CHAPTERTEN
OLIVIA
Olivia curled against Henry’s chest, comforted by his steady heartbeat and the warmth rising from his skin. Her ribs shuddered with the force of her tears, and she struggled to draw a breath.
Sometimes, it was just impossible to accept that her father was gone. It was almost like having a limb cut off … automatically trying to use it only to slip and fall because it was no longer there.
She slid her arms around Henry’s waist, pressing her body against his. Being close to him soothed her in a way she hadn’t expected. Her tears began to settle, and slowly, the loss within her faded.
“I’m so sorry,” Henry whispered. “I should have known.”
“It’s okay,” she said, shaking her head. “You couldn’t have known.”
“I should have,” he said, scowling a little. “I didn’t think it through.”
She could tell he was angry with himself, as if he had hurt her on purpose. Even though she still had tears drying on her face, she smiled.
“It’s okay, Henry,” she said, stroking his cheek. One of his hands came up and covered hers, squeezing it gently as he brought his eyes to hers.
“No. It’s not. I’ve made you cry. Do you want me to take you home?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m okay, really. I just … grief can sneak up on you like that. It’s almost like you have to start a new life. One where the person you love doesn’t live anymore. Sometimes, those two parts of you collide again, and it’s as if you’re back in yesterday … as if you could change the past.”
She looked up at the roller coaster again, holding tightly onto Henry’s hands. The pain in her chest grew sharper, but she smiled.
“Dad would be happy I’m here,” she turned to Henry, pulling close to him again. “With you.”
She rose on her toes, her lips reaching for his. Immediately, Henry’s arms slipped around her waist, crushing her to him. He bent his head and returned her kiss, the intensity of it almost like pain.
I can’t lose him too.
The thought shocked her as if she had touched an exposed electrical socket. It made her grab onto him, her hands closing as if he could literally slip through her fingers. Doubts rose inside her, howling all her fears in a haunting warning, but none of it mattered.
The only thing that mattered was holding on to him and never letting go.
She pulled back, relaxing her hands so he could step away. His hair was a bit out of place, his smile lopsided. She could tell by the soft look in his eyes that he was very happy.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked. Olivia nodded, taking his hand.
“Let’s get on this thing,” she said enthusiastically. Henry laughed as they joined the line, keeping a tight hold on her hand.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked hesitantly. Olivia nodded.
“This is perfect. I’m sorry I kind of broke down, but it was just too much for a few minutes. I’m happy, really.”
“Don’t ever be sorry,” Henry said gently. He paused to stroke her cheek, smiling softly. “Don’t apologize for having a beautiful heart.”
Olivia’s chest ached just a little. Again, she had that horrible sense of loss, as though Henry, too, could be taken from her. She grabbed his hand and squeezed it hard.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “For this, all of this,” she said, gesturing at the roller coaster. He smiled, and she stepped in a little closer, giving him a quick kiss.
“And just for being you.”
He smiled, and at that moment, it was as if the two of them were all that existed in the universe. Olivia couldn’t imagine for the life of her why she was resisting this man.
While they had been wrapped up in each other, the line had moved forward. It was almost their turn to get on. Olivia’s excitement rose sharply, making her fingers tingle. She giggled as they jumped into the seats and were strapped down, completely letting herself go so all her mixed emotions could flow through her.
She glanced at Henry, thinking he appeared awfully calm. His carefully controlled face didn’t last, though. Henry reached for her hand and squeezed it tightly as the roller coaster shuddered on its tracks.