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She was wrong about one thing. I did understand. She wasn’t the first woman to make that choice where I was concerned. But she was sure as hell going to be the last. I wouldn’t give someone else that chance again.
She also had like a million kids, so working from home suited her. Okay, she had four. But still.
A squirrel ran across the road, making a guy in a red pickup truck slam on his brakes. The truck skidded to a halt, the front tire coming within inches of squishing the animal. It ran on, bushy tail bouncing along behind it, apparently oblivious to the fact that it was almost roadkill. The squirrels around here thought they owned the place.
Dad had me, Luke, and Garrett with his first wife. Mom—she was the only mom any of us had ever known—had Reese, Theo, and Zachary. Dad had adopted them after they got married and no one questioned the fact that they were Havens. Then they’d had Annika together.
Dogs are the best.
“Okay, well, I’ll quit bugging you. I probably talk too much when I’m nervous, and right now I feel about as calm as a rabbit running through a field full of foxes.”
“Half the time I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic. You have the ability to deadpan everything.” “Assume sarcasm.”
Josiah turned out the light, and for a moment, it felt like I couldn’t quite breathe. Then he reached over and pulled me close, tucking my back against his front. He took a deep breath and with his exhale, the tension in my body melted. He was warm and strong and close, and I could have stayed in bed with him forever. And as I fell asleep, warm and safe in his arms, I fell a little bit in love with Josiah Haven.
“We’re not concerned about gun violence against squirrels at this time.”
“I want you to stay.” His voice was low and soft. “Stay for me.” As if I could have refused him anything. “Of course I’ll stay. I don’t want anything else. I just want you.”
“Ugh, gross,” a voice said behind him. “Shut up, Z,” Josiah said and kissed me again. “Dad, Josiah’s making out with his girlfriend in the garage,” Zachary called.
“Yeah, I get it. But that’s the thing. Sometimes it’s up to us to be hard so they can stay soft.”
“I’m a simple man, Audrey. I just need one thing from you.” “What’s that?” “Just love me.”
