That’s such a long time to feel temporary. I wrap my arms around him. “I’m sorry.”
He kisses the top of my head. “Don’t be. It’s a part of my song.”
Dinner is the most entertaining and rowdiest meal I’ve ever enjoyed. There’s so much good food and laughter, kindness and relentless razzing between Linden and his siblings. It’s delightful to be a part of it, like I already belong.
Greta opens her presents. There’s gift cards and clothes, a first aid kit and road flares for her new car, and from all of her uncles, a new saddle waiting for her in the barn. When Greta gets to mylittle trinket—an oversized cheer megaphone charm on a sturdy keyring—and the Falcons Cheer hoodie, her eyes find mine in the sea of faces.
Next to me, Linden reaches under the table to hold my hand.
“How did you get this so fast?” Greta’s eyes turn glassy as it dawns on her. “Wait, is thisyours?”
Linden squeezes my hand while all eyes turn to me. I nod.
“I can’t take this,” Greta says, her eyes so earnest.
“I want you to have it,” I manage. “I think my mom would approve.”
She jumps to her feet and hurries around the table. I stand and fold her into my arms. These past few weeks of spending time with her and Linden has been a highlight of my summer. The three of us have grown so close, like we’re already a family. It makes my already full heart crack open even more.
“Thank you,” Greta whispers.
I give her a squeeze, then kiss her temple. “Wear it with pride, girl.”
After cake and ice cream, we migrate to the barn so Greta can admire her new saddle. The dogs trot alongside, wagging their tails. As promised, I get a tour of the barn and meet each of the horses, including Jupiter, Linden’s massive chestnut roan who nickers when he hears Linden’s voice and pokes his head over his stall door to visit.
Linden rubs his nose and whispers something I can’t hear. I have a feeling these two have a longstanding partnership. It makes me excited for the trail ride date Linden’s promised me next week.
That night, Greta and her cousins are treated to a sleepover with Auntie Edie and their grandparents, so the drive home is quiet, my thigh warm against his on the bench seat. My heart ispacked so full and I have a feeling the memories from tonight are going to be dancing in my mind for weeks to come.
“I love your family,” I say, gazing up at him.
With a smile, he downshifts then takes my hand again. “Pretty sure they love you, too.”
I rest my head on his shoulder and let the soft night breeze cool my face.
We stay close like that all the way home. Linden jumps down and crosses to my side. When he opens the door, instead of taking his hand, I wrap my arms around his neck and part my knees, drawing him closer.
His bright eyes turn inquisitive. I kiss him, drinking in the soft press of his lips and the cricket song and the cape of black night arched above us, studded with stars.
“What was that for?” he asks, gripping my thighs to tug me to him.
I comb through the curls at the nape of his neck. “I love you.”
His face stills, and he opens his mouth, but nothing comes out. He takes a small breath, his fingers weaving through my hair while his eyes tense with emotion.
“It’s okay,” I say, watching his face. “You don’t have to say it back.”
He caresses my cheek as a tear brims at the corner of his eye. “What if I want to say it back?”
I catch his tear with my lips, savoring the sweet salt and the way he’s taking such a big leap, being vulnerable with me. Letting me see the complex and untamed mess that he is in this moment. “Take all the time you need.”
He captures my mouth with his, the heat and hope and raw tenderness expanding so fast inside me that it’s too big for my chest. Too big for my heart.
He presses his forehead to mine. “I thought I had nothing left to give. Love should have been too big a risk for me. Foolish.Even…dangerous. But nothing could keep me from loving you, Meg. You’re the risk I’d take over and over again.”
I kiss him, and his tongue sweeps in, soft and sensual. I tighten my thighs around his waist.
“I love you, Meg James.” Our eyes lock for a long moment before he kisses me again. It starts slow and sweet, but soon our tongues are flicking and swirling, the heat between us making my pulse tap faster.
