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His hand tightened around mine again, stronger this time, like he was trying to ground me. "I know that. But when my time comes, I need to know you’ll be there for her."

I could barely see straight from the burn in my eyes, but I nodded. "I got her, Pop. I swear."

He nodded slowly, as if he was satisfied with my answer. "Good."

A silence settled between us, but it wasn’t empty. It was full of every lesson he’d ever taught me, every memory we had, every time he was there when I needed him. Finally, he spoke again, his voice lower.

"And don’t be a fool about that girl." I blinked, confused for a second before I realized—he was talking about Serenity.

I opened my mouth, but he shook his head before I could say anything. "I see it all over you, son. You love her, a lot. I can see why, she’s…charming, she’s definitely good for you. You just need to get out of your own way with her."

I exhaled, running a hand over my face. "It’s not that simple."

He smiled, the same knowing smile he always gave me when he thought I was being stubborn. "Love ain’t supposed to be simple. It’s supposed to be worth it."

I stared at him, not knowing what to say.

"Son," he continued, his voice growing even weaker, "don’t waste your life waiting for the right moment. If you love her—go get her."

I nodded, swallowing the emotion that threatened to choke me whole. Suddenly, his grip loosened. His eyes started to drift.

"Pop," I whispered.

He smiled one last time. "See you on the other side, kid."

And then—He was gone.

I stayed frozen, staring at his face, hoping andpraying that he’d open his eyes one more time. But he didn’t.

My chest ached, something deep, raw and unbearable twisting inside me. I didn’t even realize I was moving until I was suddenly in the hallway sliding down the wall and I hit the ground. My head lowered solemnly, phone in my hand, my fingers shaking so badly I could barely hit the call button.

She answered on the second ring. "Creed?" I opened my mouth, but the words got stuck. "Creed…?" she repeated, her voice soft, cautious.

Then, I broke, tears rushing down my face. "He’s gone," I choked out.

Silence, so much fucking silence but not really. It felt like the entire world was moving around me and I was stuck in one place. I didn’t know how to function, I needed her to help me function.

And then, barely above a whisper, she said— "I’m on my way."

39

SERENITY

The moment my phone rang and I saw Creed’s name, I just knew. I knew it wasn’t good. I knew it was happening. He’d texted me earlier to tell me he was on his way to Dallas, and he would keep me posted. So yeah, I knew what was coming before I answered the call.

The second I answered, the pain in his voice shattered something inside me. “He’s gone.”

I didn't hesitate. Not for a second.

“I’m on my way.”

I rushed out of the restaurant bathroom, my heart pounding in my chest, my hands shaky as I grabbed my clutch and coat. Iman’s eyes narrowed when he saw me moving with urgency.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, immediately concerned.

I opened my mouth, but my voice felt stuck, my mind still wrapped around the weight of Creed’s words. Finally, I forced it out. “Creed needs me. His grandfather just passed.”

Iman’s expression shifted instantly. Not sympathy, not understanding, more like annoyance.