Page 101 of To Catch a Firefly

“Just think of all the piggyback rides,” I mumble against his lips. “Your kid will adore you.”

His body shakes with his chuckle. “And…you?”

“They can have your shoulders,” I say, swinging onto his lap. He leans back, accepting my weight easily. “So long as you let me ride your front.”

He rumbles a hum, his eyes roaming over my face. I cup his cheeks, letting my fingers drift over the coarse stubble there, then down to his chest and the bumpy planes of his abdomen.

“Your mom knows we have sex in the silo,” I mention.

He blinks at me, not looking overly concerned. I huff a laugh.

“She also suggested we might want to consider finding our own place to live,” I say carefully.

He frowns at that, and I return my palms to his face, hastening to reassure him.

“It was just a suggestion. She knows we might appreciate the privacy. But…” I consider my words, truly not minding our current situation. Not to say I wouldn’t mind having Ellis to myself from time to time, too. “But if you want to stay here, I’m fine with that. We’ll make it work. Just something to think about.”

He nods slowly, and I lean in again, smudging a kiss against his lips.

“Dance with me?” I ask.

He cocks his head.

“Yes, now.”

I back up off his lap, holding out my hand. I’m still in my suit, and Ellis is half-dressed, but it doesn’t matter. Music is floating lightly through the walls, and even though this day was mired in grief and a twisted sort of sadness, our family is here.We’rehere—me and Ellis, together. And that’s not something I’ll ever take for granted.

Ellis accepts my hand, standing in front of me. He’s a good half-foot taller than I am, but we’re a perfect fit as we come together, Ellis’s hands on my lower back, mine curved behind his neck.

“Do you remember when we were sixteen?” I whisper.

A smile curls his lips.

I sigh, resting my cheek against his chest. And as snowflakes drift lazily down outside the window, I recall two blue boutonnieres Ellis and I left behind at the edge of a cornfield.

Chapter 35

Ellis

“Ellis Cole,” Lucky says cheekily, grinning over at me from the passenger seat of my truck. “Are you bringing me on a date?”

I park in front of the bar. Holiday lights are strung along the front, and the parking lot is packed. It’s New Year’s Eve. “Best beer…in town.”

He huffs a laugh. “Onlybeer in town.” Still, he hops right out of the vehicle, happy as can be. “This will be the first time people in town see us together. Are you ready for that?”

I close my door, coming around to meet Lucky. Without a word, I grab his hand, linking our fingers together.

“Guess so,” he says with a smile.

Inside, the bar is busy. Stools are filled, booths are mostly occupied, and patrons are standing around pool tables, festive clothes in place. I spot Riley sitting at a table with a few other guys from our class, Brandon included. When Riley sees me and Lucky, he waves us over.

“Hey,” he says, moving from his chair to the cramped booth, opening up space for us. “It’s good to see you guys. Have a seat.”

“Thanks,” Lucky says, letting my hand go as we sit in the two chairs at the end of the table.

Brandon, I notice, looks away. I’m not sure he’s forgiven me for breaking his nose, either.

“Guys, you remember Ellis and Lucky,” Riley says to the table at large.

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