LOGINCallie
The next afternoon, the town felt calm, like nothing had happened in Grayson’s truck the night before. Like I wasn’t still sore from it, both in the best and worst way.But the ache was still there. I felt it in the back of my knees, in the spot on my throat where he’d bitten, in the bruises my mind couldn’t forget. Every step reminded me of his hands, his voice, the way he took me so completely it burned away everything Mary had left behind.I told myself to stay calm. Just coffee. Just a walk in the park. Just a normal day. A lie I clung to, even though I knew everything was already falling apart.Grayson had said we needed normal moments too, a break from the constant rush. “We can’t live on adrenaline forever,” he told me this morning, his thumb brushing my lip like he could erase last night. I didn’t know if this counted, but when he showed up at the curb with his jacket over his shoulder and the smallest smile on hCallie Sunlight filled the Carter house, warming every room and making everything feel calm and settled. Soft music played from the kitchen, dishes clinked lightly, and somewhere outside a dog barked. It was all ordinary—but it felt perfect in a way I’d never known before. Grayson stood in the kitchen wearing an apron, flipping pancakes like it was second nature. He glanced back at me and smiled. “Are you helping, or just watching me show off?” he teased. I laughed and leaned against the doorway, taking him in. “I think I will watch,” I said, smiling. “But I am definitely taste-testing.” Mia sat on the couch with a mug of coffee, grinning. “Already did,” she said. “They are amazing.” The house felt full in the best way—easy, warm, and safe. Breakfast moved slowly. Grayson slid a plate toward me, and I leaned in to kiss him softly. “You make everything better,” I said quietly. He smiled and brushed my hair back. “And you make life complete,” he replied. “Every day. Together.”
Callie Morning sunlight filled the courtyard, soft and golden, lighting up the decorations that turned the small space into something magical. White roses lined the aisle, still damp with dew, and lanterns hung from the trees, moving gently in the spring breeze. Friends and family murmured quietly, gathered not just to watch, but to celebrate the love that had survived everything thrown at it. I smoothed my dress one last time, feeling a mix of excitement and calm. But this wasn’t the same nervousness I had known before—this was the calm, thrilling certainty that came from knowing I was standing here with the man I had chosen, and who had chosen me in return. Grayson stepped beside me, calm as ever, but full of that familiar energy that always made my heart race. He took my hand, his thumb brushing my knuckles the way he always did. “You are breathtaking,” he said softly as if afraid the words might shatter the moment if spoken too loudly. “And you… you are mine,” I whispered bac
Callie Night fell over the Carter house, making everything feel personal and safe. Inside the bedroom, the bedside lamps cast a soft, warm light that picked out the small details of the life we’d built together—the books, the blankets, and the familiar way Grayson moved toward me. The ring on my finger caught the light as I lifted my hand, and a rush of disbelief and happiness washed over me. For the first time in a long while, the tension that used to follow us was gone. In its place was certainty, relief, and a strong pull toward him. Grayson noticed my stare and smiled slowly, his eyes dark in the low light. “You are staring again,” he said, teasing softly. “I can’t help it,” I said, stepping closer until I could feel his warmth. “You are everything I ever wanted.” “And now you are mine,” he replied, his voice dropping into that familiar, magnetic husk as his hands settled at my waist. “Completely. Always.” I laughed quietly, still overwhelmed by happiness, and slid my hands
Callie I watched Grayson cross the living room, relaxed and sure of himself like always, but something was different tonight. There was a focus in him—a tension that made my heart beat faster without me even knowing why. “You have been really quiet,” I said gently, breaking the silence. My voice sounded softer than I intended, almost careful, as if speaking too loudly might shatter whatever fragile moment was unfolding. He turned to me, his eyes dark, a small smile forming. “I have been thinking,” he said, stepping closer. “About us. About what we have built. About what I can’t imagine losing.” Something tight and warm spread through my chest. “Thinking?” I teased, moving closer too. “You usually look calm even when you are plotting something.” I tried to sound light, playful—but my heart betrayed me, racing as the space between us thinned. He chuckled. “Maybe I am. But this isn’t a plan. This is me being completely honest.” I tilted my head, studying him, my heart beating a
Callie Morning sunlight streamed gently through the Carter house, casting a soft golden glow across the living room. The day was waking up slowly—the birds chirping, leaves brushing the windows—it all felt like the perfect backdrop for what had become our new normal. Grayson was moving around the kitchen with ease, the casual comfort of his presence filling every corner of the home. I watched him pour coffee, his movements simple but careful, as if even the smallest things were done with thought for me and Mia. Mia was already seated at the kitchen island, her fingers drumming lightly on the surface as she waited. When she saw me, a small smile tugged at her lips, warm and open in a way that had once felt hesitant, cautious. Now, it radiated genuine acceptance. “Good morning,” she said. “Morning,” I replied, settling into the seat beside her. Grayson joined us, setting mugs of coffee in front of both of us with a soft clink. “Here we go,” he said casually, though the corners of
Callie The house felt warm and safe after the cool evening air. It wasn’t just the temperature—it was the comfort we’d built together, slowly and carefully. Even something as simple as coming back from a walk carried that quiet mix of trust and desire between us. Grayson followed close behind me as I set my bag down. His presence was familiar, and the way he moved—calm, confident, effortless—still made my heart beat faster. When our eyes met, he smiled slowly, and I felt that familiar pull, the wordless challenge we both understood. “You know,” I said softly, leaning against the counter, “I almost didn’t want to leave the car. It felt… perfect.” He stepped closer, his hand resting at my waist. “Almost?” he said, teasing, his voice low. “You know that is never enough for me.” The tone of his voice sent a shiver through me. “Then I guess you will have to take what you want,” I whispered, letting the challenge show. His smirk widened, and he caught my hand, leading me toward t







