The Road Back
Before leaving, Lila stood beside Rowan once more.
She looked at the tattoo again.
“Are you still waiting?”
Rowan drew in a long breath.
For years, that question would have broken him.
Now, somehow, it steadied him.
“No,” he said quietly. “I think I’m ready to stop waiting.”
Lila smiled.
“Good. Daddy said you would know when it was time.”
Boone turned away, wiping his eyes.
Everett let out a short laugh, though it came out strained.
Marcus stared at the photograph like it was something sacred.
Marissa rested a hand on Lila’s shoulder.
“Come on, sweetheart.”
They made their way toward the door.
Before stepping outside, Lila turned back.
“He said you were still family.”
Rowan’s voice nearly gave out.
“Tell him we always were.”
Lila held his gaze for a moment.
Then she nodded, as if she understood something far beyond her years.
The bell rang as she and her mother left.
This time, no one followed them.
No one needed to.
