Page 20 of Through the Storm

“Do you hate it?” I panic.

“No.” Her voice cracks. “No. I love it. Sorry.” She swipes at her cheeks. “It’s the hormones.”

It’s not just hormones. I see it, the flicker of something soft. Familiar. Something I once had and didn’t protect.

When she starts crying for real, instinct takes over. I wrap my armsaround her carefully, like she might shatter if I hold her too tightly.

She sinks into me for one heartbeat. And I let myself believe, just for that moment, that I haven’t lost her completely.

Ella herds everyone into the kitchen, pretending she doesn’t see anything.

Suddenly it’s just us.

Her. Me. And a tiny onesie.

Her shoulders soften against my chest, like she’s letting herself feel not alone for a second. I don’t move. I don’t breathe.

Then I feel it. The weight of someone watching.

I look up.

Declan doesn't say a word. His jaw is tight, his hand resting against Ella's waist like he's grounding himself. Considering how hard he had to work to get her back, you'd think he'd be in a better mood.

Instead, his eyes are locked on me, sharp and assessing. Like he’s measuring whether I’m a risk.

Ella beams, oblivious. “Isn’t that adorable? I can’t with the little kitten onesie. Ben’s so thoughtful.”

Declan doesn’t smile. He just keeps watching.

My arms tighten around Katy instinctively.

If Declan is watching this closely now, I’m going to have to prove not only to her, but to him that I won’t hurt her.

Not again.

CHAPTER SEVEN

katy

NEXT TO ME

We got invitedto spend the Fourth of July at the Winters’ house. I wasn’t sure I wanted to go. After the disaster with my parents, after crying myself hoarse in Grandma Patty’s living room, the idea of showing up to a big family event felt impossible.

But Declan insisted.

“Normalcy will help,” he said.

So here I am, stepping into the Winters’ backyard. The entire Winters family is here, including Ben’s parents. So are Ella’s friends from Rose Bay U—Wyatt, Rebecca, and Tyler. After everything they did for me yesterday, I’m starting to understand why she loves them so much. Even Rebecca.

We barely make it past the gate before…

“Katy Cat!” I look up just in time to see Ben jogging toward us, waving like an absolute lunatic. “Mom, look who’s here, come say hi!”

And then his parents descend.

His mom, Caroline, pulls me into a hug like she’s been waiting weeks for the chance. His dad, James, smiles at me like I’ve done something impressive just by existing. I’m beautiful, apparently. Radiant. A miracle.

It’s ridiculous. Over the top.