Page 64 of Steadfast

“Richie!” Aisling yelled, tumbling off her stool. She took off at a sprint for the front door, the other kids not far behind her.

I walked toward them in a daze, my heart pounding.

When I reached the door, Richie was on the front porch. He looked exhausted. His hair was a mess like he’d been running his hands through it, and his shirt was wrinkled. He had Aisling in his arms, one wrapped under her butt and the other holding her tightly around her back.

“What?” I breathed, taking him in. “How?”

Lifting one of his hands, he waved a piece of paper.

No. Not a piece of paper. The birthday card I’d left on the kitchen table.

“Had a feeling I might need it,” he said flatly.

Cian let out a small knowing laugh.

“I’m guessing you’re Richie,” Aunt Ashley said, a small smile playing on her lips.

“Yeah, sorry,” he said, readjusting Aisling so he could put his hand out. “Richard Lewis.”

“Ashley Sanders,” my aunt said, shaking his hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“Good things, I hope,” Richie replied, but his attention had already strayed back to me.

“All good,” Aunt Ashley said dryly. “Okay, kids, back inside. We have cake to eat and ice cream melting on the counter.”

“I’m so glad you’re here,” Saoirse said, hugging Richie quickly as soon as he’d put Aisling back on her feet.

“Take your time,” Aunt Ashley said as she passed me. “I’ll keep everyone inside.”

I nodded, still staring at Richie.

I couldn’t believe he was actually there. The fact that he’d stolen my birthday card with Aunt Ashley’s address because he’d known that I would leave without him made me feel simultaneously hopeful and full of dread.

“Nothing to say?” he said quietly, crossing his arms over his chest.

I opened and closed my mouth a few times.

“You know, I had a feeling that you were gonna take off,” he said, his eyes steady on mine. “But can’t say I was happy you proved me right.”

He was there in front of me. Calm like always. Loving me like always. My perfect foil.

“I’m so glad you’re here,” I whispered, my voice sounding strangled.

“Then why the hell are you way over there?” he asked, dropping his arms.

I took two huge steps, leaped, and he caught me.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” I muttered against his lips, one arm wrapped around his neck and the other hand cupping the back of his head.

“You scared the shit outta me,” he replied, his arms tightening. “If Cian hadn’t texted me, I woulda lost my mind.”

“That little sneak,” I snapped, pulling back to glare.

“Oh,Cian’sthe sneak?” he asked dryly.

“I can’t believe you followed us,” I said with a sigh, tracing his eyebrow and cheekbone with my fingertips. “What about your job?”

Richie didn’t answer as he walked us over to the patio furniture and sat down with me on his lap. He leaned his head back with a sigh. “Told my boss I had a family emergency.”