Page 64 of Stay

“How’s it coming along in here?” Mom chirps. “Ohhhh, you’re almost a third of the way done.”

Like that’s an accomplishment? “Mama, did you use every dish, pot, and piece of silverware you own?” Because it feels like it.

“Obviously,” she says, laughing. Putting her arm around us both, she gives us a squeeze. “It’s so wonderful having this house full. I can’t wait to have more grandbabies, too.”

“Don’t look at me.” Reid gives her the stink eye. “I’m just a baby.”

Mom swings her hopeful gaze to me and raises her eyebrows.

I shake my head. “Nope. Not happening.”

I notice Haley pausing at the doorway with a stack of empty platters. When I turn to give her a reassuring look, something passes over her face that I can’t read. She bristles and rushes forward with her arms full. “I can’t believe we ate everything. There aren’t any leftovers.” She places them on the counter and fans her reddening face. “Phew, it’s hot in here.”

The windows are cracked open to let the cold air in, but she’s right. It’s stifling. My body temp probably has more to do with how good she looks in that dress than the actual heat in the house. I want her again.

I want her always.

“Come for a walk with me,” I say, tossing my towel on the counter.

“Hey, no!” Reid panics. “Don’t leave me with all this.”

“Sorry, not sorry, bro.” I grab Haley’s hand and pull her out of the kitchen before anyone can stop us.

I’m not worried about leaving him with all the dishes. Even as we dash out the door, Erin and Trey get up from the couch and head into the kitchen to help. Our family is all about teamwork.

“Where are we going?” Haley asks, buttoning up her coat.

“Nowhere special. I just wanted a few minutes alone with you.” Steering her over to the trail on the other side of the driveway, I wrap my arms around her waist and frog-walk us a few steps. I think something’s up with her, and I want to know what it is. “Did I tell you how beautiful you look today, Angel?”

“Yes, like four times.”

“One more can’t hurt.” I let her go. White puffs leave my mouth each time I exhale. The temp really dropped over the past few hours. “You looked a little caught up in your head back there. What’s going through your mind, Hales?”

And there’s that body language I know so well. I’m right. Something’s up.

“Nothing at all,” she lies. “I’m just admiring what you have, Cole.” Her smile is tight. “Your family is amazing.”

I’m not sure how to respond. She’s not looking for validation of her opinion about my family. This is something deeper. Darker. I try to grab her hand, but she jerks back so I can’t touch her.

“Haley,” I warn. If she doesn’t want to be touched right now, fine. But I can’t stop the fear that punches me in the gut when she wraps her arms around herself. She’s pulling back from me. What if she runs again? “Talk to me.”

“Why didn’t you tell everyone about your big news, Cole?”

I slow my roll. That’s… not where I thought this conversation was going. “It’s not time for that yet.”

“What do you mean?” Her brow pinches. “What more are you waiting for?”

I don’t have an answer.

Haley sighs, her head falling. “I just wanted to see them be proud of you. I wanted to share that with you.” Her tears shake me to my core. This isn’t about me or my design news. This is something else.

“I want to wait until I’m sure, Hales.” My arms ache to hold her. Why is she closing up over something like this? I don’t understand what’s going on. “I’m not willing to put the cart before the horse. They could change their minds and nix the deal.”

“So what?” Her voice shakes. “You did something great. It should be celebrated.” Her chin trembles and the first tear falls.

“Hey, whoa.” I close the space between us, my heart pounding. “What’s going on, Haley?”

“Your family is…” A breath shudders out of her, white puffs fogging the air between us. “Do you have any idea how lucky you are, Cole?”

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