Am I just more inevitable heartbreak?
Not that I'm of the same importance to them as Mr. Rhodes to them. He was Callum's father, Maeve's soulmate, the foundation of their family. I'm not trying to compare, but I know they care about me, and I know I've become a part of their lives, just as they have become a part of mine.
The Rhodes have become an integral part of my life. They have folded me into their family as if I had always been there. If the worst happens—if my body loses this fight, if I just... disappear, what am I leaving behind for them?
Am I being selfish?
Maybe.
Probably.
Definitely.
"Are you okay?" Callum's voice slices through the mess of my spiral, yanking me back to the present. We've made it to the heart of the carnival, the pleasant sweetness of the scents making my stomach rumble.
"I'm fine, just spaced out. Chemo brain," I joke and skip ahead, grinning over my shoulder. "Come on, I hear some Apple Cider Donuts calling my name!"
Callum's concerned face melts into a grin at my words, and his long legs allow him to step easily into stride with me. "Lead the way, sweet girl."
Callum and I wander around, taking our time as we take in the sights, the rides, and the people around us, laughing together. When we walk past the food area, through the dense and excited crowd, I instinctively grab Callum's hand again, so I don’t get swept away. Callum looks down at our joined hands and grins, squeezing once.I'm here. I've got you.
Then, like some kind of gentle battering ram, he guides us through the crowd, which parts automatically for my broad-shouldered giant. My heart flutters at this. I know the smile that crosses my face is cheesy and ridiculous, but I've never felt safer, holding onto this steady man who leads me through the chaos.
Just as we start to pass a row of carnival games, I freeze mid-step, my eyes catching on a prize hanging above a ring toss booth. They're hanging from a string, two brown stuffed otters stitched together by their paws, holding hands. They're impossibly adorable, looking all soft and plush, with faces that seem to be smiling.
Callum notices me stop, his hand still linked in mine, and when he follows my eyes, he sees exactly what I'm looking at.
Without a word, he's gently tugging me toward the booth.
"Wait, Callum—what are you doing?"
"Winning you those otters," he replies simply, soft teasing grin on his lips. He steps up to the counter where a bored-looking teenage attendant is scrolling on his phone.
"Four tries for ten bucks," the kid says without looking up, and I grab Callum's arm as he reaches into his pocket for his wallet.
"Callum! Don't waste your money. It's like... a wholesome scam. I'm pretty sure the rings are smaller than the bottlenecks."
Callum tilts his head, narrowing his eyes at the row of glass bottles like he's assessing wind resistance and velocity. Then he just looks down at me and winks, taking all of the wind out ofmy sails and halting any further protests. Defeated, I let go of his arm and cross my arms over my chest.
"You're wasting your money," I mutter, though I can't hide the way my heart swells and the smile pulls at my lips. It's stupid and sweet and romantic, and I'm very pleased that he wants to win those cute little otters for me.
Callum hands the attendant the money and gets the four rings in return. He picks one up and gives me a confident grin.
"You lack faith, Sophie."
The words spark something in my brain, and I extend my fingers toward the bottles, mimicking a Jedi Master. "Let the Force guide you, young Padawan."
"Make this, I will,"Callum's voice takes on a distinct Yoda-like quality, eliciting a loud belly laugh from me.
The first ring he tosses goes wide,clinksoff the side of the bottle with a comicaldoink, and makes me have to smother a chuckle. Callum narrows his eyes, lips twitching. "Alright, just... calibrating."
"Calibrating, totally," I nod solemnly. He gently pokes my side, tickling me and making me laugh again. His eyes linger on me for a long moment before turning back to the bottles. I can't tear my eyes from his face, his expression filled with pure determination.
Second ring, same thing, and Callum's eyes seem to narrow even more.
"Flick of the wrist and follow through," Callum coaches himself. He seems hell-bent on trying to win me these stupid and silly stuffed ottersjust because I want them. I just stare at this wonderful, handsome, kind man, with his brown eyes narrowed and jaw tight with concentration.
And I feel so lucky.
