“Effectively, I’m dammit. It’s simply, by no means thoughts. I actually am glad to see you, and by the point the occasion begins, I promise to be in a greater temper.” My smile’s as vibrant as I can muster, squinting towards the solar so I can’t see his response.

That’s most likely an excellent factor. I’ve moved on. I believed Stone was gone ceaselessly. Hell, all of us did.

“I’m going to make it as much as you, Ivy. That’s a promise.” With that, he turns and walks away. I’m left feeling like I simply received the wind knocked out of me.

Shit. Seeing Stone in spite of everything these years has stirred up a whirlwind of feelings I by no means anticipated.

On one hand, I’m overjoyed to have my finest buddy again in my life. The reduction of realizing he’s secure and pleased is overwhelming.

But, beneath the secure and pleased is a way of damage and anger. 5 years in the past, he disappeared and not using a phrase, leaving me to navigate the toughest years of my life alone. I perceive why he needed to go away, however understanding doesn’t erase the ache of his absence.

I take a deep breath, making an attempt to reconcile the warring feelings inside me. I wish to embrace the enjoyment of Stone’s return, to fall again into our simple friendship as if no time has handed. However loads of time has handed, and the burden of these lacking years holds me again, reminding me that issues can by no means be the identical.

Similar to that, my world’s flipped on its head. Once more.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Stone

Any hesitation I might need felt about returning residence to Opey washes away after I stand on the entrance porch and watch my household collect to welcome me residence. Everyone seems to be right here, beers and whiskeys in hand and carrying big-ass smiles as a result of they’re pleased that I’m again. Comfortable to see me.

Fuck it feels good to be residence.

This occasion out on the entrance garden with the music blasting makes it really feel—virtually—like I by no means left. Like 5 years haven’t flown by since I final set foot on this soil, however then I look out, and I can see the modifications. Hair is grayer, and other people I bear in mind as children at the moment are youngsters or older. It’s all completely different but in addition precisely the fucking similar. I’m undecided how I really feel aside from overwhelmed.

I grin and rush down the steps to hitch the chaos of a celebration on Hardtail Ranch. I scan all of the acquainted faces looking for the one I haven’t seen but, however I’m positive she’s right here.

“Hey, Hollywood, lookin’ for somebody?”

I smile. I do know that voice. Sage. Ivy’s little sister. I flip and see she’s all grown up now, apart from that mischievous smile she’s perfected.

“Hey, Squirt. Have you ever seen my sister?” My gaze scans the gang, and I see and acknowledge everybody besides Maisie.

Sage punches my arm with a scowl. “To begin with, don’t name me Squirt. My identify is Sage.”

“Don’t name me Hollywood,” I shoot again with a teasing smile.

Sage rolls her eyes earlier than answering my query, “Maisie hasn’t been right here in ceaselessly. She’s busy residing it up in Las Vegas. I believed you knew that.”

“I do know that. I simply thought she’d be right here. Guess I’ll need to plan a visit to Vegas quickly.”

Sage’s face lights up. “Can I am going with you? Now that you just’re all scorching and adult-like?”

I grin. Sage has by no means minced phrases. “Grownup-like? What’s that purported to imply?”

“You’re all grown up. So am I.” She beams.

My lips tug right into a smile, and I ruffle her hair like I did when she was a child. “Don’t know, Squirt. Simply received right here.”

Sage’s frown is as cute as ever. “And to assume, I used to be pleased to have you ever residence.”

“Aw, thanks, Squirt.” I press a loud, obnoxious kiss on her cheek. “It’s good to be residence.”

Her lips struggle a smile that already lights her eyes. “Yeah, properly, I suppose we’ll see about that. Comfortable homecoming, Hollywood,” she teases round with a smile earlier than strolling off towards the bar.

I stroll over to Holden and Wheeler. They’re like uncles to me and their girls, Aspen and Annabelle. Effectively, I’ve identified them my entire life. “You soiled outdated males higher scram earlier than I inform your wives you’re hittin’ on these scorching younger chicks.” I wink at them each, incomes me an eye-roll from every.

“Who the fuck you callin’ outdated?” Wheeler stands first, taking my hand and wrapping an arm round me. “Glad to see you’re residence, however don’t overlook,” he says with a broad wink, “I can nonetheless knock you in your ass, son!”

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