One and Only (Wilder Family, #1)

by Karla Sorensen

Beckett dropped his chin to his chest, and only I was close enough to hear his relieved sigh. “Thank you,” he breathed. Taking a chance, I tilted up and placed a featherlight kiss against his cheek. I didn’t look at his face as I walked toward Josie and Olive, and I didn’t look at his face as I picked up the box of samples and took a seat on the couch to show them some of my ideas. But I felt him staring at me the entire time.

“She’s fearless,” I said. “Some people are too afraid to love that way, undaunted by whatever might come next, which might look like sweetness to some. But I just see a big, brave heart.”

Tim’s hands were folded over his middle, and he shook his head in stunned disbelief. “I did not see tonight ending up this way.” Then he smiled. “You’ll take care of my girl?” he asked.

The words came easily when I thought of it like that. “I don’t know that Greer needs me to take care of her, but I do know that I need her in my life. That she makes everything just a bit easier when she’s around.” I cleared my throat. “She gives the best hugs. And her mind is the most terrifyingly incredible thing I’ve ever seen.” Greer grinned. “Is that your way of saying I scare you?” “Only a little,” I admitted.

Beckett pulled the car to a stop with his eyes locked on mine through the windshield. He took a deep breath, never breaking the stare as he opened the door and unfolded his body. The car door slamming echoed through the trees, and for a moment, we simply stared. I could be patient. I could wait this out. Give him time to say what he needed to say, for good or for bad. Except after about five more seconds, I heard myself say, “What are you doing here?” Patience, as it turned out, might be a work in progress for me. When he took a few steps closer, I saw the fire roaring in his gaze. “I’m here to get my wife.”