Page 89 of When Time Stood Still

“It’s my first poem ever. I wrote it for you.” Riley grins at me, and I wink back. We worked on the poem together at the last family dinner, hiding upstairs while Cosmos helped his mom cook.

Riley and Julia surround Cosmos in a hug, and my chest caves in with sudden longing for my mom. She would have loved this. Not just the party, but the connection. Aunt Joan smiling at me from across the room. Kiara and Sullivan fighting by the punch bowl. Cecelia, Ivy, and Camilla talking to the band I booked for salsa dancing later. Dr. Paatel and his wife, Susan, holding a gift bag that undoubtedly contains a book of poetry. They’ve taken a special liking to my poetry-loving boyfriend, too, not to mention being incredibly encouraging of my romance novel. They’ve had us over for dinner a handful of times, and it felt right to invite them tonight.

Mom would even love that Jeremy’s here, standing in the back of the group. A little awkward, but happy. He waves tentatively, and I smile at him.

I wish Mom could see this. I wish she knew I've found my pack—imperfect people I love imperfectly. People who love me, too. I would give anything to share this moment with her, to curl up on the couch, watch the sunrise, and tell her everything about the past six months. I want her to feel all the love I feel in this room. Maybe she can. Somehow.

Camilla comes up beside me, squeezes my hand, and whispers softly, “I’m glad you’re here, Hazel.”

Cosmos reaches for me with one hand and his mom with the other, pulling us both into the hug. Ivy runs over and tackles our huddle from behind, causing me to stumble and all of us to laugh.

“Can we start the party now?” Riley asks.

Cosmos ruffles her hair. “It’s already started, pipsqueak.” He looks around the room, his eyes falling on mine last. “It’s all already started. And I can’t wait to see what happens next.”