Page 65

The helicopter’s powerful hum suddenly fills the air, rattling the windows slightly and breaking our moment. My heart thumps nervously, the anxious flutter returning.
Brody squeezes my hand one last time. “Come on.”
Together, we step onto the porch, the crisp mountain air washing over me, clearing my head just enough to breathe. I shield my eyes from the sun and the dust swirling beneath the spinning blades as the helicopter settles onto the grass in the clearing ahead. Anticipation and dread tangle inside me. Figures inside begin to move.
I brace myself, heart hammering in my chest as the blades slow and finally stop, leaving a sudden stillness that fills the clearing. Dust settles slowly, drifting like golden particles through the sunlight. The door swings open, and my breath catches as Nick, steps out, followed closely by Asher.
My nerves ease slightly at the sight of Nick’s familiar, reassuring smile, his gaze immediately finding mine. He crosses the clearing with purposeful strides, pulling me into a comforting hug without hesitation.
“God, it’s good to see you, stepsis,” he says, relief in his voice. “You scared us, Harp. You good?”
“Getting there.” I squeeze him tight. We only became stepsiblings last year when his mom married my dad. Before then, he was my brother’s best friend. Their relationship is still on the rocks, but I’ve forgiven him for being a dipshit. Nick has a kind heart and he’s a good man at his core; he just makes dumb decisions with his dick.
Asher steps up behind him, calm and steady as ever, giving me a gentle nod. “We’ve got your back. You’re not dealing with this alone.”
Relief floods me, and it’s almost overwhelming. But just as I start to relax, another figure emerges from the helicopter, one I wasn’t expecting.
Billie.
My pulse spikes, and shock freezes me in place.
My best friend hesitates when our eyes lock together. Hers are filled with relief, worry, and something softer that makes my breath hitch. And before I can react, Zane climbs out behind her, my brother’s familiar frame instantly recognizable, and he gives me a nod. Easton and Weston quickly follow.
“Everyone is here?” I whisper.
My heart swells painfully. They all came for me, even after all the chaos I caused.
Billie closes the distance quickly, reaching me in a rush. Without a word, she pulls me into her arms, holding me tight as my emotions fracture open. Hot tears blur my vision, slipping silently down my cheeks.
“Billie, I’m so sorry?—”
“Don’t you dare apologize. I was just terrified of losing you.” She holds me tighter, cutting off my apology, her voice firm and filled with emotion. Her words break through the last of my defenses.
I cling to her, shaking as the weight of the guilt and uncertainty finally releases from me.
“I thought I’d lost you too,” I admit.
She pulls back slightly, cupping my face between her hands, her eyes shining with sincerity. “You’re family, Harp. We don’t break that easily. Will take a lot more than a mediocre fucking man to destroy what we have.”
I nod, choking back fresh tears, relief washing over me as Zane steps forward, pulling me into his arms.
“Sis,” he says.
My brother’s strong embrace steadies me, reminding me I’ve always had a safe place with him. Easton and Weston both offer smiles, their presence reassuring me that we’re in this together. My eyes find Brody, and he offers me a comforting smile.
Right now, I’m surrounded by the people who love me the most, and the realization sinks in—they’re here because they care; because despite everything that’s happened, they still want me to know I’m not alone. And for the first time in months, I actually believe the bonds that hold us together can withstand even the harshest storms.
Billie’s expression shifts, her eyes welling with fresh tears. Her hand flies to her mouth, and a broken sob escapes, shattering the quiet.
“Hey,” I whisper, immediately reaching for her hand.
She shakes her head quickly, tears slipping down her cheeks, even as she tries to laugh them off. “Nothing’s wrong. I just—” She squeezes my fingers, her voice breaking. “I’m so happy you’re okay. I missed you so much, and I just want my best friend back.”
Her words hit me straight in the chest. Without hesitation, I pull her back into my arms, holding her tightly, like if I let her go, she’ll disappear. “You never lost me. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
We stay wrapped together, crying until our tears finally slow.
When we pull apart, I offer her a smile. “And you know what? There’s a bright side to all this chaos.”