And then I saw him.

Thomas, Ryan’s father, was settled in my rocking chair on the porch.

As he stood up, the chair groaned in protest. I exhaled sharply and sat down, trying to reclaim some peace.

Then—

CRACK.

The chair snapped beneath me.

I crashed to the ground, pain jolting through my spine. My breath caught.

Ryan ran over. “Lisa! Are you okay?”

That was the final straw.

“OUT!” I roared, my voice shaking the walls.

The next morning, I watched from the window as Ryan gathered his family in the guest room.

Guilt gnawed at me, but I forced it aside.

Stepping onto the porch, I found Ryan hunched over something.

My rocking chair—repaired.

He let out a sigh. “I know my family can be overwhelming. But I can fix what they mess up. We’ll leave tonight. I’m sorry.”

My throat tightened. “Don’t go. This… isn’t easy. But I love you. And they’re a part of you.”

Ryan studied me carefully. “Are you sure? Because they won’t make it easy.”

I let out a shaky laugh. “I’ll learn.”

He pulled me into his arms, and I let him.

Because love isn’t just about romance. It’s about embracing the chaos—and choosing to stay.