The Lucky Heart (Jamison Valley, #3)

by Devney Perry

I loved that she felt everything deeply, the good and the bad, even though she worked hard to hide it from the world. She was a master at pushing people away to avoid getting hurt. It came so naturally to her, most of the time I wondered if she even knew she was doing it.

Because now that she was back in Montana, I wasn’t letting her go. I’d play it slow and steady. Put in the time. But one day she’d be mine. Just like she was always meant to be.

I wanted his arm around my chair. I wanted to be the one cooking his favorites. I wanted to be the one finishing his sentences.

And I had become an expert at leaving others before they could leave me.

“Lis,” he said gently, “you don’t need to stifle yourself to make friends. That spirit you have? It’s what makes you special. Don’t smother that fire because you think others won’t like it. They’ll be drawn to it, just like I am. And if I ever hear you compare yourself to Andrea Merkuso again, I’ll take you over my knee.”

This time around, I wanted her to finally choose me just because I made her happy.

For those who cross under this sign, may your hearts be lucky in love and in life.

“I love that you get all shy when I give you a compliment,” he said into my hair. “But don’t hide that smile from me, Lis. I live for it.”

“Don’t cry.” I stroked her hair. “I know it’s hard to hear. I know you’ve only ever loved Wes and he’ll always be the love of your life, but can you make some room for me too? Please? We could be happy. Please? Please give me a chance to make you happy.”

“Now what?” She smiled against my skin as she asked the familiar question. “Whatever you want.” “I want babies,” she declared. I chuckled at her bluntness. “Then stop taking those pills and I’ll give you babies.”