Page 49 of Hold Me Tight

Nora babbles to herself between bites, already seeming completely comfortable in this new place.

In this new life.

With River.

I never expected her to adjust so quickly or with such ease.

After dinner, I busy myself in the kitchen, clearing plates and loading the dishwasher. Every few minutes, I peek into the living room out of habit. I’ve grown so used to multitasking. Working, cleaning, and parenting. There’s never a time when I’m fully off-duty. It’s strange and a little unsettling to know that my daughter is being cared for by someone who isn’t me.

Or my parents.

I catch sight of them at the window. River’s holding Nora in his arms and pointing out the glittering skyline. Her hand is pressed against the glass, no doubt leaving behind smudges and tiny fingerprints. Instead of flinching or correcting her, he just lets her be.

And that affects me in a way I don’t have words for.

This impossibly steady, gentle, quietly protective man is unlike anyone I’ve ever known. The more I let myself feel it, the more I realize how desperately I want to believe it’s real.

Even if I’m not sure if I should.

All right, that’s not totally true. Steele Sanderson is like that. The man is hopelessly devoted and utterly obsessed. He’s been in love with Lilah for a decade. That much has always been obvious to anyone with eyes. It was only a matter of time before he stopped pretending otherwise and made his feelings known.

And honestly?

I love that for her.

My friend deserves someone who looks at her like she hung the stars. A man who shows up without question and stands by her side no matter what.

Steele is going to be an incredible father. You can see it in the way he’s already taking care of Lilah and planning their future. He has quiet strength and unwavering loyalty to those he loves.

It’s a rare find these days.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit to being a teeny bit jealous.

Not in a bitter way, just wistful. Like I’m watching someone live out the dream I once had for myself, only to see it crumble before it could come true.

By the time I finish cleaning up the kitchen, Nora and River are curled up on the couch. The TV plays a movie at low volume, casting a muted glow over the room. Nora’s nestled against him, her head resting on his thigh like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

I settle beside her on the other side of the couch, careful not to disturb the moment. The three of us, side by side, in a home that’s not really mine. And yet, the scene unfolding around me feels domestic in a way that’s foreign.

This is exactly what I used to picture back when I was pregnant and still foolishly believed Zane would rise to the occasion. That he’d love our unborn baby the way I already did. That we’d build a life together, a family, a home.

But he never showed up.

Not in the ways that mattered.

River, though?

He didn’t just show up. He opened his door without hesitation. He’s been kind, patient, and steady.

And now my daughter is snuggled against him like she’s known this man her entire life.

About thirty minutes in, Nora’s eyes start to close. I stroke a hand down her back. “Okay, baby. Time for bed.”

She lifts her sleepy gaze to mine before shifting her attention to River and reaching for him with her arms stretched wide. “Rivvy.”

The softness and trust threaded through her words slice right through me.

River doesn’t even blink. He lifts her carefully into his arms and kisses the crown of her head. “You stay here,” he says to me. “I’ve got her.”