Tearing my gaze from Cal to see Aiden looking at me with an expression I could only describe as guarded, making my breath come more quickly as nerves settled in. The last set of footsteps sounded after a door slammed shut, making me jump even more nervously.

“Let’s look through this, so we can fucking get something to eat and be ready for her tomorrow,” Nathan said, as he walked towards us. Her?

“Seriously guys, don’t just sta…” Nathan’s words stopped when he looked at me. Those multicolored eyes found mine, making me breathe a little easier, even though he was the person I was most nervous to see. His expression was hard to read. Did his eyes looked relieved or maybe it was just me being hopeful?

“Hi,” I said, not knowing what else to say, even though I had an entire speech worked out for tomorrow. Seeing them in the flesh made my brain go to mush.

Callum abruptly turned around, leaving the kitchen. The front door opened and shut, making me jump. The symbolism of the closed door was more than I could handle. I bit my lip, trying to contain my emotions. Nathan looked at me and then back to Callum before he walked away, too. This time, I clenched my jaw to control the overwhelming need to cry. I closed my eyes before the tears could spill out when I heard a loud exhale and footsteps leaving.

I was overwhelmed with emotion. I couldn’t even think of anything to say to make Aiden stay. The door closed again, making my knees feel weak, my heart threatening to implode, and I felt that loss of love, one more time. I leaned against the island trying those damn breathing techniques Nancy taught me, but they were shit when you really needed them. When I heard the door open one more time, I closed my eyes. I took a deep, shaky breath, focusing on just breathing through the pain.

“Cal, wait.” Nathan’s voice made me look up.

Callum stood in front of me with a necklace in his hand. “The day we found you by the waterfall, you said you wanted honesty, stability, and love from a relationship. I know my honesty has been shit but I promise to give you all the honesty you can handle, even if it means I don’t like it, even if it means putting my wants and needs second to make sure that you are taken care of. I promise to hold us all accountable because we need honesty to trust each other and make this work.”