Chapter 26: Chapter 26

I counted how many pairs of socks I had laid out before putting them into the suitcase. I had already packed both Marco and Lark’s bags and now was packing my own. We’re leaving later tonight after dinner, so I only have so long to get packed before our flight and leave myself enough time to make dinner. 

 

“How are you feeling, Larky?” I looked over at him. He was sitting on the bed in my room, playing on his tablet. “How’s your ear?”

 

“Better. No pain.” He didn’t look up at me as he spoke.

 

“That’s good to hear. I’m glad you’re feeling better, little one.” I reached over to rub his head.

 

“Are you ready to go on the plane?”

 

“I guess.” He set his tablet to the side, looking up at me. “Where are we going?”

 

“Denver. That’s where I’m from, Larky. Your daddy says I might even get to go see my family while I’m out there.”

 

“You have a daddy too?”

 

I laughed, nodding. “I do, but he’s not nearly as good as yours.” It hurt to admit how true that was. “I’m just gonna see my mom and my siblings, though. My dad lives in farther away.”

 

“Can I meet them?”

 

I smiled. “Maybe someday, Larky.” If your dad and I end up together. I thought to myself.

---

After Marco got home from work, we had dinner and then headed to the airport. I told him at the airport that I hated flying, so he gave me some Dramamine like my dad used to before flights. He always said he’d help knock me out, though I’ve never successfully fallen asleep on a plane before.

 

We were now on the plane, waiting to take off. Lark was already asleep in my lap, as it was already past his bedtime.

 

“I’ve never been in first class before.” I looked over at Marco, who was turning off his phone.

 

“It’s much more comfortable.” He nodded, smiling over at me. “How are you doing?”

 

“I’m nervous, but I’ll be fine.” I shook my head, not wanting him to worry about me too much. He was kind enough to give me the window seat.

 

“You will.” Marco took my hand. “You should try to get some rest once we get into the air. We’ll be landing pretty late, and I don’t think I can carry the both of you.”

 

I laughed quietly. “Probably not, no. So I’ll try to fall asleep.”

 

He squeezed my hand gently.

 

Eventually, we got off the runway and into the air. I did my best to keep my eyes shut and get some sleep. Apparently, I even fell asleep, waking up again at the ping to put on our seatbelts for a landing.

---

   We got to the hotel early in the morning. We rested for a couple of hours before Marco had to leave for his meeting. He kissed both of us on the foreheads, saying he’ll be back later and to just enjoy the hotel room and rest up.

 

“Lili.” Lark moved in the bed to crawl up to lay on the pillow next to me. “Are you going to be my new mommy?”

 

My eyes widened at his question. I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been thinking about a future with Wolfe, but to have his son ask me, it made it more real. “I don’t know, Larky. I--I hope so.” 

 

He smiled a sleepy smile at me, crawling into my arms. “Nap time?”

 

I laughed. “Nap time.”

---

We were woken up as the hotel door was opened. Marco smiled at us. “You two look comfortable. Sorry for waking you up.”

 

“It’s okay.” I smiled back at him, stretching as Lark got up and walked to the edge of the bed to greet his dad.

 

“Hey, Lark.” Marco picked him up and kissed him on the top of his head. “Are you two ready for lunch?”

 

“I am.” I nodded while yawning.

 

“Me too!” Lark seemed to get excited by the notion. 

 

We got ready for a few minutes and then headed out of the hotel room and down to the lobby for some lunch. We settled down and started talking. Marco, knowing I’m from here, asked what sights we should see around her. I recommended my favorite spot: Lookout Mountain.

---

After a decently long drive from the hotel, we arrived at Lookout Mountain. We were standing at one of the viewing points, looking out over the city of Golden. 

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“I’ve got to admit; it’s very beautiful.” Marco casually leaned against the railing.

 

I peeled my eyes away from him to look over at the city. “Compared to you? Nah.”

 

He chuckled. “A charmer. Did you come here often when you lived here?”

 

“Well, when I was younger, I used to. Back before my dad became a raging alcoholic.”

 

“You’ve never mentioned that before.” Marco looked over at me sympathetically. 

 

“I try not to burden others with my tragic tale.” I shrugged casually. 

 

“I won’t mind hearing it.”

 

I took a deep breath, looking back out at the landscape. “Short version: dad became a drunk after his dad died. Mom thought he’d get better so she stuck with him after a D.U.I. until I finally told her that all of us kids were terrified of him and that he made our lives a hell. She eventually ended things with him and he moved out of our lives. That’s mostly it.” I glanced back over at Marco who watched me sadly.

 

“I apologize for your dad’s actions, Lili.”

 

“I wish he had.” I scoffed, before shaking my head. “It’s fine. Just the way I grew up.” I shrugged, shifting my hold on Lark.

 

We sat in silence for a few moments, before I finally spoke up again. “You know, when I was younger, I always wanted to be proposed to here. I thought it would be the most romantic spot.”

 

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I looked over to see Marco smiling widely.

 

I rolled my eyes. “Better not have a ring on you, Mr. Wolfe.”

 

“I would never.” He chuckle, before pulling something out of his jacket pocket. “It may not be a ring, but hopefully, it’ll do.”

 

“You didn’t.” I didn’t reach out to take it.

 

“I did. And I insist.” He motioned for me to take it again.

 

I sighed, reaching over to take it before opening it, seeing a beautiful, no doubt diamond, bracelet. “It’s…beautiful, Marco.”

 

“I’m glad to see you like it.” Marco took Lark from me, so I could look at it more closely.

 

“I’ve never had anything like that. Thank you, Marco. Really. I don’t know how to thank you properly for something as special as this.”

 

“No need.” He shook his head. “Unless you’d really like to. Then I can think of something.” He watched me with a smirk. “I’ll put it on you once we get to the car. Are you ready to go?”

 

I nodded, and we headed to the car, Lark holding one of each of our hands.

 

“I’m glad I found you, Lili.” Marco looked over at me. “And…” He trailed off, taking a deep breath .”I apologize for how I acted when we first met. You had every right to hate me.”

 

“Well, I’m just glad things worked out.”

 

“I am too.” He smiled. 

---

After getting back from a nice dinner, we put Lark to sleep in the other bedroom. I had never stayed at such a nice hotel before, and between the large rooms and the food, I felt pretty damn lucky.

 

I removed my makeup and got ready for bed before walking out of the bathroom. Marco was already in the bed, shirtless, reading something off of his phone. Seeing me, he put his phone away and smiled at me. “Ready for bed?”

 

“Yep.” I nodded.

 

“Come here then.” He patted the bed. Once I crawled in under the covers, he pulled me against his chest and kissed my forehead. “You’re amazing.”

 

I smiled up at him, moving in to kiss him on the lips before moving back with a smile. “You’re amazing too, Marco.”

---

 

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