Out of Sight

by Cleo White

“That you're into me because I'm a gorgeous little cocktease half your age?”

“Yes. Because no, that's not why I'm in...

“To answer your question, no, I don't particularly care. I'd rather it not come out before Reuben and Evie's wedding to spare them the drama, but I won't keep my hands off you to spare feelings.”

I've spent twenty-three years putting up walls that this man has managed to demolish in three days.

He sees me, all of me, and if he decides to walk away after I give him this last piece of myself, I'm sure I'll never recover.

“You're not broken, sweetheart. You're a fucking miracle, and I'm going to prove it over and over again until you believe me. Starting now.”

I’m spread out, nearly naked, at the edge of a massive white bed, and my sister’s future father-in-law is giving me a dirty doctor exam. Holy hell.

I feel so good, relaxed and happy, and hopeful. I'm out of control, completely disconnected from the person I've been trying to be for so long, and it's exhilarating.

Judah has gotten to know me better in five days than my mother has in twenty-three years.

"I told you to shut up, Mom. I would rather be an emotional, anxious wreck every day of my life than be like you, and guess what else? I didn't have to tell Judah a single thing about you for him to see what kind of a person you are. He hates you because of you, not because of me."

"You're the best of us." She gives me a sad little smile. “Me, Mom, and Dad—we don't know how to stop. We have no idea how to connect. It took Reuben four years to convince me to go out with him because I was so focused on school. Four years. I'm so sorry you were stuck with us for your family.”

“You’re mine now. Do you hear me, sweetheart? Mine. I'll want you until they put me in the ground. Do you believe me?"

“I’m going to get you pregnant,” he whispers, voice rough with emotion. “Going to give you a family, Issy. A real family. I’ve always wanted that, and I think you have too. So, we’re going to make one together.” He's right.

“I’m in love with you. Like, really in love with you.” I laugh some more, staring up into Judah's face. He looks like I'm feeling: awed.

“I’m in love with you too, Issy,” Judah murmurs when we finally break apart, pressing his forehead to mine. “All that shit? School and work and your family? We will figure it out. I want you as is.” He's right. Who we are and the things we want, those are the most important. Everything else is just details.

Isobel Bradley has given me everything—her love, her trust, her future, and it's me who shouldn't feel worthy.