Page 54 of Truck Hard

“Alright, boys and girls!” Charlotte calls. “Dinner’s ready!”

Garret appears in the doorway, Rayne perched on his shoulders. “Smells amazing, babe.”

Charlotte cups his cheek and gives him a quick kiss. “Wash up. I made extra.”

“Down you go, monkey.” He swings Rayne to the ground, ruffling her hair. “You heard your aunt. Go wash up.”

“But—”

“No buts. Soap and water, or no enchiladas.”

She scampers off, grumbling good-naturedly. The easy affection between them makes my heart ache. This is what a family should look like. What Cam deserved all along.

“We’ll eat in here.” Charlotte shoos Garret back to the living room with two loaded plates. “Girls’ night in the kitchen.”

“Fine by me.” Garret pulls her in for another kiss. This one is a little more indecent. “I’ll go back to watching the game.”

We settle around the island, plates steaming. The first bite of enchilada explodes with flavor on my tongue. When was the last time I enjoyed food like this? Shared a meal with friends without fear?

“Oh my god.” Sophia moans around her fork. “Charlotte, I’ll really need to take more lessons from you. Mac would marry me on the spot.”

“Bold of you to assume he hasn’t already planned the wedding.” Lina smirks. “That boy’s been gone on you since day one.”

“Reminds me of someone else.” Amelia’s eyes twinkle as she looks at me. “Liam can’t take his eyes off you whenever you’re around. It’s kind of adorable.”

“He’s just...” I fumble over my words as I feel my cheeks blush. “We’re taking things slow.”

“As you should.” Charlotte nods approvingly. “But don’t let fear hold you back forever. I almost did that with Garret, and Iwould have missed out on the best thing that ever happened to me.”

“It’s not that simple.” I push a piece of tortilla around my plate. “Charlie... he’s still out there. Still angry. And Cam—”

“Life is one big fat complication.” Lina’s voice is gentle but firm. “Just remember that Liam would move heaven and earth to keep you both safe.”

“I know.” And I do know, that’s the thing. I’ve seen it in every gentle touch, every protective glance. The way he held Cam like he was something precious. The fierce promise in his eyes when he swore Charlie would never hurt us again.

“But?” Sophia prompts.

“But what if I’m not ready? What if I never am? What if I’m too broken to—”

“Stop right there.” Charlotte’s voice cracks like a whip. “You are not broken. Bent, maybe. Scarred, definitely. But not broken. Never broken.”

“Charlie tried to break you.” Amelia adds softly. “But he failed. You’re still here. Still fighting. Still loving Cam with everything you have. That’s not weakness, Hannah. That’s incredible strength.”

Tears blur my vision again. “I don’t feel very strong.”

“That’s why you have us.” Lina reaches across the island to squeeze my hand. “To remind you when you forget.”

The conversation shifts to lighter topics—Sophia’s latest race, Lina’s new tattoo designs, Amelia’s flower shop drama and how much fun she still has managing her mom. But their words echo in my head, mixing with memories of Liam’s touch, his smile, the way he looks at me like I’m something precious instead of something damaged.

Maybe they’re right. Maybe I’m stronger than I think. Maybe letting people in—letting Liam in—isn’t a sign of weakness but of courage.

The evening winds down slowly, none of us eager to break the spell of warmth and friendship. But eventually, dishes are cleared, leftovers packed away, and hugs exchanged.

“Thank you,” I whisper as Charlotte walks me to my car, carrying a container of leftovers for Cam. “For everything.”

She pulls me into another hug. “Anytime. I mean it. You’re not alone anymore, Hannah. Remember that.”

I get in my car to head next door with their laughter still ringing in my ears, their warmth wrapped around me like a shield against the darkness. When I pull into Liam’s driveway, panic seizes my chest. I haven’t been inside his family house in what feels like forever. So many memories—both good and bad.

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