Page 172 of Delicate Storm

His eyes lift to mine, and a moment of understanding passes between us. This is it. We both feel it. And it’s time we let ourselves enjoy it. He smiles but doesn’t say as much about his own sketch as he did about Isaac’s and I don’t call him out on it. I get it. I’m as awkward about it as he is. And after he’s had a good moment staring down at my vulnerabilities on paper, he places the sketch next to the other one and nods. “These are phenomenal, Paige.You’rephenomenal.”

“Thanks.” I smile shyly. “They’re like my own form of therapy in a sense.”

“I like that. And I’m glad you have something that gives you that.”

“Do you have something?”

“I always thought it was football. But honestly, football has been more stressful lately because I’m always thinking about Isaac. Mom had another fall yesterday and—”

“Oh my God. Is she okay?”

“She says she’s fine. But she was with Isaac, and he didn’t take it too well. I think he’s a little scared to be alone with her now. And I don’t blame him. I don’t know what to do.”

“Yet another thing we’ll figure out together.” I curl my fingers through his and give his hand a squeeze. “And speaking of that, we should go. You promised me a Thanksgiving Day feast.”

“I don’t think I said feast.”

“I’m kidding. But maybe we can feast later. When we’re back here?”

Easton groans, running his free hand through his hair. “Thank you for making this day so much longer.”

“Any time. You know I love to tease.”

“And you know I love you.”

“I do. I’m lucky.”

“Nah, it’s not luck.” Easton grabs my chin, tilting my head to face him, and the look in his gaze floors me. “You’re my person, Paige. Always have been. We just hadn’t met yet.”

Easton tells me about his mom on the way to her house, and my heart breaks, making me even more determined to be there for him and Isaac. I’m tense as we pull up in the driveway, but when his mom greets me warmly, most of the tension washes away.

Until Keeley rounds the corner and my guilt returns.

“Well, well, well, fancy seeing you here, Paige.” She smirks, her brows raised, hands folded over her chest. I cringe until she laughs. “Relax, I’m joking. I get it. We all keep secrets. My issue is that I’m not sure which one of you I want to protect more. On one hand, East’s my brother, but I really like you, Paige. So, how about both of you work hard not to mess this up and we won’t have a problem.”

Easton chuckles as though not at all surprised by Keeley’s comment, while I sigh in relief. Once I’ve committed to something, I’m usually so open about my life, so it felt strange keeping this from her. But like everything else, I don’t regret it. I had my reasons. Though I do owe her an apology.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but at the time, I made the best decision for the situation.”

“I’m not sorry,” Easton adds before Keeley can respond. “She’s my sister; she doesn’t need to know every single detail of my life. She’s nosy enough.”

Keeley rolls her eyes, but her smile widens. “I have no ill will toward you, Paige. But Easton, you’re annoying as ever. And now that’s out of the way, there’s a little boy very eager to see you.”

I glance at Easton, and he lifts his shoulders in a shrug before pointing my way and smiling. I’m confused until Isaac calls my name, the excitement in his voice warming my heart as he slides around Easton to get to me, wrapping his arms around my legs.

I drop to my knees to hug him properly, basking in his happiness. “You’ve been gone,” he complains, and I open my mouth to respond but he keeps talking. “Dad said you were with your other family, but you’d be back with us. Who’s your other family?” He frowns and I can’t help but laugh.

“He was talking about my mom and dad.”

“Can I see them?”

“Of course you can.”

“Now?”

I bite back a smile while Easton comes to my aid. “Not today, Buddy. I think it’s almost time for our dinner.”

“Yes! I made it.”

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