“I knew she’d have it,” Cade said. “Lily is one of those quiet people you have to watch out for. Plus, she is a redhead.” He nudged her arm with his. Then hugged her again. I heard him whisper, “I don’t know what I’d do without you, Lily. I was so scared.” She wrapped her arms around his waist, and they held on to each other.

I glanced over at Liam, who watched them like I was—wishing we had grown up with that kind of closeness, that kind of love. With people who would drop everything and do anything they could, no matter what. Liam and I—we were a couple of blind fools, keeping ourselves distant from the friendship we fell into with each other over the years. No more. “I love you, man. You were there for me today. You’re always there,” I said to him.

He blinked, then a small smile crossed his face, and he clapped his hand onto my shoulder. “Love you too.”

Lily was crying again. “We’re all going to be okay,” she said.

28

Lily

Never had I been happier to pull into the driveway of my parents’ house than today. I saw my family running out of the house as I hopped out of Luke’s truck, straight into my mother’s arms. I hugged her, but over her shoulder I searched for Dylan. He stood on the front porch, next to Violet, who cradled a sleeping Calla in her arms. Tears streamed down his little face, and I ran to him. I scooped him up and held him, absorbing his sobs into my body while wishing I could take this whole day away and erase it from his memory.

“Luke told me you’re my little hero,” I whispered into his ear. He squeezed my neck and continued crying. “You saved my life, Dylan. I am so proud of you.”

“I love you, Mommy,” he said through his tears.

“I love you too, little bug.” He wiggled for me to put him down, so I did.

He ran down the drive to Luke who picked him up and hugged him.

Tears filled my eyes as Rose wrapped her arms around me from behind. Violet leaned in, and I kissed Calla’s sweet little cheek. “Thank you for taking care of her,” I murmured. Violet nodded at me with a smile.

“Lily.” Rose’s voice broke on my name as tears streamed down her face. I turned and hugged Rose tighter while Violet and Gram moved over to one of the porch swings and sat down near Finn and Nick.