck yeah." His smile lit up as he rinsed the shampoo from my hair. "It's for you, but just as much for me. You know how much I love your hair."

I laughed because it was true. "You really do, don't you?"

"When it's a part of you, how could I not?" His enthusiasm sparkled in his gaze as he played with a strand. "Plus, it's all soft and shit, and smells like vanilla and coconuts or something like that. I honestly don't know, but what I do know is that it makes my knees weak every time you pass by me."

Giggles spilled from my mouth at his excitement. My heart tripped in my chest, until it finally landed in its usual place, right by his.

"You've definitely won me over with that description." I leaned up to kiss his cheek, my smile big. "Deal."

His grin stretched from ear to ear at me, as excited as ever. Through the warmth in my chest, we shared one last kiss that made my entire life whole in a matter of seconds. Even when we broke away from it, the feeling remained since he was already that for me, anyway.

Soon after, we were both dried, and dressed for bed. It was nearly four in the morning, so we would probably just sleep in together tomorrow. That was fine with me, though, considering whose arms I'd be in.

Just as Luke returned from refilling Fang's bowls, the doorbell chimed through the house. Foot halfway in the room, he paused, then turned to me with a raised brow.

His confusion only worsened at my humored expression. "Who is that?"

I shrugged, my lips tipping. "You tell me."

Despite his suspicions, he left to go and check. Amused, I grabbed my phone from the charger to watch him. As soon as the footage loaded of the front door frame, though, shock replaced my smile.

Well, shit.

I had gotten Luke surprise flowers, but it turns out, he had the same idea for me.

Baffled, I watched him make the same realization as he took both from the deliverer. I had ordered them this morning, but had to push the time of delivery to later, since we stayed at Jax's so late.

Luke shut the door, his grin growing as large as can be as he made his way back to our room.

"Norris," his laugh carried on through the hallways, before he stepped inside of our room. "No fucking way."

"I'm just as shocked as you." Chuckling, I scooted over to let him in the bed. As soon as he took a seat in front of me, I took my flowers from him with a smile that matched the one inside my heart. "Thank you."

"You got me flowers, baby?" His expression softened the longer he stared down at them. Mine matched, my humor growing alongside it as I said,"And, you got me flowers."

I had gotten them as roses, with a card as well as his favorite candies and snacks tucked inside. There was no specific reason, other than me just wanting to see him smile. He had gotten my gift the same, except as belladonna lillies, with skittles and jolly ranchers littered within the petals.

A breath passed my lips that felt as whimsical as ever, just like the feeling in my chest. I couldn't get enough of it.

"I know it's not a normal thing, but..." I bumped Luke's shoulder, and when the skins grazed, an electrical current shot through them. I knew it had happened to Luke too, by the way his lips tilted at the corners. "Do you like them?"

"You kidding me?" His grin grew, his eyes turning up with a mirror of awe and appreciation. "I don't think I've ever loved flowers the way I do after getting them from you, Norris."

My expression melted, but I didn't have a chance to respond before he was on the move. Taking my flowers from my hand and his own, he placed both to the side, before grabbing either of my feet and tugging me down to him until I was in giggles, and cocooned by his figure.

Either hand looped my thighs around his waist, so that there was no spare space in between us. One kiss went to my forehead, then another, his grin only building against the skin as he started to leave kisses that puffed my lips up, as well.

Soon after, we had our flowers tended to, and had managed to get through our mix of amusement and fondness at what we'd done for the other to return to bed.

We were supposed to be asleep, but it hadn't happened. Luke was on my stomach, now, watching some type of sports on the flat screen while stroking and kissing the skin he was on, too. I was scrolling through my laptop, and just staring back at whatever popped up first.

My finger paused on the keypad when this picture of an apartment's decor showed on the laptop screen. I found it cute, and somehow ended up scrolling through even more decor ideas.

I didn't even realize Luke had moved from his spot on my stomach until he laid his head on my shoulder. I threw a smile over my shoulder, and it earned me one of the sexiest crooked grins to ever exist.

"Needing some attention, Palce?" I teased.

Placing his hands on my stomach, he tugged me back into him until I laughed. "Mhm." His chuckle ran through my ear before he kissed my shoulder. "What are you looking at?"

"Just decor." I scooted the laptop closer so that he could see. "They're cute, aren't they?"

When I didn't receive an answer, I glanced over my shoulder, again.

He wasn't even looking. He was too busy playing with my hair.

Amusement poked at my chest. "Luke."

Wrapping a strand around his finger, he watched in near fascination as it bounced back. His eyes lit up at the sight, before he looped it around his finger, again. "Mhm?"

"You didn't even look."

This earned me a snicker. "When the most beautiful girl on this planet is laying right in front of me, I'm not worried about looking at shit else, Norris. Trust me on that shit."

Color turned my skin inside out, and if he weren't careful, my heart would do the same soon. How could he say such things like that so casually, then expect me to remain a sane woman?

I pushed past it to squeeze at the hand on my stomach. "You're ridiculous."

Chuckling, he paused on my hair, and laid his other hand over my throat. The tips of his fingertips knew the perfect way to achieve a rocky shudder from me, and they did. The hand on my stomach was moving in small strokes, too, while he looked at my screen.

"What do you think?" I asked.

Disgust soured his expression. "It looks fucking terrible."

Laughing, I swiped to the next picture. "How about this one?"

His head tilted as his eyes scanned it over. Thought rang through his eyes, but it was accompanied with dissatisfaction. "Better. Makes me wanna throw up, but better."

I groaned. "You're never satisfied, are you?"

"I guess I'm picky if it's not our own, Norris."

"Whatever." Rolling in my amusement, I swiped to the next picture. "You know...you're real lucky I wasn't around when you moved in here. I'm still planning on making my adjustments."

Running a hand over my arm, he let it remain there while he said, "You wouldn't have to if we started it together for the first time."

At that, I paused. Luke continued on with his strokes, as casual as ever.

On a slow turn, I didn't stop until we were facing the other. "What's that supposed to mean?"

A sheepish smile lifted his lips. "You tell me, angel."

"You want to..." I blinked back at him. "You want to get a new place with me?"

"Hell yeah I do, but only if you're okay with it, too, of curse. Pick whatever apartment you want, and we go from there."

Shock continued to startle my bones. I hadn't even realized my jaw was hanging until I felt the ache settle.

I figured that this place didn't hold the warmest memories for him, at least not before me. It was somewhere he had been placed and thrown into like an unwanted dog after his father abandoned him. I knew it could have never truly been a home for him, no matter how long he had been here or how big it was.

Though, I knew he was my home, just as I was his. I had never believed in such a thing, let alone the feeling, until Luke barged right in with a key crafted from his soul and heart alike, just as ready as ever to unlock my own.

The idea itself set my happiness to an all time high, and the visual of it was even better. I absolutely loved it. We could start somewhere new. Together.

Luke was watching me for an answer, but I hadn't even realized how silent I had gone until I felt his lips against my cheek. "It's only if you're comfortable, though, of course. I don't want to force you into anything, and I'm not gonna try, either. It was just something I've been thinking about for a long while, but if you want—"

I wrapped my legs around his waist, and by it, I tugged him closer until we were pressed together. Then, I kissed him to stop his doubts, because I didn't have a single one about it.

Now that my father was gone, we could do as we pleased. It was so exhilarating for me, and I knew that nothing could match my excitement and anticipation for the future. It was the simplest things, too, like finally beginning my search for another job, despite Luke's protests.

The man had money flowing in and from his pockets and all else from his time and wins in the cages, but I refused to just sit back and use it. Not only had he spent and given more than enough, but I didn't want to put everything on him.

Obviously, I loved and trusted him with every bit of me, but I didn't like to not be able to support myself regardless, so I wasn't hearing it. I did still have the money from Lowen's card, as well as my savings and the funds granny left to Jax and I, but I was more anxious to be around automobiles and their care again, despite the customer service part. The only reason I had waited so long after Moarde's was because of the risk of my father's attacks. I finally had the chance to get back to a portion of normal, again, and I was so excited.

When we leaned back from our kiss, we were both unsteady, causing our grips to tighten on the other in anyway they could. The energy in the room had teased and zapped at my scorching skin, and with the buzz along my lips added to it, I was pretty fucked.

Luke's grin was lazy, his eyes meeting mine. "Did I just get rejected, Norris?"

I laughed. "I'll give you a break this once." I pecked his lips, again, my own lifting against his. "Let's do it."

His smile turned into a beam the second my response reached him. The excitement and love blossomed in his eyes, and I knew my own matched it to the last detail.

His hand went to the back of my head, and pulled me to his lips. My eyes drifted shut at the dreary feeling of peace that touched my heart the second his lips did it to my forehead.

"We can start our search, tomorrow," I suggested, lifting a hand to his neck to toy with his curls. Our lips matched the others in a smile before mine cracked into a yawn, "I'm getting sleepy."

Luke nodded in agreement, the happiness never dying from his expression. The longer he looked at me, though, the more it morphed into something more intense, with the softest edge to it, as well.

The hand on my head went to my cheek, and cradled it. "Maggie."

My smile kissed his. "Mhm?"

Admiration dove through his eyes, and I got lost in the waves seconds in. I only came up for sure when his thumb swept over my cheek, the same one he kissed, before leaning back to look at me.

His tone was as soft as a feather, "I love you."

Through the tremor of my heart, I found the strength to lean up to kiss his jaw until my lips memorized the skin. "I love you."

The corners of his lips lifted into the cutest smile of all time. I knew my favorite snark had cracked through when he rolled his eyes.

"Quit giving me that little look, Norris," he teased, gently flicking me on the forehead. "I might think you like me or some shit."

I faked a scoff past my giggles, and returned his thump to the forehead. "In your dreams, pretty boy."

"Right next to you?" At the hint of red in my cheeks, his grin widened as he shrugged. "Fuck yeah."

Our humor clashed, before we exchanged a quick goodnight kiss, and Luke pulled me into his arms.

We had been taking gentle steps in the dark, and I was now to the point where I could sleep in the dark. The lights couldn't completely be dimmed, but it was still a good accomplishment.

Luke suggested we do even and odd nights. Even meant the lights stayed on, just to give me a moment of relief. Odd meant the lights were off, which were the nights he held me extra close to him. Tonight was an odd night.

Once he dimmed the lights from his phone, he tightened his hold on my figure to secure me to him. "I've got you, baby." As soon as he had me, he draped endless kisses to the top of my head while he whispered compliments and reassurance that made my soul soften. "I'm right here. Always, Norris."

I kissed his chest, and buried myself into him as deep as I could go. The spots I missed were the ones Luke erased himself when he pulled me even closer to him. "Thank you."

Sleep didn't come so quick, but I didn't expect it to, either. I didn't want it to. Not when, for the first time, my reality was better. It was good, my perfect.

My heart continued to leap with joy at the possibilities. At the things I could, and would do, now.

I was going to be with my friends and family, again. I was going to attend university with Kimberly and Raven next semester, like I planned. I was going go home to Luke every night, and not worry about losing myself or anyone else.

I was living.