Page 40 of Quietly Falling

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I reply simply because she already told him and I’m not big on sharing extraneous information.

“Well, I appreciate it.”

I nod because I get it and I’m thankful that this little bonding moment is over. “I’m gonna grab our bags.”

“Yeah, cool. I’ll try not to totally hold it against you that you took my spot to crash this weekend.” He smirks and heads off toward the girls as I disappear around the far side of the truck and release a shaky breath as I pull my phone out.

BODHI: We made it

BODHI: Tell everyone thank you

MASON: That’s what family does and you can do this

BODHI: Do what?

MASON: You’re gonna be with hers – I know that’s a lot for you

BODHI: I already met two cousins

MASON: You like her?

I stareat the message then glance over at Ella, her laugh echoing through the trees and making the tightness in my chest ease the slightest bit.

BODHI: I didn’t mean to

MASON: Nobody does

MASON: But it’s a hell of a good time when you let yourself enjoy

BODHI: Enjoy her?

MASON: Her. Life. All of it.

MASON: Don’t overthink it

MASON: Be easy

BODHI: Easy and free

Don’t overthink it.

Sure, let’s go with that.

20

ELLA

Hugging Roman felt like a piece of me had snapped back into place. Our moms had been pregnant at the same time and we’d been raised more like siblings than cousins. We’re all close, but the bond Roman and I have is different.

It’s not something I can readily explain, just something I feel, his goofy smile as he grabs the food from the truck making my heart expand in my chest.

I missed him.

And it makes me want to pin Bodhi to the side of the cabin and kiss him until he knows what this means to me.

Bodhi—the man currently trying to make himself disappear into the background as he carries our stuff inside.

“Where’s everyone else?” I ask, bringing myself back to the present.

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