Nate’s’ room feels like the only safe place in the house right now.

Lunch could have been worse, you suppose, but it definitely could have been better. Nathan thinks it went well, which to you is weird and makes you seriously consider how bad things can get if this is an example of things being good.

Tonight there is a huge New Year's Eve party being thrown by Nate's dad, which the resort does every year for the guests who spend the holidays there, and your presence is expected.

As Nate snoozes against your stomach, you can't stop your mind from wandering to Mila Hawkins, Nate and Sasha's mom. How wonderful must she have been to produce kids like them, with a husband like that?

you remember weeks and weeks ago-before you realised how you had absolutely no chance to do anything but fall head over heels in love with this man—he told you, he's the way his mom raised him. All in with his whole heart and head. Nate says she would have loved you—Lola, too-because she loved a strong-headed and determined woman.

That's how she was raising Sasha before she passed away. You can see the flickers of it in her when her dad isn't around, and you wish there were a way you could take Sash back to LA with you both.

"Your thoughts are very loud sometimes" Nate grumbles from his spot on your stomach. He looks up, eyes sleepy and cheeks pink. "What're you thinking about?"