Page 69 of Riding the Curve

Her lips tighten as she contemplates my words, her tiny fingers squeezing tightly against my palm.

“So, what do you say, Hen? Are you in?”

Her eyelids squeeze shut as she takes a long drawl of air.

“Okay.” She nods. “I’m in.”

Dad claps his hands together, excitement bursting through him. “This is the greatest day! Thank you both so much. I haven’t been this excited in a long time!”

He pulls Hen into his burly arms, and I watch the anxiety slowly shift away as she melts into his comforting hug. “This is going to be wonderful, sweetheart. You’re going to blow them away with your talent, I know it.”

Releasing Hen, he turns, pulling me into his embrace. “I know your Mama is smiling bright right now. She’d be so proud. We’re finally going to fulfill her dreams.”

An ache tugs in my heart. But this time, it’s not encompassed by grief.

This time, the ache stems from love. It overwhelms my senses as it thaws through the icy layer that I’ve built around my heart.

After years of driving blindly through the thick fog of grief and shame, the sun is peeking through, helping illuminate my path around this curve.

Dad releases me with a pat on my shoulder before making his way toward the door. Just before he leaves, he turns back, shouting over his shoulder to Hen. “The venue was also going to make their wedding cake, so they needed a new one. I sent them Harper’s information as well. Tell her she’s more than welcome to join us that day, too. As usual, I’ll make sure you’re all compensated for your time and efforts.”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that at all, Preston. You’ve already paid me enough for just the little bit I’ve done. I couldn’t possibly take⁠—”

“Hush,” Dad interrupts. “I’m going to do it because you work hard and deserve every cent I give you. Now, indulge this old man and don’t fight me on this, okay?”

She nods, producing another huge grin on his bearded face.

“Good. I’m cooking your Mama’s lasagna on Friday, would you both be up for dinner?”

Henley’s gaze wanders toward me, awaiting my answer. Anxiety slowly creeps over my skin like a chill, but it doesn’t seep all the way in this time. It’s still present, but today feels a little more manageable than the days before. Today, I feel a smidge more in control. “Dinner sounds great, Dad. But only if you let Henley help.”

Though his lips purse, mirth twinkles in his eyes. “One time. I burned the noodles one time, and I’ll never live it down.”

“One time was enough to make Mama forbid you from ever cooking pasta again, especially with her good pots.” I snicker from underneath the fist that’s shielding my lips, which only causes him to bristle more.

“Don’t worry, Preston, you can be my sous chef for the evening.”

Hen giggles, and I swear it’s the sweetest fucking sound I’ve ever heard. Closing my eyes, I commit it to memory so I can play it on repeat as many times as I can.

“At least one of you is kind around here,” he grumbles. “I’ll get out of your hair and let you get back to listening to your . . . country music.” He clears his throat to cover his laugh.

Henley’s cheeks redden like a tomato as he walks out the door.

I can’t help but laugh, which earns me a slap on my arm. “Ow!”

“Shut it! I feel like I’m in high school and I just got caught by my father! He totally knows we were doing more than just painting in there. I’m mortified!”

Her palms cover her face. Stepping into her space, I slowly peel them away, holding them gently between us. “No need to be embarrassed. Trust me, if anything, I think he’s super happy about what he just stumbled upon.”

“You think so?”

“It appears most of our family has been aware of our affection for each other over the years. Apparently, our secret pining wasn’t as secret as we may have thought.”

“Yeah.” She releases a breathy laugh. “Ryleigh basically told me the same thing.”

My heart stops and my eyes go wide. “Ryleigh knows?”

Her lips sink beneath her teeth, and I can tell she’s trying her best to contain her laughter.