Page 26

“I’ve missed you all so much. I need to come home more,” I say as I smile back at Cami.

Everyone else nods, and Walker refills our sodas.

At one point, I stopped talking altogether. I just sit, listen, and watch. And then it hits me. These women never had to include me. I don’t even live here anymore. I miss birthdays, lunches, and every major life event. Yet, they still include me whenever they can. Like I never left or live across the country. They’ve always left room for me. Because somewhere along the way, they simply decided I belonged and let me in. And that’s a priceless gift. One that I’m not sure I deserve.

The emotions catch me off guard, and I look away before anyone notices. Because for the first time in a very long time, I don’t feel alone. Not even a little. I feel like I belong.

The jukebox starts playing an upbeat country Christmas song.

Immediately, Poppy points at Cami and sways in her seat.

“No.” Cami points back.

“Yes,” Poppy shimmies even more.

“No.”

“Yes.” Poppy is already getting up.

I know that look. Chaos is about to ensue. Before I know it, we’re all standing, laughing, and dancing.

Crew is bouncing on Sutton’s hip, giggling. Walker shakes his head from behind the bar as he dries glasses. But I don’t miss his smile.

Violet is singing along, and Maggie somehow joins us halfway through. I don’t even remember the last time I did something this ridiculous or fun. For once, nobody talks about work, deadlines, stress, or responsibilities. It’s just friends listening to music, dancing, and catching up.

Maybe this is the way life is supposed to feel.

A while later, hugs are exchanged and plans for tomorrow are discussed. Then everyone starts heading home. Outside, snow drifts lazily from the sky in big fat chunks. It’s beautiful, and I definitely missed this in L.A.

Cami follows me out toward my rental car. She stops suddenly. “Oh, yeah.”

I turn to meet her gaze.

“I forgot to tell you that you’re staying in the cabin on the north end. The really nice one we just had redone,” she reveals with a grin. “Only the best for you. I thought you’d love the quiet.”

I blink. “Really? I don’t mind staying at the lodge like I usually do.”

“Nope. There’s no room. The inn is full,” she says, shrugging with a smirk.

Weird, but okay.

I smile. “Perfect. You can put me anywhere. I’m just glad to be home. Thank you for the cabin.”

She pulls me in for a hug. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you tomorrow,” I call and wave.

I climb into my car and head toward The Wilder Ranch. The roads are cleared, and snow sparkles beneath the moonlight.

The cabin appears at the end of the road, and warm light glows through the windows. It looks like something straight out of a Christmas movie. By the time I drag my suitcase inside, exhaustion crashes over me with the last two days finally catching up.

I drop my bag and kick off my boots and stumble toward the bedroom. Everything after that becomes a blur.

Brushing my teeth. Showering. Pulling on warm and cozy pajamas.

I barely remember any of it. One minute I’m standing at the sink brushing my teeth. Next, I’m sliding beneath warm flannel sheets.

A smile tugs at my lips as I sink deeper into the mattress. Snow continues to fall out the giant floor-to-ceiling window. For the first time in months, I feel completely at peace.