Something twists in my chest at that realization. He was going to give me time. But I don’t need it for things like this. Family has always been important to me. They’ve been my safe place my entire life, and Caleb is a part of that. Of course I want to see him.
Besides, another road trip with Holden? Yes, please. We usually end up doing stupid things and spending way too much money, but we always have a blast.
“Cool.” Holden reaches out for my hand, and I take it instantly. His smile lingers for the next hour.
By the time darkness settles fully over camp, the fire’s crackling high enough to throw sparks into the night sky.
The littlest kids are running around near the edge of the trees with little bug nets, chasing moths and whatever other poor creatures they can find under lantern light. Their shrieks echo through the campground every few seconds.
Andrew disappears briefly, then returns carrying the old stereo. The thing barely works anymore—one speaker crackles, the antenna’s bent, and half the buttons stick. But the second the music starts drifting softly through camp, the atmosphere changes. My stomach flips.
Oh.
Right.
I glance up automatically.
Across the firelight, Holden’s already looking at me, like he had the exact same realization. He grins instantly.
Butterflies explode low in my stomach.
For years, couples in our families have danced by firelight during the campout. People sway near the fire, talking low while kids play nearby. It’s even how Derrick proposed to Laura nearly fifteen years ago.
Everyone moves slow, filling the space around the fire. Trista and Chris lean in, eyes closed and arms loose around each other. Laura leans against Derrick’s shoulder, smiling. Our parents sway too, grinning proud.
I squirm when Holden gets up from his seat, heat rushing to my cheeks. He walks around the fire toward me, eyes warm and impossibly soft in the flickering orange light. After a brief pause, he holds out his hand.
“Dance with me.”
I don’t even pretend to hesitate.
We walk toward the fire. The second I step into him, his arms slide around my waist automatically, pulling me close. Mine settle around his neck as we sway slowly. I can feel people watching, but I don’t care.
Neither does he.
Holden presses his forehead lightly against mine, smiling a little when I laugh under my breath. “What?”
“You’re very smug right now,” I say.
“Mmm. Well, I’ve earned it.”
“Have you?”
“Korie,” he says patiently, “you agreed to a future road trip and proudly called me your boyfriend all in one day. I’m thriving.”
I snort softly, but my attention drifts past his shoulder toward the kids running through the dark with their nets. One of the little girls is sitting on Ezra’s shoulders now, pointing excitedly at something in the trees.
And suddenly I remember that moment at Trista’s house. The image that hit me out of nowhere—Holden with a toddler in his lap, and the overwhelming feeling that came with it. It knocked the air from my lungs then just as hard as it does now.
Only now it lands differently. It’s no longer impossible or terrifying—okay, maybe a little. But it’s also insanely beautiful.
The idea grows, expanding into something else. Something even bigger. Warmth blooms through my chest and I catch myself smiling. I can see it all, only clearer. Not specifics—but enough.
Us, years from now.
Still dancing in firelight.
Still laughing.
