Page 65 of Learning Little Lizzie
“Every word. And I know we can get a little carried away with our own interests, but we’d love to hear about what you’re studying. Or, more importantly, whatever it is that’s making you happy these days.”
On a choked sob, Eliza threw her arms around her mother, and they both stumbled back from the force of it. Straight into her father, who laughed as he caught them both up in a hard embrace.
It was, hands down, the best visit she’d ever had with her parents. For the first time in a very long time, she opened up about her friends, her interests, even her diagnosis and how much she’d struggled over the years to feel deserving of their love. There were plenty of tears all around, but plenty of laughter, as well.
And for the first time in her memory, she wasn’t ready to leave at the end of the evening, which led to more tears as they hugged goodbye.
“Daddy?” She had to smother a yawn as he buckled her into her seat. “Can my Big Girl day be over now?”
Daddy’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Are you sure? You still have a few hours of naughty words left.”
“Super sure. Eliza has too many big feelings right now. I just wanna be Lizzie again.”
“Ahhh, I see.” Smiling indulgently, he ran a hand over her hair. “You can always be my baby, Lizzie. Daddy’s always here for you.”
“Yeah. I know. I kinda love that about you.” She swallowed hard when he froze, piercing her with that stormy gaze she was pretty sure she’d fallen in love with the very first time she’d seen him. “I kinda love everything about you, Samuel Eaton.”
“Good.” Leaning in, he pressed a long, slow kiss to her lips. “Because you’re stuck with me, Lizzie baby.”
“Promise?”
“Pinky promise.”
And she believed him.
The End
