Page 59 of Knot in Bloom
“You can have everything you want. We’ll make sure of it.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
The afternoon passes in a haze of contentment. We talk about books and dreams and the way stories help us understandourselves. We share the sandwiches he packed, feeding each other bites of apple and cheese while the sun moves across the sky. And we kiss—soft, exploring kisses that speak of time and patience and the luxury of not having to rush.
When he reads to me again, I curl against his side, my head on his shoulder, breathing in his cedar warmth. His free hand plays with my hair, and I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek.
“I could get used to this,” I murmur against his shirt.
“Being taken care of?”
“Being cherished.” The word feels right. “Being wanted for exactly who I am instead of having to be smaller or easier or more convenient.”
His hand stills in my hair. “You should never have to be smaller.”
“I know that now.” I press closer to his warmth. “You all make me feel like I’m exactly the right size.”
“You are exactly the right size. For all of us.”
The sun is starting to sink lower when we finally begin packing up the picnic. Neither of us seems eager to leave this magical place, but the real world is waiting.
“We should probably head back,” I say reluctantly. “Caleb will be expecting me soon.”
“He will.” But Levi doesn’t move to stand immediately. Instead, he pulls me close for another lingering kiss. “Sadie?”
“Yeah?”
“Tonight, when you’re with Caleb—enjoy it. Let him take care of you the way he’s been wanting to.”
The generous permission in his voice makes my pulse race. “You want me to?”
“I want you to be happy. And Caleb makes you happy.” His smile turns wicked. “Besides, I’m curious to see how you smell tomorrow morning after he’s had his hands on you.”
Heat races through me at his words, and fresh slick pools between my thighs. “Levi.”
“Too much?” But his grin suggests he knows exactly what effect his words are having.
“Not too much. Just... unexpected.”
“Good unexpected?”
“Very good unexpected.”
The walk back to town passes too quickly, our hands linked, comfortable silence punctuated by easy conversation. But instead of anxiety, I feel giddy with anticipation. Like I’m finally stepping into something I’ve been waiting for my whole life without realizing it.
By the time we reach the edge of town, the afternoon light is golden and soft, and I can smell traces of woodsmoke from early evening fires. The familiar sights of Main Street look different somehow—brighter, more welcoming.
When we reach my apartment building, Caleb’s truck is already parked outside, and I can see him waiting patiently behind the wheel.
“Right on time,” Levi says with a smile that holds no jealousy, only warmth and anticipation.
“I can’t believe this is real,” I admit, watching Caleb step out of his truck with that easy confidence I find so attractive.
“It’s real.” Levi’s voice carries absolute certainty. “We’re going to take such good care of you, Sadie.”
He kisses me then, soft and sweet but with heat underneath—a reminder of the passion we shared by the creek and a promise of more to come. When he pulls back, his thumb traces my lower lip.
