Page 66 of Catch
Like maybe I was slipping into something meant only for people who weren’t temporary.
"My mission is to keep you."
Miles’ words replayed in my head, on repeat since he said them a few nights ago. He hadn't explained what that meant. But I knew how I felt.I wanted him to keep me. I wanted him towantto.
Once we were all settled around the table, Miles began telling his family how we met and what was going on. He told the truth—every bit of it—and with each word, the knot in my stomach loosened just a little more.
What he didn’t explain was how close we’d gotten.
But honestly? He didn’t have to.
The way he kept his hand in mine. The way he pulled me close. The sneaky touches and soft glances even as conversation buzzed around us. You’d have to be blind not to see we had gotten close.
That’s probably why Easton pointed at us with his empty fork, eyebrows raised.
“So… is this all part of the job, or is there something more going on here?”
I’d been quiet most of dinner, letting Miles do the heavy lifting. But I couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out. I tilted my head toward Easton and shrugged, “We don’t really know the answer to that.”
The whole table cracked up, and thank God, the topic was dropped for a while.
“So,” Jesse asked. “What are your plans moving forward?”
“I’ll be heading back on tour soon. I’ve got a contract to fulfill. But after this much-needed break, I think it’ll feel good to be back on stage. I’ll make sure to get you tickets, too, whatever show you want.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she said sincerely… then grinned. “Never mind. I definitely want that.”
I laughed. “Good, because I owe a lot of people. The fans especially. They had no idea what was going on behind the scenes, and I hate that I let them down.”
“So,” West leaned back in his chair. “Whathaveyou been doing? Harmony Haven isn’t exactly known for its wild nightlife.”
“That’s exactly why I like it,” I said, laughing. “Miles and I have been laying low. I haven’t really left his place much.”
“Well, youdidsteal my Jeep that one time,” Miles chimed in. “And you burned my big catfish. But we did try fishing last weekend on the lake,” he continued with a grin. “Wasn’t really her thing.”
I rolled my eyes and turned back to West. “I’ve mostly been writing. I’ve felt so inspired lately, and writing my own music is all I’ve ever dreamed of.”
“You mean youhaven’twritten your own stuff before?” he asked, genuinely surprised.
“The label doesn’t allow it,” I said with a shrug. “When I’m on stage, I get to play two acoustic songs. Those are mine. But even then, I’m not allowed to play the guitar. I just sing.”
Jesse’s eyes widened. “I had no idea. But honestly, those acoustic songs? They’re my favorite. And I’m not just saying that.”
“Thank you,” I said softly, my cheeks warm at her kindness.
After that, dinner shifted back to the usual family catch-up—everyone sharing stories from the week, teasing each other, passing dishes like it was second nature. I sat there, taking it all in. It was loud, messy, chaotic. Beautiful.
Sure, I had my mom. But I’d never hadthis. A family that looked out for each other. A table that sat so many people that loved each other.
And maybe it was silly, but a part of me ached knowing Miles’s parents weren’t there to see it. I didn’t know them, but just knew they’d be proud. Proud of the man Miles had become, and proud of the brothers sitting beside him.
Just as I took my last bite, the oven timer buzzed. Grams looked over at me with a warm smile.
“That’s our pie,” she said. “You want to do the honors?”
“Absolutely.”
We walked into the kitchen together, and as I pulled the pie out of the oven, she grabbed a grater and a cinnamon stick. Once I set the pie down and pulled off the oven mitts, she handed them to me with a little grin.
