She sits up a little straighter.
I take the toy and show her a more advanced trick. “I didn’t master this one until I was in college,” I say.
Macy studies my hands closely, positioning hers the same way, as if imagining herself doing each step. I have zero doubt she’ll master it before the end of the year.
“Here. Try it.”
Jocelyn cuddles against my chest, twirling a wildflower and beaming like I personally hung the moon. I kiss her head.
Holden drops down beside us, shirtless and warm from an hour of volleyball. He reaches for the plate balanced near me, already stacked stupidly high with burgers and chips.
I gasp when he steals one burger. “You’ve had three of those already,” I tell him.
“So? I’m growing.”
“You’re twenty-seven.”
“About to be twenty-eight. Time is precious.” He takes another huge bite and immediately drops mustard directly onto his bare chest.
The girls shriek with laughter.
I stare at him.
Holden looks down at himself. “Oops.”
“You’re unbelievable.”
“You still want me though.”
Unfortunately, again, correct.
He wipes the mustard with his thumb and licks it off with absolutely no shame while the girls giggle themselves breathless.
Everything around us feels loud and alive and warm, and I’m completely settled into it. Enjoying it. Safe. I didn’t realize how badly I needed this until now.
Needed them.
All of them.
Especiallyhim.
I cover Holden’s hand and squeeze. He smiles at me.
Later, while dinner winds down and the sky deepens into streaks of orange and purple, Holden drops into the chair beside me and nudges my knee.
“It’s weird without Caleb here,” he says casually.
“I was just thinking that a little bit ago. I miss Isaiah and Corbin too.” My two brothers are currently working on the other side of the country.
Holden sighs. “I still wanna go see Caleb sometime this month.”
My head snaps toward him instantly. “Okay. Let’s go.”
Holden blinks. “Yeah?”
“Obviously. He’s your brother.”
His entire face lights up. Not excitement exactly. Relief. Like he’d hoped I’d say yes but hadn’t wanted to push.
