Page 110 of Whispers of You
“I’m feeling more like myself lately.”
Nash gently ruffled my hair. “Couldn’t think of better news.”
Nathan surveyed my face, his mouth going tight.
I let go of Nash and turned my hug on Nathan. “I’m fine. I promise.”
“You don’t look fine. Maybe you should go up to the house. Kerry can take care of you today. You can rest and—”
I stretched up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “I’m fine. I need to clean up around the house, and I’m meeting G for lunch.”
Nathan frowned at me. “You’re sure?”
I patted his chest. “I’m sure.”
When I turned around, Holt had a tender smile on his face. I crossed to him, wrapping my arms around his waist. “What’s that about?”
He brushed the hair back from my face. “I’m glad you’ve had them in your corner.”
My heart squeezed. This was the bittersweet truth. If Holt hadn’t left, I might never have forged quite this deep of a bond with his family. It had happened because I was mostly alone in the world. Because Holt was gone. But life was rarely simple and never perfect. It was like the land around us, full of jagged edges and pieces askew. But it was beautiful in its imperfections—more so because of them.
I wrapped a hand around Holt’s neck, pulling him down to me. “I love you.”
“I’m totally getting twenty today.”
I snorted. “Cocky much?”
“Confident. There’s a difference.” He closed the distance, his lips dancing across mine in the gentlest of touches. “Love you always.”
The words wrapped around me like the sweetest music I’d never tire of hearing. “Okay, I’m on board with twenty.”
He chuckled, giving me another kiss.
Nash made a gagging noise. “Seriously? She’s like my sister, and I really don’t need to see you two making out.”
Nathan gave a swift elbow to Nash’s gut, and he let out a wheezing cough.
“I’d think you’d take my side, Dad.”
Nathan grinned, the smile so similar to his son’s. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing these two right where they’re supposed to be.”
The warmth of his words wrapped around me. The Hartleys had always made me feel like a part of their family. But something about letting down my walls with Holt and giving him everything deepened that connection. And to have Nathan and Nash accept it all so readily was a balm to my soul.
Holt searched his father’s face as if looking for any hint of disingenuousness. “Thanks, Dad.”
“Okay, enough with the emo lovefest. We need to hit the road if we want to log some miles today,” Nash said.
Holt nodded, letting out a whistle. Shadow came running from the lake. He bent and latched the leash to her collar.
“You sure you’ll be good with her all day?” I asked.
“I’ve got water and food. You said she’s good with long hikes, right?”
I gave my girl a rub. “She lasts a hell of a lot longer than I do.”
“It’s the sled dog in her. This will be good.”
I linked my fingers with Holt’s and squeezed. “Be safe. Promise?”
