Page 130 of Close Knit

“Will I?”

It’s adorable that he’s finally getting the references now that he’s been joining us forThe Great British Bake Off. He’s terrible at guessing the winners of the challenges—he always cheers for the underdog—but it’s endearing that he’s trying.

The room continues to hum with celebration, the noise level climbing to rock concert decibels as more teammates filter into the house.

Ivan and Bea saunter over to us, drinks in hand, and I feel a surge of admiration and a smidgen of hope. The more I get to know them, the more I yearn for Cameron and me to have something like what they have. Their love is pure, even if it’s tangled up in football superstitions and the occasional tabloid headline. They’ve been together for what feels like eons, and they still look at each other like they’re discovering new stars in the sky. It’s the same way my moms look at each other and the way Cameron’s parents did. I want that. I really, really do.

“Enjoy celebrating tonight.” Ivan flashes me a grin. “He’s earned it after today’s performance.”

If Cameron Hastings could blush, I swear this would be the perfect moment for him to turn a rosy shade of pink.

“Oh, don’t you worry,” I reply with a wink so exaggerated it could rival the cheesiest slice of cheddar. “We’ll be celebrating a lot!”

“Surely whatever you have planned will bebead-yondamazing,” Bea adds, batting her lashes in a mock-serious way.

I snort, which makes Cameron glance between us, utterly perplexed.

“What’s so funny?” he asks.

“Oh, nothing!” I say, trying to sound as casual as possible. I’m not sure if either of us is ready for bead play…yet.

We join his teammates, who are now cozily gathered in a circle on Bea’s couch.

We plop down among them, and the team dives into the game’s nitty-gritty. Each play and strategy is recounted with such enthusiasm, it’s as if they’re reliving it all over again. For the first time in what feels like forever, Cameron looks completely at ease. The room is alive with energy. Kids dart around, jokes zip through the air, and laughter bubbles up like a shaken soda.

Cameron wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me closer to him on the couch. His warm body feels like a home for mine as we laugh together.

“I like seeing you this happy,” he whispers, his eyes twinkling with that heart-melting sweetness.

“Happiness looks good on you too.”

“It’s easy when you’re around.”

I lean in, feeling like the luckiest girl ever. Surrounded by my new friends, this night feels like a perfect slice of happiness, one I’m certain will last forever.

Chapter 37

Cameron

February4

Lyndhurst FC Soars to Top 5 Amid Recent Winning Streak—Is This the Turnaround They’ve Been Waiting For?

February6

Are the Dating Rumors True? Cameron Hastings Spotted at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport With Influencer Daphne Quinn

After practice on Friday,I picked up Daphne, and we headed to the airport for our flight to Finland. With the family jet unavailable, we settled for first class. Daphne ordered every snack and knitted the whole flight, while I struggled to stay awake, exhausted from the week’s workouts.

The cold hit us hard when we landed. Daphne, in her yellow puffer coat, brown boots, and pink beanie, looked adorably radiant against the snow. Her excitement was contagious as we made our way to the town car I hired.

I can’t help but feel excited to share another Yes Year adventure with her.

“You know, you sort of look like a duck right now,” I say, trying to keep my grin in check.

“Juni said the same thing when I bought this puffer for our family trip to Alaska a few years ago. But you’re one to talk.” She squeezes my hand tighter in the back seat of the car and laughs, a sound that always manages to thaw the icy parts of me.

“Hey, my girl made these.” I run my gloved hand over my scarf and beanie, both painstakingly knitted by Daphne.

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