“I’m starting to believe that,” Cass says. Evie turns to him, and the two of them start up a conversation.
I stand there and watch as Dean leans against the fireplace, watching the two of them.
He notices me watching and gives me a soft smile.
Something happens at this moment. I realize that for the first time in my whole life, I think everything is going to be okay.
I can stand here and say that I trust these guys to love Harlow, to protect her, and to never cause her any heartache again. For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m no longer needed to guard Harlow from the monsters of the world because she’s proven to be stronger than she or I gave her credit for.
“You will always be needed, Queenie,”Harlow says from within our mind.“You are a part of me. You're woven into my soul. There is no me without you. I love you, Queenie. I owe you my life. You were there for me when I wasn’t strong enough to take the pain anymore. You protected me from the monsters of this world while making sure to rid them so I didn’t have to worry. You will always have a purpose. We all love you. Rosie, the guys, Sam, Evie. And most of all, me. So please, never leave me, don’t stay gone for long. This is our body, and you have every right to use it how you please, when you please.”
“Fuck, Harlow. Way to make my cold heart skip a beat,”I tell her, not sure how to deal with this lovey dovey bullshit. It’s why I’ve taken a step back and left it all to her.
Her laughter rings loud.“Thank you for pushing me to see what was in front of me. To help me see that I have people who think the world of me. It’s all I wanted for so long, and I still can't believe they're mine. After all these years, they are finally mine. You helped me make them work for it, to prove it, and I believe they did, do you?”
“I do,”I tell her.“I really do believe with every part of our heart and soul that they love you. They would die for you. Spend every day showing you just how much you own them. I know you're going to be in good hands, otherwise I’d never leave.”
“You better not leave. Please, Queenie, promise me you won't leave. I can't stand it if another person I love leaves me.”
Fuck. “Emotional manipulation much. Fine, fine. But I’m letting you live the life you were meant to have. You are in the driver's seat most of the time now. Are you okay with that?”
“Yes. As long as you're right there beside me.”She tells me.
“Always and forever, me and you. I’ll never fail you.”