Page 51 of Shuttered Hearts

Declan is a major part of why I’ve been so happy lately. I know that.

Being with him is easy. There’s no pressure to be anyone but myself. And even though we haven’t found much time forussince that night at The Diner, I’ve never felt closer to someone.

The care he took in his truck that night—I know things got heated quickly, and I know he felt guilty after, but I have no doubt if I had told him to stop, he would have—in a heartbeat.

But Declan isn’t the only reason I’m happy.

I love spending so much time with Max. Dad still has another week with his cast, so I’ve been getting Max to and from school. I love those short drives, just the two of us. I feel like I’m really getting to know him.

And Caleb. I know we texted almost every day when I lived in New York, but it’s different knowing I can simply drive down the road to see him—something I’ve found myself doing a couple of times since moving home.

And Emily. She’s always been so welcoming to me, but spending time with her like this, making a meal for my family, is something I’ve always missed out on. And seeing the way she loves my brother makes me so happy they found each other.

And while I hadn’t noticed it in New York, I’d been dreading picking up my camera. Teaching these kids the basics of photography, both digitally and with film, has reignited my love for my camera.

Then there’s Dad. I’ve wasted so much time with him by staying away. I wouldn’t change going to New York. I’ve learned so much over the years—being away from home. But if I could go back in time and stay after Dad was first diagnosed with cancer, I would. Just existing in the same space as him brings me a comfort I didn’t realize I was missing.

Being back in this town, surrounded by these people, it’s reinvigorated me. Brought me back to life. And I’m terrified of what will happen when Dad is gone. Will I still have this peace I’ve found here, or will it all disappear?

“What is it?” Emily asks, turning to me, concern clouding her features.

I shake my head and smile at her. “Nothing. Declan is a big part of it.” I can see Emily doesn’t believe me with the look in her eye, but she lets me get away with it anyway.

“Declan and Ava are here!” Max shouts from the front door.

“Buddy, you don’t need to shout.” We hear Caleb say before he enters the kitchen. “You both doing okay in here?” he asks, coming to press a kiss to Emily’s cheek.

“Yeah, we’re almost done prepping everything. Once the turkey comes out, we’ll finish all of this.”

“You feeling okay?” he asks the question so quietly I know he didn’t intend for me to hear it, but I do, and it has me glancing at the two of them, a question in my eyes.

“I’m fine, you big grump.” Emily smiles as she pushes him away.

“Leave her alone, son,” Dad calls from the couch in the living room, eyes never leaving the TV.

“I come bearing baked macaroni and cheese,” Ava exclaims right before Max comes darting into the kitchen and heading for the living room, Ava strolling in behind him and Declan right behind her.

I can’t help but smile when I see him. His hair is neatly combed back, but as soon as he runs his fingers through it, all that effort will go right out the window. He’s wearing dark wash jeans that hug his waist and thighs perfectly and a dark sweater with the sleeves already pulled up to expose his forearms. He looks handsome.

He smirks when he catches me staring, shaking his head the barest amount. I shrug as if to say “So what?” and he laughs, causing Caleb to glance between us.

“All right. I love you both, but I don’t like that you two can now have silent conversations with each other.”

Declan laughs some more, walking around the kitchen to come to my side, kissing my cheek as I finish prepping the stuffing. “What? Only you and Emily are allowed to do that?” he asks Caleb.

“Yes. That would be great, thanks.” Caleb grabs a green bean from the bowl in front of him, biting it in half.

Emily scoffs. “Oh, hush. You love seeing them both so happy, and you know it.”

“Hey, I told you that in confidence,” Caleb says in mock outrage.

“All right. Let it go.” I laugh, wiping my hands on the towel thrown over my shoulder. “And turn around if you don’t want to see your best friend kiss your little sister.” I turn into Declan, tilting my head up for a proper kiss. Declan leans forward, lifting a hand to cup my cheek and tenderly kiss my lips. “Hi,” I whisper when he pulls away.

“Hi.” He smiles.

Caleb pulls Declan away from me. “Okay, that’s enough. Come on, Dec, let’s watch the game with Dad.”

“All right. Why are you and my brother so cute together?” Ava asks, leaning against the counter across from Emily and me.

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