Page 117 of One Little Kiss

“I thought you were from Boston, so I made every excuse for almost two years to be in that city. When I first met you, I was in awe of you, Winnie. The way you spoke about school and how you would help people? That passion still lives inside of you, and I’m not ready to give up on it yet.”

“Life is full of choices and responsibilities. I chose Wes. I’ll never regret that, Colton. My dreams are on hold so I can give him everything he needs. I’m okay with that.”

“I’m not. I’ve lived every dream I’ve ever had. It’s your turn. We’ll get Weston settled with us. Legally. Then we’ll talk about our next steps.”

She glances at her watch, and I know she’s going to agree just so she can get ready for work, but I’m not willing to back down.

“Okay. We’ll talk about it another time. I need to get ready so I’m not late.”

“I know. I’ll wait for Wes.”

“Thank you. I-I love you.”

If my smile gets any bigger, I think my face will split in two. “I love you, too, CC. Go before you’re late.”

My cheeks hurt by the time she’s out of sight. I may approach life like a tornado, but she’ll always be the eye of my storm.

* * *

Brothers

Halton: Colton, you troublemaking instigator.

Halton: Did you put liquid X-Lax into my vanilla again?

Halton: I fly that shit in from Mexico, dude. It’s expensive.

Colton: (laughing emoji)

Halton: It’s not funny. East has been shitting his brains out for two hours.

Colton: (laughing emoji)

Colton: You wanted to find out who was stealing your cookies from the cooling rack before they were finished, didn’t you?

Halton: I …

Halton: …

Halton: Thanks

Preston: That’s harsh, man.

Lochlan: Note to self. Never eat cookies around Colton.

Dexter: Easton is going to kill you if he ever gets off the shitter.

Colton: (Takes a bow GIF)

CHAPTER36

WINNIE

There’s a chill in the air that only comes with a New England storm. The air smells crisp, like sheets hanging in the sun, but it’s heavy and thick. My thumb rolls the engagement ring on my left hand as nerves get the better of me. Colton holds my right hand tightly in his. He’s the picture of cool confidence, but I see his anxiety in his flared nostrils. I see it in the rigid line of his shoulders.

“We’ve got this, Winnie.”

“Okay,” I mumble. It’s the best I can do.