Finding Hayes (Magnolia Falls #5)

by Laura Pavlov

To anyone who has ever felt judged, misunderstood, alone or not seen. This one is for you. I see you. XO

This kid was everybody’s kryptonite. “Let’s get you warmed up. How about some hot cocoa for our girl, Uncle Hayes?” Was he for real? She chuckled and then glanced over at me. “I could go for some cocoa.”

“But you, Shortcake, you were always different. You were a part of me in a way that I can’t even explain. I would do anything for you, but I also trusted that you would do anything for me. It went both ways. I leaned on you, I told you everything, shared my hopes and my fears, which I don’t usually do. So losing you—it hardened me in a lot of ways.”

I tried hard to block out how much it hurt. You were my person, and I was really lost without you for a long time, Hayes. I grieved the loss of our friendship in the most painful way,” she said, over a sob.

Maybe it was always you, and that’s why nothing else ever worked when you were gone. Maybe you’ve been what’s missing all along.”

I’m doing this because I can’t live without you. I don’t want to be friends who hook up. I want you to be mine. I want to grow old with you. I want to watch you chase your dreams and support you every step of the way. I want you, Sav. I want us.” I used the pads of my thumbs to swipe the falling tears away. “I want a life with you.”

“I’ll take that chance with you,” she whispered. “Because you are all I want, Hayes Woodson. You are all I need. You are enough.”