Once she’s all tucked in and sound asleep, Nate, Ben, Gabby and I all head over to the patio that’s connected to the guest house. It’s a beautiful outdoor space with a roof and open sides. There’s a grilling area that’s nicer than most of the kitchens I’ve been in, and a large stone fireplace on the side of the patio that’s opposite the house. Two love seats are positioned in front of the hearth; Ben and Gabby are all cuddled up in one, while Nate and I sit in the other, maybe an inch or so between us. I’m settled into the cushions and my eyes are closed. I love the tickle of the wind blowing strands of hair across my face, and I take long, deep breaths. I can’t remember the last time I’ve ever breathed like this. Like it’s something I want to do rather than need to do. “You really love this place, don’t you?” Ben asks. Gabby asked me the same thing yesterday, and I realize that I should probably be a little less obvious about it, lest one of the Wrights get worried that I’m going to want to stay forever.
