Page 121 of Cruel Steps
My dad pulled Rose into a dance, and soft music played. I watched them sway together and knew my mom was happy for Dad. She wouldn’t have wanted him to be alone. I only had a few more years of college before branching out on my own, so I was glad he had someone to spend his life with.
“Your dad is good for her.”
I turned to Holden, my eyes trailing over every inch of his face. Sincerity rang true in his words, and I knew this was my chance to take a step forward and see if he’d follow. Maybe I’d been wrong by waiting on him to make a move. Perhaps he was waiting on me.
“Your mom is good for him. All things considered, I’m glad they fell in love.”
Holden smiled, and he held out his hand. “Dance with me, Wildcat?”
I placed mine in his and let him lead me to the small area where tables had been moved aside. My dad and Rose smiled at us. It made me wonder if they knew about Holden and me, or if they were just happy we’d been getting along. It didn’t matter at this moment, though.
Not when Holden wrapped his arms around me, and I sank into his embrace.
He felt like home.
He nuzzled my neck and held me close… closer than siblings should be—and erased any confusion about what we were to each other.
Neither of us spoke while we danced. We just let the music guide our bodies. I lost count of how many songs we swayed to. I felt so safe and cherished that I didn’t want to step out of it.
But avoidance only lasted so long, or at least until the winery closed.
The music stopped, and we pulled apart, blinking as the lights changed. The safety he’d given shifted, and his face looked sad. I couldn’t tell if it was because he was sad he’d wasted time, or for something else. Like a goodbye.
Moving around without his arms around me felt strange, like a limb was missing. I hugged myself, hoping to ward off the weird feeling. Rose walked over, gave me a knowing look, and kissed my cheek.
“Thank you for all your help, Em. The ceremony was perfect.”
“It was. I’m so glad I got to be part of it,” I said, squeezing her.
“I know it’s not conventional, but I’ve never seen my son look at someone the way he does at you. Whatever becomes of it, I’ll support you.” She kissed my cheek before stepping over to her son. My dad took her place, not giving me time to respond.
“You look beautiful, Pumpkin. Thank you for being here today. I know it must be hard?—”
I stopped him. “No, Dad, it wasn’t. Marrying Rose doesn’t mean you love Mom any less. I know that. She’s gone, and she’d want you to be happy, to experience love again. I’m glad you met Rose. It shocked me at first because you’d kept it from me, but I was never against it. Rose is lovely, and I’m glad we get to have her in both of our lives.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you at first. Sometimes, I forget the beautiful young woman you’ve become. Your mom would be so proud of you.” He kissed my cheek and hugged me. I fought back tears. I knew Mom would be, but hearing him reiterate it meant more than I expected.
“Thanks, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you, Pumpkin.”
He withdrew with tears in his eyes, and I laughed as I wiped mine and then his. He glanced at Holden and lifted his eyebrow.
I shrugged, my mind whirring. “It’s complicated.”
“Well, don’t waste time trying to make it more complicated than it needs.”
“I’ll be honest. That wasn’t how I expected you to respond.”
My dad shrugged before kissing my cheek. I hadn’t expected parental shenanigans to be on my bingo card today, and, quite frankly, it was freaking me the fuck out. Did getting married make you a love guru?
Dad, Rose, and Hope left for the cabin while Holden and I gathered the items we’d brought for the wedding. We worked in comfortable silence, and I appreciated the time to sort through my thoughts. Not that I’d gotten anywhere by the time we were driving the short mile to the cabin. My phone buzzed in my purse. When I opened the screen, I smiled at a text from Colter.
Magic 8-ball: How was the wedding?
Emerson: It was lovely. I’m glad I was here.
Magic 8-ball: I miss you. Does that make me whipped?