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“Seriously, I’m surprised you two haven’t killed each other by now,” Callie shakes her head. “But, to answer your question, we’re not in any hurry. Some of us still have college to finish and another year of a long-distance relationship in front of us.”
Hayden groans, his arms wrapping around Callie’s waist. “Don’t remind me of that. I’m not thinking about that because we still have all summer together.”
Just then, the song changes, and Hayden playfully twirls Callie. “But how about we start with a dance first? You wanna dance with me, Angel?”
Callie’s smile widens. “Always.”
Yasmin and Nixon join Callie and Hayden as they make their way to the dance floor.
“It’s nice having everybody back in one place,” I murmur, watching our friends dance together, matching smiles on their faces.
“It is,” Emmett agrees, his chin leaning against the top of my head. “I can’t believe we won’t see them again come fall.”
No, we wouldn’t. After today our lives are going in completely different directions, with Yasmin and Callie returning back to campus for their senior year while Nixon and Hayden go off to play for their professional football teams.
“We still have tomorrow, and after that, we’ll find a way.”
“Yeah, we will.”
Emmett slides his hand to my lower back and pulls me to him, a wicked grin on his face. “Do you think it’s too early for us to sneak out?”
“Emmett!” I chastise. “We still have guests here.”
He lets out a groan. “Fine. How about a dance then? Wanna dance with me, Kitty?”
“I do.”
Together we walk to the dance floor. I slide into his embrace, my arms wrapping around his middle, and I place my head against his chest, the steady beat of his heart a welcome tune in my head, strong and reassuring.
This is where you belong, it whispers in my ear. This is your home.
Chapter Four
EMMETT
I’m not sure how long Kate and I sway to the music. One song turned into two; after that, I just stopped counting. I would be content to just stay like that forever, with Kate in my arms, safe and secure. People graciously give us space to just be together, and it takes me a while to realize we’re the only ones left dancing in the backyard.
“I can’t believe they’re all finally gone,” I mutter, slipping my hand at the small of her back and pulling her to me.
It feels like the whole town of Bluebonnet came to the party, and the damn thing lasted for hours. Or maybe it’s all just in my head since the only thing I wanted was to spend the night with my wife.
My wife.
The words settle in my chest, the warmth spreading through me.
Katherine Adams Santiago is my wife.
Some days it feels like we were still those seventeen-year-old kids when I challenged her to kiss me first.
“I know. It’s been a long day.”
With my free hand, I brush a strand of hair behind her ear before I lean down and press my lips against her forehead. “Did you enjoy your day, Mrs. Santiago?”
“Our day,” she corrects, a smile spreading over her lips as she leans her head against my chest. Music is playing softly in the background. I still remember hearing Spencer Crandall’s song Made on the radio as we were driving in my car one afternoon. It reminded me so much of us, like it was telling our story. Kate was made for me. She was my person in every single way possible, and I couldn’t imagine my life without her. “Is that what you’re going to call me from now on?”
“Hell, yes. I’ve waited a long-ass time to make it official.”
“Long-ass time? We finished college barely a month ago!” Kate protests.
