“Right now, I’m mostly worried about her, but thank you.”
As if summoned by the thought of us talking about him, I don’t have to turn to recognize the cadence of the footsteps behind me, my body coming alive with each one.
“Natalie.”
His voice does something dangerous to my composure, and immediately, I feel the heat rising up my cheeks. My body reacts to this man in a way I can’t begin to understand.
I turn, and there’s Holden, smiling softly, like he’s relieved to see me here, just as I am at the sight of him. I’m not used to this giddy feeling, but I welcome it nonetheless.
“You came,” he says.
“I did,” I reply. “You were right about this place. It’s a little magical.”
His gaze flicks toward the horses, then back to me. “I told you,” he says simply.
Julia clears her throat. “It was nice meeting you, Natalie. I can’t wait to meet Bella,” she says with a grin before walking away.
“Thank you, again,” I say finally. He walks closer to me. “For telling me more about this.” There’s nobody else here, and now he’s so close, I can’t breathe.
Holden steps closer, impossibly close. Then, he dips down, dropping a kiss on my lips. “Hi, Beauty.”
“Holden.” I’m speechless, but that’s nothing new. It’s the same every time he kisses me.
He smiles, making most of my worries drift away as he leads me out of the barn, holding my hand. “So what do you think?”
“I think this is the perfect place for Bella. I love that she will be with other kids her age.”
“I’m glad.”
“I want her to be safe, both physically and mentally, you know? I know she won’t always be okay, but I want her to have a safe space to heal. This might be it.”
He brings my hand to his lips. “You’re doing an incredible job,” he says quietly. “In case nobody has told you lately. Bella’s lucky to have you.”
That’s it. Tears spill before I can stop them. Why are my eyes like waterfalls every time this man shows me kindness? I don’t know if it’s that my emotions can change at the snap of a finger, or if it’s that I feel so safe around him, but crying is totally normal.
“Do you have any plans for the rest of the day?” he asks, walking us back to the main office.
I shake my head. “A few things to do at home, and going to playwhich store might have a formal dress that fits megame.”
His eyebrow lifts in surprise. “Oh?”
“I mean, I have a gala to attend in a few weeks, right?”
He smiles, and oh, it’s like the radiant sun bursting through the clouds after a thunderstorm. It warms my face, I feel it deep in my bones, and it’s all for me. Just for me. “You’re coming?”
I scrunch my nose. “I can’t believe I didn’t say yes before. I’m sorry. But if the offer still stands?”
“Yes. Yes. Please.”
“Okay then.” I drop his hand, walking away from him. I can feel his searing eyes on my back, but without turning, I raise my hand in the air and shout, “It’s a date.”
35
THE APPLE DOESN’T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE
Memories by Maroon 5
Holden
