Page 88 of Hold Me Tight

Somewhere between the coffee, the quiet laughter, and the feel of his hand resting against my skin, it hits me that I’m falling for him.

Not in the reckless way I’ve fallen before.

There isn’t fear, desperation, or the need to cling to something I know will slip through my fingers.

This feels different.

Steady.

Real.

And I don’t just hope it will last.

I believe it will.

32

River

Midway through the day, Willow pulls me aside and says, “You should take Callie out to dinner tonight. We’ll stay here with Nora, grab pizza for the kids, maybe some ice cream, then head back to the hotel.”

And just like that, my entire night gets a hell of a lot better.

I glance at Callie with a raised brow. The last thing I want to do is assume or push. I’d never pressure her to leave Nora behind if she’s not ready. I know how hard it is for her to loosen the reins, especially when it comes to the little girl her entire world revolves around.

Callie hesitates, her gaze flicking to where Nora is playing on the floor with Autumn and Haven. In the span of a couple of hours, the three of them have become thick as thieves. It’s like they’ve known each other their whole lives.

I can almost see the silent war playing out in Callie’s eyes. The mom in her wants to say no. Wants to stay and be the one in charge of bedtime and juice cups and wiping off sticky fingers.

But the woman?

The woman who hasn’t had a moment to relax, to feel desired, to feel seen, wants to give in.

She looks at me again, and something in her expression eases.

“Okay,” she says, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth before glancing at my twin. “But only if you’re sure.”

“I am,” Willow says easily, glancing at the kids and then her husband. “They’re having the best time together.”

Callie nods slowly, her arms still crossed, as she watches the scene unfold like it’s something precious. Something she hasn’t let herself imagine she could have. “They really are.”

I don’t say anything, but I could kiss my sister for knowing exactly what I needed.

This little moment is everything.

I love having Nora here in my home. She’s filled it with so much energy and laughter. I love how effortlessly she fits into my life, how naturally she clings to my hand, how she lights up every room she races into.

And Callie’s not just sliding into my life.

She’s becoming it.

It’s to the point where I can’t picture a future that doesn’t include the two of them.

Although, getting Callie all to myself, even for a few hours, is a gift I didn’t know I needed until it was offered.

We head down the hall to get ready. I shave, throw on a dark crewneck sweater and a pair of jeans. Something simple and understated. Even so, I find myself adjusting in the mirror, wanting to look perfect for her.

I’m halfway through pulling on my shoes when the bathroom door creaks open and Callie walks out. The world goes still as I glance up and find her there.