Page 132 of Hold Me Tight

“I sincerely hope not,” she mutters under her breath.

I watch him go, my hand drifting to my stomach without conscious thought. I’m not sure why the gesture feels so right.

Maybe it’s nothing.

Or maybe it’s everything.

What I do know is that the future doesn’t scare me.

It feels wide open, full of promise, and I can’t wait to step into it with River by my side.

Epilogue

Callie

If someone had told me two years ago that my life would look like this, I wouldn’t have believed them. Not in my wildest, most desperate dreams.

Lakeshore Sweets is closed today, but the air inside is sweeter than any recipe I’ve ever whipped together. My bakery, the place I poured my soul into, has been transformed into something magical. White ribbons drape from the ceiling beams, fairy lights twinkle along the walls, and bouquets of wildflowers spill from mason jars on every table. Thick white candles flicker across the counters, their light spilling in a honeyed glow.

It’s not extravagant or over the top.

It’s simple, honest, and real.

A lot like us.

Rina, Lilah, Sloane, and Willow surround me, helping me into my dress. It’s not the kind of gown you’d find in a glossy magazine. The soft, flowing fabric feels like it was made just for me. My hands tremble as I smooth it over my hips.

“You look absolutely stunning,” Lilah whispers, eyes shining.

Sloane, always prepared, hands me a tissue before I realize I need it. “Don’t start crying yet. You’ll ruin your makeup.”

A shaky laugh breaks loose, and emotion swells inside me for these women. My chosen family.

The door creaks open and Nora bursts in. She’s a blur of tulle and sparkly white sneakers, clutching her little flower basket as if it’s the most important job in the world. Petals spill behind her as she races into the room.

“Ready, Mama?” she asks, eyes bright.

I crouch down, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I am. But the real question is if you’re ready.”

She nods with exaggerated seriousness, and my throat tightens.

It’s time.

The second I step into the main room and see River waiting, the rest of the world disappears. His blue eyes lock on mine, as if I’m the only person who exists. The music swells, and every movement toward him feels like stepping into the rest of my life.

When I reach him, he leans in. “I didn’t think I could ever be this happy until you came along. And even then, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to call you mine.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. I want to remember every second of this moment.

Our vows are quiet and intimate. There aren’t any speeches or grand gestures. It’s just us with our hands linked, hearts bare, surrounded by the people who matter most.

“I promise to choose you. Every day, in all the ways that matter,” I tell him, meaning every word.

“I promise to protect the love we’ve found. To protect you. And Nora. Always,” he whispers back, brushing his thumb across my knuckles.

Later, there’s laughter, teasing, and raised glasses. I look around at this messy, wonderful family we’ve built, and know I couldn’t ask for anything more.

When River pulls me into the middle of the space for our first dance, his hand firm at my waist and his lips brushing my temple, I feel light and loved.