Page 106 of Came the Closest

I shake my head, but I lift my chin with determination.

“Most importantly, Colton,” he says, squeezing my bicep, “don’t take her for granted. If you remember—but don’t dwell on—how quickly everything can be gone, it shouldn’t make you scared. It should make you live, breathe, and love just a little harder.”

TEXT THREAD IN THE COVETED DEL RAY FAMILY CHAT:

Colton: I’m going to need everyone’s help with something.

Jordan: Are you finally getting those hair implants we’ve been talking about?!

Graham: Gross. He has more hair on his head than you do.

Gran: What can we help you with Collie?

Ember: OH MY GOSH, is it happening??

Sam: Is what happening?

Indi: I bet *I* know what’s happening *winking emoji*

Ember: Graham you didn’t tell me!!

Graham: Tell you what?

Graham: Oh, in the spirit of telling you things, I accidentally ordered double the amount of books for Wildflower Acres.

Ember: WHAT?!

Graham: Just kidding *laughing emoji*

Gran: Grammy, you found the emotionals!!

Gran: emotions!!

Jordan: *emojis

Sam: We’re getting off track. What do you need Colton?

Colton: Relax everyone.

Indi: Yeah, like that’s going to happen

Gran: Don’t expect us to relax when we don’t know what we’re freaking out about!

Jordan: I take it it’s not the hair implants, then?

Colton: No and it never will be.

Jordan: Bummer.

Ember: I take it that discussion was before I was added to the group chat?

Graham: Lou Lou, have I ever told you how much I love your observation skills?

Sam: What do you need our help with Colton?

Colton: *typing*

Chapter Thirty-Four

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