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“It’s always a competition.”
I laughed and then sobered. “I honestly thought you’d welcome a puppy. You’re in the right place for one.”
“And you’re not?”
I shook my head. “You know I’m not. Things aren’t settled. I don’t know what’s going to happen between me and Holly. I know what I want—”
“But you can’t control other people and what happens.”
I swallowed hard. “I learned that lesson when I was eighteen.”
Sebastian tipped his head. “You know those were unique circumstances. It doesn’t mean she’s going to push you away again.”
“Logically, I know that, but I still worry.”
“Only time will tell if she has staying power.”
“I’d like to think we’ll be together next year. Hopefully, officially living together and planning a future.” Was it premature to have those thoughts?
“I want that for you.”
I wanted it more than anything. My chest was overflowing with love for Holly and hope for the future. But a part of me was afraid to look too far ahead.
“It will work out how it’s meant to.” Sebastian nodded toward Dancer. “Thanks for the puppy. She’s the perfect addition to the family.”
“Happiness looks good on you, brother,” I said to him.
Sebastian smiled, looking more relaxed than I’d ever seen him. “Everything’s finally coming together. It didn’t happen until I stopped fighting it, though.”
Ember appeared in front of us with a toy still encased in its packaging. “Can you open this?”
“I’ll need scissors for this,” Sebastian said as he got up to go into the kitchen, and Ember followed him.
I wanted to talk to Sebastian more about what he meant, but it wasn’t the right time. This morning was for family and happiness. I shouldn’t be worried about the worst-case scenarios or what-ifs. For now, I was happy with how things were with Holly, and I hoped it would continue.
What else could I do?
My phone buzzed, and it was an image of Holly smiling in front of what looked like her mother’s tree, full of her ornaments. She was gorgeous, her eyes sparkling like the lights on the tree. I quickly saved it to my background on my phone.
“Is Holly coming over later?” Hanna asked as she sat next to me.
“She’ll be at dinner tonight.”
“We missed her this morning.”
“She wanted some alone time with her mother. Last night, her mother’s new boyfriend was there.”
Hanna sucked in a breath. “Was she okay with that?”
“It was a surprise.” But I had faith that she’d get used to the idea. I was positive Holly wanted her mother to be happy.
“Holly’s one of the strongest women I know. After what she went through with her father and the baby, I think she has trouble trusting people and circumstances.”
“You think she doesn’t trust that we’ll last?”
Hanna’s expression was serious. “I think it’s hard for her. With time, she’ll see that you two are perfect for each other, and you’re not going anywhere.”
I thought she would have known that at eighteen. “I hope you’re right.”
