Page 125 (1/2)

He walks Mo ratulations once more as they leave When it’s Elle’s turn, her eyes are red and puffy as she says fironna say itI dare you to eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks And take regular breaks Because we’re not doing this again” She twirls a burgundy tipped finger around the roo in with Harper to ood”

Actually,because it sounds more like a threat

“And my dad”

Oh, that’s definitely a threat

But her hug is tight, and I kno scared she was I hug her back, feeling her sag in relief “Give my love to Colton and Neve Sorry I scared her”

“I will” She hugs Daniel too, and then she’s gone It’s just me and Daniel alone once more

“Daniel—” I start, but he shakes his head, putting a finger to his lips in the international ‘shush’ gesture

“Not now You need to rest We’ll have plenty of time to talk when you come home”

I don’t want to wait This has been weighing on me for days, and I want to share it with him, have him help with the load of worries and what-ifs But the least I can do is respect that he’s not ready and give him time to think I took that for myself, and he deserves the same

Still, I’uess a small part of me hoped he would be overjoyed, instantly take me in his arms, and tell me it would all be okay

I nod “Okay”

Danielto rest on his side next to athers me into hiers through ood, and I want to stay awake to enjoy it

But et heavy once more

Right on the edge of sleep, I think I hear him whisper ‘I love you’, but it just as easily could’ve beenback Still, it helps , and co

Chapter 30

Daniel

“Really, this is bullshit”