Page 123 of Holden’s Resurrection

Friends that were more than friends—they were family.

Blessed.

“Dad, why’s the party over when we haven’t had pizza yet?” Faith asked, holding a squirming ball of fur that was licking her face and mouth.

“Daisy, stop. Faith, don’t let her lick your mouth, that’s gross. And the party’s not over, your Dad’s being silly.”

“No, I’m not. I want—”

“To enjoy a house full of friends and thank them all for helping us move in because we appreciate all their hard work.”

“Yeah,” Holden muttered. “What she said.”

“I’m unclear how you got him as far as you did,” Silver said. “I’ve been trying to get Weston to behave for-freaking-ever and I still can’t get him to—”

“That’s because you like it when I misbehave.”

“See? Little ears, Weston.”

“Sorry.” He smiled, not looking sorry at all.

“Hello? Anyone care that my woman told her best friend we’re having a baby before she told me?” Chasin griped.

“No,” McKenna tossed out and went to Evie to pull her into a hug. “Congratulations.”

“What’d we miss?” Nixon asked, coming into the house. “Pizza’s here, cool.”

“Chasin and Evie are having a kid,” Jameson informed the newcomers. “And Chasin’s salty because Bobby knew first.”

“Right, like that’s a surprise, those two are surgically attached,” Alec added.

“Let’s eat!” Macy shouted. “Paper plates are on the counter.”

The gang shuffled into the kitchen and helped themselves to the food, but Holden and I remained where we were.

“Dad, tomorrow can we put together my new bike?”

“Yep. And we’ll start your first lesson.”

“Awe-some!”

Daisy barked her agreement then licked Faith’s face and I groaned.

“Gonna have to get over that, Leigh-Leigh.”

“It’s gross.”

Holden’s smile died and he stared at me with a look I knew well. It was full of love and gratitude. It was hopeful and happy.

“Welcome home, Holden.”

“Welcome home, Leigh-Leigh.”

Much later that night…

Holden carefully rolled away from Charleigh and on silent feet made his way into the master bathroom.

The house was sweet, the women in the house, sweeter.