When we make our way back into the party, I spot Pix making a serious dent in a plate of appetizers.
I slip an arm around her waist and kiss her cheek. It isn’t for show. It just feels right.
She glances up at me. “Everything okay?” she asks, nodding toward Gabe.
I puff out my chest a little. “He welcomed me to the family, actually.”
Her smile softens, and we both pretend not to feel the thin current of doubt threading between us.
CHAPTER 49
Ava
Well past lunch, edging into early afternoon, we finally head home.
Hannah and her husband, Zac, are taking the kids tonight. We all agreed it was better this way. No long, drawn-out goodbyes. No questions we’re not ready to answer. Just a quick I’ll see you soon before they were whisked away.
Instead, they’re going camping. Something happy. Something light.
And I already miss them so much, every part of me aches.
Harrison and I don’t look at each other.
But our hands have been woven together tight since we got in the car.
“When do you take off?” he asks softly.
Again, with this question.
He keeps asking, like a stopwatch I can’t shut off, counting down to the moment I go back to my life, and he goes back to his.
And I hate it.
I hate it.
I hate it!
He keeps asking because I’ve never given him a straight answer.
So, this time, I do.
“First thing tomorrow morning.”
His thumb keeps tracing slow circles over my hand. Unhurried. Hopeful. “Can’t you stay a little longer?”
Tears burn behind my eyes. I force them back. “I can’t.”
I want to.
God, I want to so badly it hurts.
But I have work. Commitments. A career I fought hard for.
So why does choosing it suddenly feel so wrong?
If I say it out loud, I won’t leave. I’d cling tight with both hands and refuse to let go.
That’s when his hand slips from mine.
