Page 84

I don’t expect a perfect reaction. But I do expect something more than silence. It’s the first time I’ve ever said those words to a woman.

Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I toldanyoneI loved them.

For a moment, sheer panic envelops me at the gravity of my confession. I wonder if it was a mistake to tell her so soon. Have I even officially asked her to be my girlfriend?

I wanted to go slow, to do things right, but somewhere along the way, my feelings swept me up and carried me along in their current. I assumed we were on the same page without checking to be sure.

Should I have waited longer to tell Naomi I love her?

Or even just officially asked her to be what I stupidly assumed she was: mine?

I’m opening my mouth to see if there’s a way to fix what feels like an epic blunder, when Naomi reaches across the car, grabbing my hand.

Her eyes are bright as she says, “I think it’s time we tell Liam about us.”

It’s not the words I want to hear most, but close enough.

CHAPTER19

Naomi

I can’t believeI’m doing this. For years, I’ve held firm. This was one boundary I said I wouldn’t cross. No matter what.

Does it make me weak that I’ve caved? Am I still the same strong, independent woman after finally cracking under the immense pressure to say yes?

I just don’t know.

But I feel like this moment somehow marks a complete shift … in something.

“Are you sure about this?” Camden asks.

“I’ve never been less sure of anything. Is it that obvious?”

“You look like you’re about to throw up.”

I appreciate Camden’s presence beside me, steady and warm to contrast the pit of swirling emotions in my stomach and the icy cold air outside. Though I donotappreciate the amusement in his voice.

Does he not understand the gravity of this moment? Or the full extent of my panic over this?

“This isn’t funny,” I tell him.

“It isn’t,” he says, but his tone makes it sound almost like a question.

I elbow him in the ribs but then link my arm through his before stuffing my hand back in my coat pocket. It’s freezing out here, with what will hopefully be the last cold snap. Early March should be the start of spring in my book. The oppressive gray clouds promising imminent weather donotagree.

Which only makes me long for the beach, further questioning the wisdom of the decision I just made since it’s the kind of decision you make when you’re putting down roots.

Liam’s delighted laughter rings out, his smile as wide as I’ve ever seen it, and I think,Okay—maybe this won’t be so bad. Maybe I’m not making a mistake. I don’t need to panic or overthink or freak out.

Then the black and white dog Liam’s been playing with, the two of them rolling around in the backyard like they’re both overgrown puppies, sprints directly at me, lip curled up and teeth bared.

I screech and duck behind Camden, who is not even bothering to hide his booming laughter. At least he’s blocking the dog from reaching me. He makes a very good shield.

Bailey, out of breath from sprinting across the yard, tugs at my arm. I peek up from where I have my head buried in Camden’s back.

“It’s okay!” she says. “That’s how Panda smiles.”

“Smiles? You’re telling methatwas a smile?!”