𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚢 𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚎

Walking through the doors of Linda's household is an exciting yet nerve wracking experience. After the emotional moment I just shared with my own parents, I'm anxious to see what path this dinner will take. I'm trying to let go of my pain and allow my happiness to radiate.

"Sorry if we're a few minutes late, Hope was finishing getting ready." Grayson announces once we step into the dining room.

"No worries, sweetheart. The food is ready now." Lisa comes over to us, planting a kiss on her son's cheek.

"Nice to see you again, Lisa. Thank you so much for having me over." I send her my warmest smile.

"It was our pleasure. We haven't seen Grayson this over the moon about a girl in ages, it's so nice to see him happy again." She pulls me into a hug, which I return.

"There's that beautiful girl!" Linda is the next to embrace me. I'm feeling all of the love this family is giving off. It's almost as if I'm part of it.

"Hi Linda, how are you?" I can't help but let out a laugh. She's the cutest old lady I have ever seen.

"I'm great, dear. Look at you, all grown up and as gorgeous as ever." She places her hands on my cheeks, giving them an endearing squeeze.

"Thank you, you're too sweet." I smile down at her.

"I remember watching you and your brother run around your front yard, playing kick ball and hide and seek. You two were very rambunctious kids."

"Yes, we certainly were." I rub my lips together, recalling the memory.

"Why don't we sit down at the table, I'm sure everyone is starving." Lisa helps her mother to a chair, while Grayson and I walk further into the room.

Mr. Dolan stands up and extends his hand out to me. "I don't believe we officially met. I'm Sean."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Hope." I reintroduce myself.

"I know, Grayson is always speaking so highly of you." He smiles before sitting back down.

"So I've heard." I glance back at my boyfriend, and his entire face is turning red.

"Hey Hope." Ethan speaks up, grabbing my attention.

"Ethan, hi. Nice to see you again." I take a seat at the table, Grayson sitting directly next to me.

"I just wanted to send my condolences about your brother. We didn't know him, but from what I heard around town, he was a real rockstar." Ethan says to me, causing my heart rate to slightly increase.

"Oh, thank you." I lowly speak.

"We heard about the latest news update. How awful, your poor family has been through enough." Linda sighs.

"Yeah, it's been tough, but I appreciate your support." I gulp.

"Did you know the boy who is being charged for this death?" Sean asks, almost scared to bring the topic up.

"Yes, Kyle used to be a good friend of my brother. It's crazy how people can change."

"And just finding this out after your accident. I bet it's overwhelming." Lisa shakes her head.

"Yeah, it is. I've been through a lot this past year, but I'm lucky to be alive. And to be here with all of you." I hold onto Grayson's hand and give it a squeeze. He sends me a wide smile.

Lisa comes around and puts chicken and vegetables around the table, allowing each of us to help ourselves. I happily fill my plate with food, smelling the delicious aroma that is spreading around the room.

"I love the sunflower in your hair." Linda speaks up.

"Thank you, Grayson gave it to me." I smile back at him.

"My grandson, such a gentleman." The woman grins.

"He is." I beam from ear to ear.

"Where did you get it?" Lisa asks.

"Oh, I found it." Grayson casually shrugs.

"It's pretty." Sean compliments while taking a bite from his chicken.

I can't help but smirk back at Grayson, who holds the same facial expression as me.

"Well, it truly is a miracle for you both to be alive and extremely healthy. The doctors said there was no chance of you waking up, and I am so glad you proved them wrong." Lisa continues, flashing us an endearing smile.

"We're thankful everyday." Grayson nods his head.

"It's crazy to think that happened to us." I agree while taking a sip from the glass of water that is placed in front of me.

"You two have been inseparable since waking up." Ethan points out, a smug grin is plastered across his face.

"Well, we realized how much we missed out on this summer." Grayson says while turning to look at me.

"Yeah, and we were fortunate enough to have a redo at life. Why would we want to waste any time?"

"I think that's an amazing and inspiring way to look at it." Sean says with a smile.

"They are inspirations. I mean, who really survives being in a coma for that long without any brain injuries?" Ethan shakes his head in disbelief.

I ask myself the same thing every single day. It's all thanks to Hunter that Grayson and I are able to live our best lives. He continues to save me no matter what the circumstances are.

"So, Hope, what are your plans once summer ends? Grayson mentioned that you aren't attending college." Lisa speaks up.

My stomach begins to turn as my eyes slightly widen. Grayson clears his throat, almost like he didn't want his mother to mention anything to me.

"I didn't apply to colleges during my senior year. I fell into a deep depression after I lost my brother and I simply felt like I didn't have a purpose anymore." I speak the sad but honest truth. Lisa's eyes show how sad my words make her feel.

"How do you feel about college now? Still the same?" Sean presses the topic.

"I think education is important, and I'm considering going back eventually." My stomach is still turning with nerves.

"And Grayson, how do you feel about school?" His father randomly turns the conversation onto him.

He looks taken back by his words. "Uh, well, these last few years school hasn't really been for me. You guys know that."

"So, you both wouldn't mind taking a gap year?" Lisa's words almost allow me to choke on my dinner.

"A gap year? Well, I was already planning on taking one." I say.

"What about a gap year in Europe?" Sean's voice booms through me.

"Wait, what?" I gasp while looking at Grayson. His jaw is hanging low in surprise.

"What are you guys talking about?" My boyfriend asks.

"Oh, quit teasing. Just ask them already." Ethan rolls his eyes.

"My boss has a three month trip to Europe that is booked, paid for, and has an itinerary all planned out. It was for him and his wife, but their son recently fell ill and has been stationed in the hospital. He asked if I knew anyone that would be willing to go." Lisa explains with a happy smile.

"So, what do you both say? Would you like to spend three months traveling Europe?" Sean finishes the proposition for his wife.

"Are you guys joking?" Grayson is skeptical.

"Nope, they're serious." Ethan confirms.

"They've been waiting all day to ask you." Linda chimes in.

"How much would we owe your boss?" I immediately ask Lisa.

"Nothing, all he wants is somebody to take his place so he can look after his son during a difficult time. He said it was a shame to waste such a beautiful trip, he didn't want to cancel." She replies.

"So, we get to go to Europe for free? Doesn't seem right." Grayson gulps.

"My boss and his wife are very big travelers. They had everything planned out including tickets for events, dinner reservations, activities around the cities. When I mentioned you two and told him about your recovery, he was more than happy to hand over his plane tickets."

"When would we leave?" My heart is beating a mile a minute.

"Next Saturday."

"Holy shit, that's in a week." Grayson shouts.

"Do you have a passport, Hope?" Sean looks back at me.

"Surprisingly, yes. My parents wanted me to have extra identification after Hunter's passing."

"So, what do you guys think? Do you want to do it?" Ethan eagerly asks.

Grayson and I look at each other at the same time. I can't believe this is a real opportunity that is presenting itself to us.

"I would love too." I finally say.

"Are you sure this is real?" He keeps asking.

"Yes, one hundred percent." Lisa beams from ear to ear. "We want you two to live your second chance at life to the fullest. This will be the best thing for you both."

"This is incredible!" I squeal with excitement, letting the news sink in.

"You start the trip spending five weeks in Italy. From there you will travel to London, and then Ireland. You will also make it to France and then ending the trip in Spain."

My jaw hangs low as the loud gasp escapes my lips. "No way, that sounds amazing."

"I can't believe you guys are serious. Wait, you actually trust me that much to travel all the way to Europe?" Grayson's voice is filled with excitement.

"You're going to be twenty. We know you have matured and we do trust you. Plus, Hope will keep you in line. I see how happy she makes you." Lisa reaches across the table and places her hand over mine.

"She makes me so happy, she means everything to me." Grayson turns to look at me. His lips automatically kiss my cheek, and I blush at the contact of it.

"And your son is my literal saving grace. He came into my life at a time where I truly needed him." I turn to look at Grayson, placing my hand on his chest. "I love you."

"I love you too, H. I can't believe we're going to travel the world together." His happy smile reflects my own.

"You guys deserve it." Ethan says while grinning.

"I'm not sure if they told you yet, but I already mentioned it to your parents." Lisa's words continue to shock me.

"Wait, what? You spoke to my parents about this?" My eyes widen.

"After thinking it over, they thought it was an amazing opportunity. I just wanted them to know it was safe." She says with a nod.

"Thank you so much for this. This is the most remarkable news of my life." I place my hand over my heart and press my palm against my beating chest.

A few tears prick my eyes as I think about spending these next few months traveling with Grayson. We get to create new memories and learn even more about each other. Now I truly know what living your best and happiest life feels like.

-

next chapter is the last, then the epilogue will be posted ❤️