Page 63 of Hold Me Tight

Willow laughs. “I can’t wait to see how this unfolds.”

“Yeah, well, I’m terrified that I’m going to mess it up or scare her away.”

“You won’t,” she says with certainty. “Just keep showing up for her. Every day. That’s what matters.”

A lump forms in my throat. One I have to clear away before I’m able to speak again. “She’s been hurt before. And I can see how scared she is. Every time I get close, she pulls away, as if expecting it all to fall apart.”

Willow hums. “Then be the one who doesn’t leave.”

I nod, even though she can’t see it. “That’s the plan.”

“Oh, by the way, Autumn and Haven say hi. They miss their uncle like crazy.”

“I miss them too. Bet they’ve shot up another couple inches since I last saw them.”

“Feels like I’m buying new clothes every month. It’s crazy.”

“Maybe when you’re in town for the game, you can stop by and meet Callie and Nora,” I say before hesitating. “You’ll like them.”

There’s a pause on her end, like she understands everything I’m not saying. “That’s a big step.”

“It is. One I’m ready to take.” The acknowledgment sends a heavy thrum through my veins. “Although, let’s keep that between us for now. Do me a favor and don’t mention anything to Mom. You know how she gets. She’ll have a venue and flower arrangements picked out before Callie even meets her.”

There’s a beat of silence.

“Oh, about that…”

“Willow,” I say with a groan.

“Hey! She was bugging me about when we’re having a third kid. I panicked.”

“Well, that certainly explains the five voicemails she left me before seven this morning.”

“Sorry.” She doesn’t sound remotely apologetic for throwing me under the bus. “You have fun with that, okay?”

Before my sister and I can say goodbye, the ding of the elevator cuts through the air. I glance toward the entryway, half-expecting it to be Callie. As much as I’d love to see her, the last thing I want is for her to come back because she doesn’t trust me with Nora.

Instead, I find Knox, Laiken, Steele, Oliver, and Jax.

Laiken’s holding his daughter’s hand. Her smaller fingers are swallowed up in his larger ones, and she’s wearing a pink tutu over her leggings. The second the guys step into the kitchen and catch sight of Nora, who’s currently channeling her inner Picasso as she gleefully smears yogurt across the tray of her highchair, they all freeze.

A beat of stunned silence hangs in the air as they collectively take in the sight.

“Um, I’m no expert on kids,” Knox says, lifting a brow as he studies the mess, “but I’m pretty sure she’s supposed to eat that, not wear it.”

Steele chuckles and claps me on the shoulder. “Jumping straight into the deep end, are we? I like it. Shows initiative.”

Jax lowers his voice like he’s narrating a nature documentary. “Observe the domesticated male in his natural habitat. Notice the unshaven jaw, the weary eyes, and yogurt-splattered clothes. What’s become clear is that he has accepted his fate.”

Laiken doesn’t miss a beat. He strides forward, rips off a few sheets of paper towel, and crouches in front of Nora like he’s been through this exact scenario a dozen times.

“You’re letting her win, man. Rule number one: stay ahead of the mess. Once they gain control, it’s all over.”

Nora giggles and kicks her legs, clearly delighted by all the attention.

Elody tugs gently on Laiken’s sleeve. “Daddy, can I help?”

He smiles down at her before ruffling her hair. “Of course, baby. Once we clean Nora up, maybe you can show her your sticker book.”