Noah barks out a laugh. “I like her.”
“Yeah. Me too.” The words pale in comparison to how I really feel about this woman, but Noah’s not here to listen to me wax poetic about the way her eyes change with her mood, or the way her brow furrows when she’s concentrating.
Callie sits for a total of three hours with a couple of breaks in between. She hardly flinches, even when the numbing cream starts to wear off toward the end. I bring her snacks and keep her hydrated, and at one point, I swear she nearly falls asleep.
“You’re done,” Noah says. “Go take a look before I apply the bandage.”
I help Callie down from the chair and show her to the mirror. She heaves out a ragged breath, and her face crumples as she stares at her reflection. A vibrant bluebird stands out against the black floral vines and stems.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispers. “I’m beautiful.”
I step up behind her and place my hands on her shoulders. “You were always beautiful, Callie. But I’m glad you can see it now, too.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, placing her hand over mine. “This is everything to me.”
You are everything to me.
I kiss her forehead, letting my lips linger for a few extra heartbeats. “Let’s go home.”
Chapter 30
Hayes Family Intervention
? Gonna Love You - Parmalee
Callie
I’ve beenan emotional wreck all morning. It’s Wilder and Olivia’s wedding day, and the bridal party is at the big house getting ready, while the men are off somewhere doing cowboy shit—Jaxon’s words this time, not mine.
I breathe a quiet sigh of relief when Ruby starts passing around something called oopsie daisy shots. I’m ninety percent certain she made it up, but I’m not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth. I’m one minor inconvenience away from a full meltdown.
“To Mrs. Olivia Sullivan-Hayes,” Ruby says.
Sarah and I echo the sentiment, clinking our pink shot glasses together. I chase it with a glass of champagne; it’s hands down the fanciest way I’ve gotten tipsy.
I catch sight of Olivia twirling Emmy under her arm with Gracie propped on her hip. They’re all wearing matching pinksilk pajamas. My chest squeezes; she’s an incredible mom. She was born to play the role.
Evie materializes at my side, giving my shoulder a light squeeze. This room is full of motherly affection, and I’m struggling to process all of it. “How are you holding up?” she asks. “I hope we haven’t scared you off yet.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “Not at all. Everyone’s been wonderful.”
She rests her head against mine and sighs. “I’ve always loved weddings… or maybe I just love love.”
“I’ve never been to a wedding before.”
“It can be overwhelming, but when you strip away all the fancy stuff—the flowers, the decorations, the gowns—it’s really about the people. Not just the family you were born into, but the family you chose, and the ones who chose you in return.”
Tightness grips my throat. I glance up at the ceiling and blink rapidly.
Evie pulls me against her and skates her hand up and down my back in a soothing motion. “We’ve got you, sweet girl. You’re one of us now.”
“I want in on this lovefest.” Ruby wraps her arms around our shoulders for a group hug.
“I think you’ve had one too many oopsie daisies, Ruby Lynn—” Evie gasps, grabbing hold of Ruby’s wrist. “What is that on your finger?”
Ruby giggles, waggling her ring finger, showing off a large ruby engagement ring and a dainty diamond band underneath.
“Oopsie daisy.” She snorts at her own joke. I can’t help but laugh with her.
