Celia was waiting when Lucas opened the door.
She surged forward the moment she saw him, arms going around his neck so fast he barely had time to react. Abby paused just inside the hallway as Lucas dropped her bag and wrapped Celia up properly, one hand sliding down her back in a familiar, grounding motion.
“It’s okay,” he murmured. “I’ve got you.”
“I’ve been so worried,” Celia said into his shoulder, her voice thick.
Lucas kissed the side of her head before straightening. “Hey. Babe. We’re kind of blocking the door. Abby’s right behind me.”
Abby lingered awkwardly in the hall, the strap of her bag biting into her palm. She felt like an intruder in someone else’s life, standing in a place that was warm and intact when hers felt like it had shattered completely.
Celia flushed slightly
