Page 42 of Mad Love

I don’t know if he meant for me to, but I take his hand and it feels like a lifeline. I let him tug me toward them and he throws the blanket over my head and says, “Where did she go?”

I play along, staying hidden for a second before pulling it off and saying, “Boo!”

Caleb laughs so hard he gets the hiccups, and it brings me so much joy to see him this happy, I almost forget to be sad.

I think Weston doesn’t want to lose this opportunity, because he says, “Why don’t we get out of the house for a while? Want to go to the park? It’s nice out, feels like spring. Or we could take a drive…my sister’s been wanting us to come see her in Landmark Mountain.”

“I don’t feel like I’m good enough company to go there yet, but maybe a drive closer to home would be nice.”

“Yeah? I know a place you might like. Get your coat and some comfortable shoes and I’ll work on putting some food together.”

I’m already rethinking my decision, but the hopeful look in his eyes forces me to keep that to myself. I nod and go grab my comfiest boots and coat. When I come back up, Weston has Caleb’s bag packed and is making sandwiches. I pitch in and help, the monotonous task a nice reprieve from my thoughts.

We’re in the car within half an hour and Weston won’t tell me where we’re going.

He’s quiet, almost as if he’s afraid to break the spell.

“You’re doing great with him,” I finally say.

He turns to me, a pleased expression on his face. “You think so?”

“You really are. I’m sorry I’ve been?—”

“No, don’t be.” He faces the road again. We’re going up a mountain and the curves are getting more intense. “I’ve been worried about you, but I think I’d be more worried if you weren’t reacting to this loss. It shows me how much you love your sister, how deeply you care about the people you love.”

I think about that as I stare out the window.

“I need to do better for Caleb,” I say softly. “I will do better.”

“He’s all right. He loves you and he’ll be right here when you’re feeling yourself again.”

I turn to look at him. “You really are a decent guy.”

He grins. “That’s what I strive to be. Decent.”

I’m rolling my eyes when he glances over and his smile grows.

“Hey, at least you’ll never get a big head when I’m around.” I lift my shoulder and he laughs.

“True. My family will be pleased about this.”

“I should probably get back to my apartment soon. It’s been a little more than the few weeks we talked about, and I don’t want to overstay my welcome,” I say.

I never wanted to stay in his house, but it’s so hard to think about leaving Caleb.

“Don’t worry about that right now. I’m in no hurry for you to go, and your rent is taken care of through the end of your lease, so you don’t need to worry about that either.”

“Weston! You didn’t need?—”

He holds up his hand. “I told you I’d take care of you. And I want you to stay as long as you can.”

“Thank you,” I say softly.

We’re almost to the top of the mountain when Weston parks. When we get out, he puts a hat and coat on Caleb and puts him in a baby carrier I didn’t even know we had. Caleb’s head rests against Weston’s chest and they both look content. I’m surprisedby the ease in which he handles Caleb. It’s changed a lot in the past month.

We grab the food and a blanket and walk until we’ve reached the crest. It’s only a short walk up, and when we get there, I gasp. The view is incredible. We’re not even close to being on the tallest mountain, but we’re high above the trees, the clouds feeling close enough to jump on one and float away.

We set down our things and walk closer to the edge of the mountain.

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