A Light in the Dark // Flicker Series Part I #wattys2019

Details

Chapter 51

Evie's POV // Details

My stomach fills with butterflies before Niall even says a word.

It's almost like I can sense that the house ahead on the left is our destination.

The street is mostly dark but that one is lit up, with smoke coming from the chimney and a lantern burning warmly out front.

It looks like you would imagine a mom's house to look.

It looks welcoming and it looks like coming home and I hope and pray that the warmth exuding from the appearance of the house is a nod to what I'll find inside.

"Here we are." He announces, pulling to a stop in front of the suspected house.

I unbuckle my seatbelt, swallowing hard and trying to stay calm.

Niall leans across the car, tilting my head up and kisses me —slowly and deeply. That's exactly what I needed. It always is. His kiss, his hand, his touch, his presence —is always, exactly what I need.

"Don't worry." He whispers in my ear as I see a gentle smile lingering on his lips.

I don't have much time for my nerves to return as we both look up to see Maura bolting out of the house. Her husband, Chris, hot on her heels with her jacket in his hands.

She tackles Niall the second he's out of the car, excitedly saying hello to him as Chris helps her into her jacket.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" She yells happily.

"Wanted to surprise you!" Niall says, smiling from ear to ear.

"Oh I'm so glad to have you home!" She gushes, hugging him tightly again.

"I wanted you to meet someone, as well." He smiles continuing to walk around to my side of the car as this look of pure excitement crosses Maura's face when she realizes i'm in the passengers seat.

I hadn't meant to wait for Niall to open my door, or sit here like a stalker watching them exchange greetings from the darkness of the car, but I think I was just frozen in my spot.

Just before Niall opens my door I wonder if I dive into the floorboard if they would forget I'm here.

Niall offers me his hand to help me out of the car, the look on his face silently encouraging me as I step out, and don't let his hand leave mine once I'm standing in the driveway.

"Hello!" I wave, smiling at Maura and Chris.

Maura looks as if she's about to burst with either excitement or tears and before a word or introduction can be said she wraps her arms around me in the tightest of hugs.