My bride

Chapter 5

Homecoming

The next morning, Jackson insisted on driving Summer back to her house. It had been a long while since she had visited her parents, and though she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, she trusted Jackson completely. The car ride was quiet at first, the soft hum of the engine and the distant city sounds filling the space between them. Jackson stole glances at her now and then, seeing the soft anticipation in her eyes, and he reached over to gently squeeze her hand.

“I’m glad you’re coming back here,” he said softly. “It’s… important, isn’t it?”

Summer nodded, her fingers tightening around his. “I’ve missed this place, and I’ve missed them. But more than that… I’ve missed feeling normal, even if just for a little while.”

Jackson’s eyes softened, and he gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. “Then let’s make today about that—just being home, together.”

When they arrived, the familiar building of her penthouse rose before them, evoking a rush of memories. The door opened, and there was her little sister, Angie, sitting outside on the steps with a book in her lap, just as Summer remembered. The moment Angie saw her, a smile broke across her face, and she leaped up, leaving the book behind.

Summer laughed softly, feeling warmth rush through her chest, and they embraced tightly, holding on as if to make up for all the time they had spent apart. “Angie! I’ve missed you so much,” Summer whispered, burying her face into her sister’s shoulder.

“I’ve missed you too!” Angie replied, her voice filled with happiness. She stepped back to look at Summer, eyes bright. “How have you been? How’s Jackson?”

Summer smiled, squeezing her sister’s hands. “I’ve been… okay. And Jackson’s been amazing. He’s been by my side through everything.”

Angie nodded knowingly, a soft smile touching her lips. “I’m glad. You deserve someone like him.”

Summer then asked about her parents. “Where are mom and dad?”

“They went to the store to check out something,” Angie explained. “But they’ll be back soon. You must be tired after all the hospital visits and everything.”

Summer nodded and took a moment to absorb the quiet peace of her home. It felt comforting, grounding. She decided to tour the house briefly, taking in the familiar rooms, the subtle changes, and the memories that lingered in every corner. The living room was just as she remembered, the kitchen still smelled faintly of her mother’s cooking, and the hallway was lined with family photos capturing moments she had cherished. Each photograph reminded her of laughter, birthdays, and ordinary days she had longed to relive—days before fear and illness clouded her life.

Finally, she went straight to her room, slipping inside and closing the door softly behind her. She sank onto her bed, feeling the exhaustion from the last few days wash over her. The quiet of her room enveloped her, giving her a moment to breathe. As she rested, she thought about how much she had missed the comfort of her family and her home. Even the gentle creak of the floorboards beneath her steps felt familiar, grounding her in the certainty of belonging.

Suddenly, she heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up outside. Her heart leapt. She knew immediately it was her parents returning. She rose from the bed, smoothing her hair and straightening her dress, before going downstairs to wait for them at the door.

When her mother stepped out of the car, the first thing she saw was her daughter, tired yet lovely, standing there with a soft smile. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world fell away. Tears began to roll down both their cheeks, the pent-up emotions of worry, love, and longing finding release.

Summer’s mother hurried forward, opening her arms wide. Summer ran into them, letting herself be enveloped in the familiar warmth and protection that only a mother could provide. “My baby,” her mother whispered, her voice breaking, “I’ve missed you so much.”

Summer clung to her, pressing her face against her mother’s shoulder, feeling the love and relief in the embrace. Her mother’s hands traced the lines of her face and shoulders, taking in every detail as if she could memorize her once again. The tears fell freely now, mixing together as they held each other, a silent promise that they were together again.

At that moment, her father parked the car and walked toward them, his presence steady and reassuring. Seeing his family together, he felt the weight of worry lift slightly, replaced with gratitude. He met their eyes, nodded, and gestured for them to come inside the house. “Let’s get you both inside,” he said warmly, his voice calm but filled with love.

Summer and her mother, still holding hands, followed him into the house. The familiar scent of home, the walls that had witnessed her childhood, and the warmth of family filled her heart. Even though she was exhausted, even though her illness made her fragile, being back here, surrounded by those who loved her most, made her feel alive and protected.

Inside, the house buzzed softly with life. Angie followed close behind, glancing at Summer with adoration and concern in equal measure. Jackson, standing slightly to the side, smiled quietly, watching the reunion with a mixture of pride and relief. He could see the joy and love radiating from Summer’s family, and he felt an even stronger determination to protect and cherish her.

Summer looked around, taking in the sight of her parents, her sister, and the house she had longed to see again. Her chest swelled with emotion, gratitude, and love. The world outside could wait, the chaos could pause, because in this moment, she was home, she was safe, and she was surrounded by the people who mattered most. And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to truly breathe and just be, letting the warmth of family embrace her fully.

Yet as she settled into the familiar embrace of home, a small shadow of worry flickered across her mind. Even though Jackson had been her anchor, even though her family surrounded her, she knew that the world outside was still unpredictable. And in that quiet awareness, a sense of unease began to stir—a reminder that even the safest places could not shield her from the challenges still waiting just beyond these walls.

And somewhere, beyond the comforting lights and laughter, the next storm was quietly gathering.