Page 184 of Well That Happened

But it’s not her home.

Not really. I can feel it in my bones.

We stand awkwardly in the living room until she gestures to the couch. “You guys want to sit or…?”

“No,” I say, too quickly. Then catch myself. “We have some things we need to say.”

She crosses her arms. “Okay.”

Caleb clears his throat, but no one speaks.

So I do what I never do.

I speak first.

“I know you left to chase something big. And I’m proud of you for it. We all are.” I pause. The lump in my throat presses hard. “But—”

I look at her.

Big blue eyes.

Messy, tangled ponytail.

Bare feet and brave heart.

She’s never looked more beautiful.

She’s strength and softness, steel and sunlight. She’s the girl who stole my hoodie, kissed me breathless, and made me believe in things I swore I didn’t need.

She’s my future.

My whole fucking world.

My voice cracks, but I don’t stop.

“But if there’s still a piece of your life that has room for us—we’re here.”

Rilee doesn’t speak. Doesn’t blink.

Just looks at me like she’s trying to decide whether to run or melt.

Grayson adds, “We missed you.”

Caleb tries for a smile. “And I brought sour gummies.”

Rilee’s lips twitch. She makes a sound somewhere between a sob and a laugh.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Rilee

Tears well up in my eyes. I missed them so much it hurts. And now they’re here… standing in my living room.

“I… I didn’t think you’d come,” I whisper.

Caleb steps closer, his hand reaching out to gently touch mine. “We couldn’t stay away.”

My heart is a full-body ache. Not the bad kind. The kind that feels like coming home after you didn’t know you were lost.

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