A few days later, Layton and her father met for lunch

"I still have that fear dad, that one day he will up and leave me again."

"Darling, you can't move forward if you keep looking at the review mirror. Have you ever asked yourself what you would have done if the roles were reversed?"

"I would've done the same thing."

"Then you can't hold what happened against him."

"What about Rick? A month ago we were happy together, people are going to say I jumped ship as soon as things got tough."

"Those people certainly aren't your friends or family therefore their opinions hold no value to your life. Give Kiandre a break, the boy has had enough drama in his life, either you try to build on what you two had or you cut ties."

"Thanks dad, you always do have the answers."

"It's a father's job to mi hija (my child)."

Later that afternoon

Layton took her father's words into deliberation and finally came to a conclusion but she had a little help along the way.

Whilst tiding up the coffee table which hadn't been touched in weeks, she picked up a book and a note fell out of it.
It read,

'Mi amor,

By the time you find this, I hope you have let Kiandre back into your heart. If not what are you waiting for? Don't let life hold you back from experiencing love again.

Forever yours,
Rick.

Tears rolled down her face, not out of sorrow but rather joy. Layton had finally got the last affirmation she needed and with that she rang up Kiandre.

"Fancy watching the sunset with me?"

"When it comes to doing anything with you the answer will always be yes. I'll try and finish a little early, see you soon."

"It's almost impossible to watch the sunset and not dream." - Bernard Williams

Kiandre crept up behind Layton attempting to scare her but unfortunately his planned failed as a breeze swept through the park and she caught a whiff of his heavenly cologne alerting her to his presence.

"It's beautiful isn't it, how as the sunsets it embraces the world with its hue, catching everyone's attention."

Layton gets up and faces Kiandre, she closes the space between them and brings his head to hers.

Their foreheads now pressed against each other and lips barely apart.

"Can we start over?" Layton asks

"You will forever be my always." He answers before smashing his lips against hers.

The fervor, desire and thirst for one another had been as strong as ever. When the two finally pulled apart they were left breathless.

"I'm going home this weekend, come with me back to Lightwood Heights."

"I haven't been there in almost 4 years."

"All the more reason to go back now, plus I might have told Elle that you and I had reconnected and she's being dying to see you."

"From now on, where you go I go." She takes Kiandre's hand in hers and he brings it to his chest while kissing the top of her head.

That weekend at Lightwood Heights.

Kiandre and Layton walk hand in hand to the door step of his family home. Before they could even knock, Elle opened the door and ambushed Layton, pulling her into the biggest of hugs.

"I'm so glad you two found each other again." She squeals

"Not as happy as I am." Kiandre interject.

"Come everyone is waiting for you two in the kitchen." Elle pulls Layton along, leaving Kiandre to close the door behind them.

"Wow Layton, you look, just wow." Tyler stares in shock.

Leo hands his big brother a tissue.

"For the drool." He jokes and everyone shares a good laugh.

"Leo, you definitely are taking after your brothers. It's so nice to see you."

"We missed you around here Layton." He hugs her.

Behind the counter Clarice remained silent as though she felt uncomfortable.

"Hey mom." Kiandre greets her

"I need to say something." Clarice responds.

"Layton, Kiandre, I'm so sorry for the part I played in ending your'lls relationship, I'm sorry for the years apart you two spent because of me. I should have been better. I more than anyone know the importance of second chances, I'm really glad you two got one."

"Thank you Mrs. Jacobsen"

"Of course dear, now I prepared a hearty meal, let's all sit and have lunch."

And so they did. Laughter and good conversation flowed around the table. Layton felt right at home with the entire Jacobsen family and Kiandre was glad everyone got along- just like old times.

After lunch

"Let's go for a drive Bellissma."

The two hop into Kiandre's open topped convertible, Layton snuggled up next to him as he drove them to their destination.

They arrived at a canon, steep hills and a still river flowed ever so peacefully. Kiandre began to climb up a slop and Layton soon followed. He made it to the edge and took a seat.

"Join me love, the view is amazing."

"No way, I'm scared. Kiandre can you please move away from there." She begged

"I promise you will be okay, I'll somehow find a way to sprout wings and fly you to safety if need be." He reached out his hand for Layton and she joined him.

"This is the beginning of our forever, you're my whiskey in a teacup, the center of my gravity as they say. I can't promise not to hurt you as pain is necessary for growth but I do promise to never stop working for and towards our happiness."

"You weren't just my first choice, you were the only choice I'd ever accept, and you made your mark on my heart while burning your name into my soul. I love you Layton, always have and always will."

"Through chaos and it's mayhem I promise it'll be us against the world. You're the heart mine beats for, on the good days and even more on the bad ones you will always be my dream come true. Yes we lost our way but that was only to find each other once more, to return home and stay forever and you Kiandre make everything feel like home."

And with that they built a life that was loved just as much as they loved each other.