One scar on my body to remind me how quickly it can all go wrong.
Still, I push it aside.
Tonight is about celebrating.
We spend the rest of the afternoon putting the final touches on everything—flowers, playlists, signature cocktails, backup plans. Anna is a machine, and honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without her.
Eventually, Mum heads off, and Anna and I sink into the sofa, exhausted but satisfied.
Everything is finally organized.
The wedding.
The parties.
The details.
All that’s left now is to live it.
The front door creaks open, and we both turn. Colt steps in, eyes sweeping the room before they land on me, and just like that, my heart does that ridiculous thing it always does when he’s around. I smile, warmth flooding my chest. I’ve missed him today more than I expected to.
He walks around the back of the sofa and leans down, brushing a soft kiss to my lips. “I missed you today,” he murmurs before climbing over the back and sliding in beside me like a damn teenager.
I lean toward him, ready to kiss him again, but before I get the chance, Hux throws a playful punch to Colt’s arm and drops down beside him, interrupting the moment.
Colt’s attention shifts to his brother, and the connection between us snaps for a beat.
I sit back, lips still parted, with a slight frown tugging at the corners of my mouth.
Something’s off with Hux.
He’s joking around, sure, but I’ve known him long enough to see past the bravado.
I glance at Colt, silently wondering if he’s noticed too.
And if not, he will soon, I am sure.
“So, they’re releasing the song tomorrow, yeah?” Hux asks, glancing between Colt and me like he’s testing the waters.
Colt gives me a soft, apologetic look before turning his attention back to his brother. “Yeah. Rob’s sending it out to the radio stations tonight. Hopefully, by the weekend, we’ll see how it charts. If it lands, it’ll be our first hit since, well, you know.” He doesn’t look at me, but his hand finds mine and squeezes gently.
I squeeze back, a quiet reassurance. I’m okay. I’m proud of him, of all of them. They’ve come a long way back from the wreckage.
Before the conversation can drift any further, Sia walks in, and my smile instantly fades.
She looksawful.
Her skin is pale, her eyes dull, and she’s definitely lost weight. The usual fierce energy that surrounds her is nowhere to be found. Instead, she sits gingerly on the coffee table in front of me like she’s made of glass.
“Hey, Mama,” I say gently. “Still not feeling the best?”
She exhales and nods, brushing hair from her face. “Yeah, some bug I can’t shake. Doc says it’s nothing contagious, but the nausea’s kicking my ass.”
Dingo hasn’t taken his eyes off her—not once. His jaw is tight, concern carved deep in every line of his face. He’s concerned, and that worries me. The Sia I know doesn’t let anything slow her down, so the fact that she’s even sitting here, looking like she barely has the strength to show up, speaks volumes.
“I hope it clears soon,” I say, offering a soft smile.
She nods, but her expression doesn’t shift.
