Page 148 of Heart Over Heels

“Of course!” I said.

Molly released Mercer’s hand and darted toward the doors, bouquet bouncing with her. Mercer made to follow while I remained rooted in place, waiting for something.

Permission? Confirmation? To wake up?

Mercer doubled back to me, coming in close and curling his hand against my cheek.

“Hey,” he murmured. “Are you all right?”

“More than,” I said, breath coming out a little shaky.

He grinned. “Canwego play now?”

A laugh slipped out, and I nodded. “Yes, yes. Let’s go.”

I started to walk past him toward where Molly waited by the doors, but Mercer caught my hand before I got far.

I glanced back with my eyebrows raised in question.

He squeezed gently, and his thumb brushed over my knuckles as he whispered, “Happy Darby-daughter day.”