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“If you think it will help,” I say, adjusting my hair. “Do I look like shit?”
“No,” Brody says, and everyone turns to him. He shrugs with a smile, but doesn’t deny it.
Billie pulls out her phone, stepping close and wrapping an arm tightly around me. “On the count of three, say Little Miss Disaster.”
I burst into laughter just as she snaps the photo.
“Gorgeous,” she says, showing me.
We look happy, like we’re teenagers again without a care in the world even though everything outside of this cabin is so heavy.
I hug her tight, and she whispers in my ear, her voice only audible for me. “About that pregnancy test?”
“Hell no,” I tell her, my voice louder than I intended. “Was a setup. He planned it, like he knew I was getting ready to run. I’m not pregnant.” I tap my arm where my implant is. “Old Faithful is still going strong. My reputation, on the other hand …”
She chuckles, but her relief is visible. She meets my eyes with a protective spark. “We’ll fix this. I promise. Whatever it takes. Asher and Nick will help.”
Emotion rushes through me, and I hold on to my best friend, the sister I never had. The helicopter’s engine starts and sends the blades into a slow rotation, the rumble filling the space. When we pull apart, Billie’s eyes shine, her determination easing any lingering fears inside me.
We exchange goodbyes, and I actually don’t want them to leave, but there is nowhere for them to stay. Everyone moves toward the helicopter.
Easton reminds me they’re all just a phone call away.
Weston shoots me another teasing grin, mouthing,Elope, dramatically, earning an amused shake of the head from Brody.
Zane pulls me into another firm, brotherly embrace. “Stay safe, Harper,” he says. “Remember, whatever you need, I’m here for you.”
“I will,” I whisper back, hugging him one more time.
Nick and Asher finish their conversation with Brody then give me waves as they load up.
Brody stands beside me as they lift off, wind tossing my hair around.
Stillness settles over us as the helicopter grow smaller and disappear behind the trees.
Brody grabs my hand and squeezes it. “Want to sit by the firepit tonight?”
I exhale slowly, feeling the weight vanish from my shoulders. “Sounds perfect. I’ll grab us a drink.”
“Grab the bottle.” He smiles.
I move across the grass, take the porch, then step inside the cabin. The peaceful silence wraps around me as I reach into the cupboard and pull out the bottle of tequila. I smile, and it brings back several memories. Through the window, I watch Brody carefully arrange logs and kindling.
Today was exactly what I needed.
Seeing Billie, feeling her arms wrapped around me again, talking to her, and laughing—it’s something I didn’t realize I’d so desperately missed until that very moment. And Zane’s protectiveness, his belief that things would somehow get better, soothed places in my heart that had been raw. My family and friends showing up for me humbled me deeply. We’re in this together. All of us.
Stepping back outside, bottle in hand, I feel the comforting heat as the fire begins to take hold, crackling against the dusk. Brody settles into one of the chairs beside the flames, his steady gaze lifting immediately to mine. The warmth of the fire dances across his face, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and his perfectly sculpted cheekbones.
“Come here, Harp,” he says, his voice low.
I move to him without hesitation, allowing him to guide me onto his lap. His strong arms wrap easily around me, holding me securely against him, and I sink into him. The tension in my body melts away.
We pass the tequila back and forth, sipping in comfortable silence. He steadies me, and effortlessly, he makes me feel safe.
Brody’s arms tighten around me ever so slightly, like he knows exactly where my thoughts have drifted, what storms linger beneath the calm surface. Without speaking a single word, he lets me know I’m safe, that he understands. I relax fully against him, savoring the gentle strength that surrounds me.
I tilt my head slightly, glancing up into his eyes, my voice barely above a whisper as I say, “Thank you.”