AllFreeNovel
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“Thanks, Perry.”
He nodded and wandered toward the bar as Daisy studied me. “It’s ironic that we both share this connection, but it’s somehow rooted in something we’d both rather not have.”
“Loss,” she whispered, letting out a sigh.
A twinge of pain shot through me. “Yeah.”
“It’s not just that, though, Hunter. There’s more here.” She brought her plate closer as empathy filled her gaze. “I know there is something special between us. I just don’t know what it’s supposed to be yet, do you?”
I smiled, knowing what I wanted it to be.
“I think it will become clearer with time.”
She took a bite and nodded. “You’re probably right.” She took another bite and closed her eyes. “Best burgers ever.”
“Thanks.”
She opened her eyes, grinning. “You didn’t cook it.”
“Ouch.” I chuckled.
“Thanks for sharing that with me about your friend.”
“I couldn’t think of anyone else I’d rather share it with,” I confided.
“What was his name?”
“Professor Thomas.”
“He sounds like a smart man.” She smiled, her hand reaching out to softly brush mine. “You’re talented at what you do here. I can tell people love it here. He’d be very proud.”
I nodded, realizing grief was like a maze of dead ends until one day, someone helped clear the path.
Chapter Thirteen
Daisy
“Hey, Hunter,” Evie called out through the crowd. I spotted her immediately, rushing past the gigantic Christmas tree waiting to be lit at the ceremony.
“Is that my sister?” Hunter scanned the deluge of people as Beckett and Cash towered through the crowd. Their sister stood about six inches shorter than her brothers and appeared ecstatic to see Hunter. “What a surprise.”
She dashed toward him, and he swung her around before setting her back down. Maya and Nina waved at me while I took in this family reunion. It felt really nice to be surrounded by such a strong family unit. I had that with my cousin and his family, but this somehow pulled me into their orbit.
“Surprise,” his mom said from behind. “We thought whatever was going on tonight deserved getting your siblings here too. And since Evie just flew in, it’s perfect timing.”
“This is awesome.” He glanced at me, and I saw a fleck of embarrassment dash through his gaze. “But honestly, tonight isn’t that big of a deal.”
She laughed, giving me a squeeze before making her way to her daughter. “Well, that’s what happens when you’re cryptic and only tell me parts of your plans.”
A shiver ran through me as the wind picked up. Hunter noticed and draped his arm around my shoulders. I spotted a children’s choir filing onto the stage next to the Christmas tree and glanced at Hunter, wondering what made this night so special for him.
Cash clapped his hands together and blew into them. “This had better be good, Hunter. This was a long drive.”
Maya elbowed his brother and chuckled. “Be nice.”
Everything seemed so easy with this crew. It felt the same way when I was with Hunter, too.
Things were effortless.
