Can't Fight It - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,76

“Thanks, Mama Callahan.”

“You’re welcome, my boy.”

I can see the love between them, and it pings my heart with sadness. I was close to Tina’s mom too. Often, I’d be invited over to their house for dinners or celebrations. After my own Mom moved away, and Grandma was put in the nursing home, her family sort of became my family. I’ve missed Tina these last few weeks, but now I’m missing her little family too. They weren’t as big and loud as the Callahans, but it was nice to belong.

We all say goodbye, and I help get Milo situated in his seat. We throw the blanket over his head and make our way to Colton’s truck, the cold winds blowing in more snow.

“Oh, Colt, we’re having Christmas dinner here. Will that work for you and Hollis?” Connie asks from the front porch.

He glances my way, and if he notices the tears swimming in my eyes, he doesn’t say anything. “Will that work for you?” he whispers, squeezing my hand in comfort.

“Yeah,” I croak over the lump in my throat. “That would be fine.”

“Sounds good, Mom. Just text me what you want us to bring,” Colton says as he leads me the rest of the way to his truck.

Inside, the cab is already warm as I slip inside and rub my hands on my jeans. After Colton gets the car seat secured, he jumps in the driver’s seat and glances my way. “You okay?”

I nod instantly. “Yeah.”

“I know my family can be a lot. If you’re not ready for something like Christmas—” he starts, but I cut him off.

“No, it’s not that. I’m honored they’d invite me along,” I assure him.

“Well, you’re part of the family now,” he whispers, bringing my hand to his mouth and running his lips over my knuckles. “They want you here, but if it’s too much, too soon for you, all you have to do is say so.”

“It’s not, Colt, I swear.” I take a deep breath. “It just reminds me of Tina and her parents. She has an older brother too, who wasn’t always at dinners, but they usually tried to include me after my mom moved to Florida. Tonight just made me miss them a little more.”

He gazes at me from across the seat, his eyes full of compassion and understanding. “Have you talked to Tina much?”

I nod. “We text all the time.”

“But it’s not the same,” he concludes.

“No,” I whisper, hating the emotions that are suddenly bubbling up, as if from out of nowhere.

“I can’t replace your best friend, sweetheart, but I’m here for you. My family too,” he tells me as he pulls me across the console and wraps his arms around my neck. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I whisper, absorbing all his heat and support as I cling around his neck. “Thank you.”

He kisses me on the forehead again as Milo lets out a holler, letting us know he’s not happy to just be sitting here. Colton straightens and buckles up. “You don’t ever have to thank me for loving you, Hollis. Ever. That’s the easiest thing in the world to do.”

And with that, he backs out of his parents’ driveway and heads for home.

With Christmas in a week, I start to panic. I’ve completed a handful of jobs in the last few weeks, including All Fit’s website and branding package, as well as other site designs and restructures. My bank account is comfortable, which is why I’m heading out today to go Christmas shopping. I’ve already sent Tina a package, but still have Mom and Grandma to take care of, as well as Milo, Colton, and a hostess gift for his parents, Connie and Wes.

I got this.

It’ll be fun, especially with my little sidekick, Milo, in tow.

“Are you sure you’ll be okay today? It’s supposed to snow again later,” Colton says as he fills up his water bottle in the kitchen.

Milo’s on my hip, holding my hair, as he does most nights as he tries to fall asleep, babbling as if he’s in the conversation with his dad. “We’ll be fine. Won’t we, Milo?” I ask, bending down and raspberry kissing his chubby cheek.

“How about if you take my truck? I’ll drive your car to the gym,” he offers, drying his hands on a hand towel and tossing it on the counter.

I want to smile in return. If I’ve learned anything about Colton Callahan in the last month, it’s that he’s protective of his son, and me. “If it’ll