Page 210 of Let Me In

Like it’s not something he meant to say out loud.

And maybe it wasn’t.

But I hear it.

I feel it.

It folds into me like the heat of the morning sun through the windows.

Like something I’ll carry long after I leave his lap.

If I ever leave it at all.

The warmth between us has gone still, heavy with comfort.

Cal’s heartbeat has slowed beneath my ear. His hand rests low on my side, thumb drawing soft shapes I can’t name. We haven’t spoken in minutes, but it doesn’t feel like silence.

It feels like a sanctuary.

And then—

A cold nose presses under Cal’s arm.

He glances down just as Cleo tries again, more insistent this time, pawing gently at his thigh.

Luca’s tail thumps against the floorboards, and a low whine escapes him as he noses toward the door.

Cal groans—quiet and fond.

“They’ve waited long enough.”

I smile into his shirt.

“They have.”

He doesn’t move right away.

Just pulls me closer for one last squeeze. One last slow inhale against my hair.

Then he shifts, standing with me still in his arms.

My breath leaves me in surprise, even though I should be used to this by now. But how could I ever get used to all of this?

“Cal!”

“I told you,” he murmurs, smirking. “I’m keeping you today.”

He sets me down only when we reach the bench near the door, guiding me to sit while he reaches for our boots.

Mine first. He kneels to tug them on, pulling the laces snug.

Then his own.

Then the leashes.

Then—

“Let’s go, little one.”

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