He Lost Me to His Best Friend novel Chapter 1013

A beat of silence hung on the line before a low, steady chuckle came through.

"Yeah, Mom. I am."

Hearing that, Jacqueline clutched the phone to her chest and broke into violent, happy sobs, entirely unable to form another word.

Seeing her mother in such a state, Scarlett immediately wrapped her arms around her.

"Come on, Mom," she teased gently. "You used to be so fierce and unstoppable. When did you get so sentimental? Zachary coming home is the best news ever, and look at you, crying your eyes out."

Scarlett took the phone back and spoke into the receiver, her voice bright. "Zachary, let us know your flight details. Julian and I will come pick you up at the airport."

Having finally caught her breath, Jacqueline hurriedly chimed in, "Me too! I'm going too. I haven't seen my son in years. I have to be there."

Suddenly, a little voice piped up from below.

"Dawn wants to go too!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Jacqueline swooped down and scooped the little girl into her arms. "Yes, yes, of course! Our little Dawn is going to help us bring Uncle Zachary home, aren't you? Oh, this is wonderful. Our whole family is finally going to be together!"

Dawn, who was picking up new phrases faster every day, threw her little arms in the air and cheered, "Bring Uncle home! Bring Uncle home!"

Her sweet, innocent excitement brought another round of laughter to the room. Even over the phone, Zachary let out a warm, affectionate chuckle.

"Alright then," he said. "Tell Dawn her uncle is bringing her a lot of presents. I'll see you all tomorrow."

"You got it!" Scarlett beamed. "See you tomorrow!"

When the call ended, Jacqueline slumped into a chair, the tears flowing freely once more. Scarlett knew her mother had kept her pain and longing bottled up for years; the dam had finally burst.

"Don't mind us!" Jacqueline called out. "You two do whatever you need to do!"

Scarlett stared after her mother, completely speechless at how quickly she had cleared the room.

Julian, catching the rosy tint on Scarlett's cheeks, didn't hesitate. He swept her up into his arms and carried her straight to the bedroom.

That night, they didn't sleep until the early hours of the morning, finally drifting off in a state of exhausted bliss.

When Scarlett woke the next day, every muscle in her body felt beautifully sore. She barely had the energy to sit up.

Julian gently scooped her against his chest, wrapping his strong arms around her in a protective embrace.

Scarlett leaned into him, stifling a lazy yawn. "What time is it?"

"Ten past seven. You can sleep for another twenty minutes. I'll wake you at seven-thirty."