Chapter 17
The next day, Devin and Grace headed to his parents’ place.
They met at the toast yesterday, but with everyone around, they didn’t have a chance to chat.
The family get-together was buzzing today, and his parents were all over Grace, chatting away.
With Devin there, she felt right at home, the nerves just melting away.
After a decade with the Kaufman family, Grace was no stranger to fancy events. She was a pro at navigating social situations and had Devin’s parents laughing non-stop.
By the time they said goodbye, Devin’s mother, Madison Hester, was reluctant to part with Grace, inviting her back
soon.
Grace promised to visit, told them to take care, and then they hit the road.
On the drive back, Devin was driving, curious how she was feeling.
With the window down, she soaked in the evening breeze, feeling totally chill for the first time that day.
“It was great. We had a nice chat and the food was delicious. The only bummer is that it went by too fast, and I’m a bit sad to say goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Hudson.”
“Mr. and Mrs. Hudson?” Devin echoed, puzzled.
Grace caught herself, quickly fixing her slip. “I mean, Madison and Leon. I really hit it off with them. Can we swing by more often?”
Devin’s eyes crinkled up in a smile. “As long as you’re happy, that’s all that counts. They adore you, just like I said.”
Grace let out a hearty chuckle, about to say more when her phone cut in.
She almost hung up, thinking it was Antonio, but then she saw it was Daisy and answered.
“Grace, Zander told me that you moved because of a wedding. Why do you keep it a secret? I got you a gift. Are you free tomorrow to hang out?”
At the Kaufman’s home, Daisy was one of the few friends Grace had. She was fond of Daisy, who was only in her early twenties. Without a second thought, she agreed to have a meal with Daisy the next day.
After they settled on a spot, she filled Devin in.
Devin was cool with it. He asked for the details and offered to drive her there.
Grace felt a bit awkward about it and tried to say no.
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Chapiti 17
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But at a red light, Devin turned to her with a shrug. “Don’t worry about bothering me. We just got hitched, and I’m on a break. What else am I supposed to do? Plus, once you’re done with dinner tomorrow, I thought we could go on a date and get to know each other better.”
That put Grace at case.
They chatted about their plans, and by the time they pulled into their place, it was 9 p.m.
Grace took a shower and then chilled with a book for a while before heading to bed when Devin walked in.
The room went dark, with just the bedside lamp casting a soft light.
They lay there, chatting up again.
Devin shared some hilarious stories from his childhood that had her laughing her head off.
She was laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach and wave for him to stop.
He took her hand, tucked it under the covers, and whispered a good night.
The room went quiet.
With the sound of his steady breathing and the warmth of his touch, Grace felt her heart settle.
Remembering the day’s fun and seeing the peaceful face next to her, she felt at home in a way she hadn’t for ages.
It had been three years since her mom passed away, and now, in this new home, Grace felt that long-lost feeling of se- curity again.