Luna🌙

Jamie Fox singing "fuck you" plays through the phone and wakes me up from sleep. Reluctantly I pick up to hear my ex immediately apologizing for what he said and asking to talk in person. When I say no he snaps and I hang up instantly. I'm not putting up with that this early in the morning.

Pulling the phone away from my ear, I look at it to find a text from my aunt confirming today's lunch plans. Since it is our last day here, Carter and I are going out to eat with my Aunt Dina. But since we have absolutely no engagements before then, I am going to take this time to relax after the week we've been through.

I start with a nice warm bubble bath, surprisingly not being interrupted by Carter. Soft music plays through my phone speakers as I close my eyes and succumb to the warm water and thick bubbles. I wish I could stay like this forever, but eventually, the water cools and the bubbles dissipate reminding me that I need to get out of the tub.

After cleaning up, I wrap a towel around me and step out of the bathroom. Taking my time I get dressed, moisturizing my body, washing my face, and brushing my teeth before finally slipping on my clothes. I put on one of Carter's shirts that I stole and tuck it into a maxi skirt before slipping on sneakers.

When I step out of my bedroom, Carter's door is still closed so I decide to go downstairs and grab a snack then head to the backyard. I take off my shoes before stepping off the steps and into my sand. As I walk towards the shore, my mind drifts to memories of me and my dad coming here every summer.

The cool breeze comes in from the ocean, blowing my curls into my face. It's when I feel another presence do I turn around to find Carter. Immediately, I feel his love and warmth as he wraps his arms around me.

"My Dad would take me here every summer," I sigh, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head on his chest. "This was our happy place. We would talk about anything and everything. The last time we came here was right before he deployed. He left the next week and came back months later in a coffin."

Without a word, Carter pulls me closer and wipes the tears that have fallen from my eyes. Then he cups my neck and places a gentle kiss on my forehead and nose. I physically relax into his touch. He stares at me with a soft sympathetic smile on his face. It's times like these when I'm reminded of how hot he is.

Our moment is interrupted by Carter's phone going off in his pocket. Instantly he steps back and pulls out his phone checking the caller ID.

"It's your Aunt," he says answering the phone and putting it on speaker.

"Hello?" I greet.

"Hey, Luna! I was trying to call you but, I couldn't get your phone," she starts. "I know we confirmed lunch at 3, but I was thinking we could eat at Landon's restaurant."

Even better. "Sounds great, Aunt Dina, we'll see you soon."

We say our goodbyes and Carter hangs up, turning to me and lacing his fingers through mine, pulling me back towards the house. After grabbing our stuff, we leave and head to Uncle Landon's restaurant so we can eat lunch. My aunt is already waiting at a booth when we step in.

Unable to contain my excitement, I pull away from Carter and rush up to my Aunt as she stands and meets me for a hug. I haven't seen her in so long and I hate that I've gone this long without seeing her.

"It's been so long," she sighs holding me tighter. "You've grown up so much. I've missed you."

"I've missed you too."

With another small squeeze, she lets me go and slides into the chair. I slide in next followed by Carter.

"You have to visit your family for Christmas. Your other Aunts, Uncles, cousins, plus grandma and grandpa have all been asking about you."

I sigh and look down at the table. I haven't seen my family in so long, I shouldn't have left them for so long. When Dad died I just let things fall off with them and I wish I didn't.

"I would love to see everyone again," I tell my aunt.

She smiles at me before finally shifting her attention to Carter. "And you must be the very handsome Carter. You did good Luna."

"Carter and I are just..." I let my words hang because I don't really know what we are.

Thankfully Uncle Landon approaches the table with an assortment of foods that he places in front of us. Then he takes the seat next to my aunt and I can't stop the smile on my face. I always knew it.

"Your uncle and I are together," my aunt blurts. "We actually eloped."

Eloped? I did not see that coming.

"That's not how I expected to give the news," Uncle Landon chuckles nervously.

"When?" I question, unable to contain my excitement. "How long?"

"We got married five years ago. And we were together for two years before then."

Have I really been gone for that long? I think about the time frame and realize that Dad was alive when they were together. "Did Dad know?" I ask.

Uncle Landon nods and takes a sip of his drink. "You're father told me a few things before he died. He said he loved you and his family. And he told me to look after you and his sister. It was really hard to keep things from him."

That is true. I know firsthand because I was never able to get away with anything.

With happy tears filling my eyes, I clear my throat and attempt to blink them back. I'm really tired of crying.
Wiping my tears, I change the subject, telling Carter all the crazy things my dad would do as we eat our lunch. As we recount the memories, I realize how similar Carter and my father are. I think Dad would've really liked him.

I know I do.