I ask him to cut it twice, then shuffle again, without taking my eyes off him. I flip the cards away from me one at a time. On the thirteenth card, I stop, holding it up. “Is this it?”
Tegan’s eyes get huge. “What! How did—”
“Shhh. A magician never reveals their secrets.”
“Me next!” Tanner says.
I do a different trick for him, earning an even bigger reaction. I go around the table until I get to Fletcher. Of course, he draws the Ace of Hearts. As if the universe needs to make things any clearer.
He bumps my shoulder when I reveal his card. “Show off.”
Ryan deals everyone in for Spades, and the game shifts.
My heart soars. I’ve always been good at this—cards, banter, and quick math. The fog lifts just enough for me to keep up, and of course I trash-talk Tanner when he overbids. He groans dramatically when I sweep the trick.
Laughter erupts around me—andfromme. It’s so easy, so relaxed, that I forget to monitor my body.
Which is why it hits hard when I get up. I nearly crash into the wall trying to steady myself.
Ryan leaps from his chair, grabbing my arm. “You okay?”
Shame floods me and heat pours over me like someone blasted a damn heater on me. I avoid his gaze—avoid everyone’s gaze—and reach for the back door. “Yeah. Just need some air.”
Outside, the back porch is quiet and the cool early winter air is just what I need. It shocks my system back into place. I grip the railing and breathe deeply.
I expect Fletcher to follow me, but he doesn’t. His gaze stays with me through the window, but his trust in that moment lands deep. It’s like he knows I’m unsteady, but not unstable. He’s learned the difference.
I give him a small smile and turn away. Does he know what his trust means to me? How it relieves the burden without eventrying? He doesn’t hover, doesn’t suffocate. He’s just there if I need him.
It’s made it impossible not to fall in love with him.
Fuck, I really am in love with him.
Ten minutes pass, then a door creaks behind me. I look over, expecting Fletcher, but it’s Sarah.
She pulls a red cardigan tight around her shoulders. “Mind if I stay with you for a minute?”
“Not at all.” I straighten my shoulders, suddenly self-conscious.
She leans against the railing beside me, watching the clouds drift in front of the moon. “I know this can be… a lot,” she says finally, “but I hope you know how great it is that you’re here.” She glances over then, eyes kind and observant. “Fletcher really cares about you.”
I shove a hand into my pocket, unsure how to reply.
“He hasn’t brought anyone to family dinners since our divorce. Has he told you that?”
Something twists low in my chest. “He kinda mentioned it, yeah.” Hinted at it is more accurate. But the meaning was clear. This was a big deal to him.
And to me.
Being invited to someone’s family dinner is not something I take lightly.
“I’m glad to be here,” I say honestly.
She smiles. “How are you feeling, anyway? Since the hospital, I mean.”
I run a hand over my neck. “Today’s been harder than I wanted it to be, but overall pretty good.”
She smiles. “You could’ve fooled me. Looked like you’ve been having a great time.”
