“I can remember holding you plenty of times. Carrying you, lifting you onto my shoulders. But I wanted that last moment. That final time.” His gaze drops to the sand. “You think you have more of it, that there’s always another chance. I never expected you to be taken from me. That ourtimewould be taken.”
My heart aches for him, for us. The time we lost. The memories we’ve both been holding onto. The scent of waffles, a sock missing on my foot. Without really thinking about it, I sit up. Lean over and wrap my arms around him. He stills.
Then his arms come around me slowly, pulling me into a tight hug. His chin rests lightly against the top of my head.
“Well,dad… good thing, we’re starting to make up for all that lost time. I don’t plan on going anywhere, and I’m absolutely down for more beach days,” I mumble against his shoulder. A quick laugh escapes him, rough around the edges. “Beach days, miniature golf, horse riding. There’s a long list in my dad's arsenal.”
When we finally pull apart, he rubs a hand over the back of his neck.
“You know,” he says gruffly, clearing his throat. “I think I’m going to go for that swim now.”
I grin, flopping back onto my towel. “Don’t drown, old man.”
He snorts. “I’m not that old.”
Why didI agree to this?
The mall is absolutely decked out for Christmas. Cheery music drifts through the air, lights twinkling overhead. Garland wraps every railing. Store windows glow with festive displays.
But it'spacked.
You’d think a high-end mall wouldn’t be this crowded.
When Dakota suggested we all go out Christmas shopping together, it hadn’t sounded so terrible. Maeve and I have spent so much time in malls— mostly wandering around to kill time.
A shiver slips down my spine as a memory surfaces.
One of the last times I was in a mall.
It's Christmas, Iz. Stay here.
I shove the thoughts away.
Dakota leads the charge, dragging us into store after store with relentless enthusiasm. I'm honestly surprised the guys even agreed to come.
To shop with money is still a crazy experience to me. I’m not sure I'll ever get used to it.
Though with Luca's help, I've managed to sneakily purchase every item Maeve has touched. Noah keeps her distracted every time while Luca adds to our growing pile of bags.
"Iz, you have to try this on!" Dakota squeals as she shoves a darkburgundy dress into my hands and practically throws me into a dressing room.
I sigh, remembering the Halloween dance. There was no point in arguing with her.
I slip into the dress, the cool silk gliding over my skin. The zipper slides up the side with no resistance. I pull my hair over my shoulder, admiring it in the mirror.
It's a simple slip dress, the fabric skimming my curves while still loose enough to breathe.
She wasn't wrong. It's a beautiful dress.
I open the door and step out, heading toward the larger mirror in the hallway.
"Dakota?" I call as I turn the corner.
Jace leans against the wall, arms crossed. Maeve sits in the little velvet chair against the wall.
"Iz, you look gorgeous!" Maeve jumps to her feet.
"Thanks." I smooth a hand over the dress.
