I climbed out of the truck on legs that weren't entirely steady, pausing to wave before heading up my porch steps. He waited until I was inside, until I'd turned on the lights and moved past the window where he could see me, before finally pulling away.
I watched his taillights disappear down the gravel road, my hand pressed to the glass, my heart full to bursting. My phone buzzed before I'd even made it to the couch.
Oliver: Made it home. Still thinking about the greenhouse. Still thinking about you.
Then, seconds later:
Levi: Oliver's floating. Like, literally floating. What did you DO to him?
Garrett: He won't stop smiling. It's weird. But good weird.
Micah: I hope the gardens were satisfactory. Oliver spent considerable time trying to figure the best place to take you today.
I laughed, a real, full laugh that echoed through my empty cabin and curled up on my couch with my phone clutched to my chest. Maybe empty wasn't the right word anymore. Maybe the space was just... waiting. For the right people to fill it. I typed back a response to all of them, something light and teasing that made my smile widen even as I sent it. Then I set my phone aside, looked around at my carefully reorganized cabin, and felt something settle deep in my chest.
I had to tried to push them away…and they still came to me. It showed me that they really wanted me. Maybe I need to try to push these thoughts away. I know it was easier said than done. I can only go one day at a time and just hope they would be there at the end of this.
Chapter 40
Daphne
Islept better that night than I had in weeks. No tossing and turning, no waking up at two in the morning with the desperate need to reorganize something. Just deep, dreamless sleep that wrapped around me like a warm blanket and held me until the morning sun crept through my curtains. When I finally opened my eyes, it took me a moment to remember why I felt so... light. Then the memories came flooding back. The botanical garden. The greenhouse. Oliver's arms around me, solid and warm. The way he'd saidpacklike it was a promise and a prayer all at once.
I stretched lazily, a smile tugging at my lips before I could stop it. My phone was still on the nightstand where I'd left it after falling asleep mid-text-conversation with the guys. I reached for it, scrolling through the messages I'd missed.
Levi: She fell asleep on us, didn't she?
Garrett: Let her rest. She had a big day.
Oliver: Goodnight, Daphne. Sweet dreams.
Those had all been from last night after I fell asleep then this morning around six I got another one.
Micah: Good morning. I hope you got sleep and have a good day. It is supposed to be nice today with a chance of rain this evening.
I laughed softly at Micah's text. Of course he'd checked the weather for me. He'd found a way to be thoughtful without being intrusive, offering information I might find useful without any expectation attached. They were all like that, I was beginning to realize. Each of them showed care in different ways. The thought should have terrified me. It would have sent me spiraling into panic, rebuilding every wall I'd ever constructed. This morning, lying in my bed with sunlight warming my face and their messages glowing on my screen, it just felt... right. Maybe the talk last night with Oliver helped more than I thought.
I typed back a response to the group chat:Sorry for falling asleep on you all. Apparently botanical gardens are exhausting. Micah, thanks for the weather report. I think I will work in the garden today.
The replies came almost instantly.
Levi: SHE LIVES! Good morning, sunshine!
Garrett: Need any help? I've got the morning free.
Micah: I could assist as well. I may not know a lot about gardening but I am willing to learn.
Oliver: Glad you slept well. You deserved the rest.
I stared at Garrett's and Micah's messages for a long moment. My first instinct was to decline, to insist I could handle it myself, to maintain the careful distance I'd cultivated for so long. Then I thought about what Oliver had said yesterday. About letting them in. About figuring things out together, one day at a time.
Two of them at once. That was... a lot. Maybe that was exactly what I needed. To see how they worked together. To see how I fit with more than one of them at a time.
Sure,I typed before I could talk myself out of it.Both of you are welcome. Fair warning though, I put my helpers to work.
Garrett: I'd expect nothing less. Be there in an hour.
Micah: I'll bring you coffee.
