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Genevieve was a force, one who had changed my life forever.
No, today’s kiss had been enough. Especially since it still lingered on my lips.
“My son loves his mother, even in death.”
He didn’t smile but the darkness in his eyes disappeared for a fraction of a second. “Save one for me?” For him, for what he’d done for me, I’d make cookies every day. Of course, I couldn’t say that. It was far too intimate and comforting for our fledgling marriage. Instead, I winked. “No promises.”
sobbing
His wife, Emmeline, had hugged me without hesitation and introduced me to their two adorable children as Aunt Genevieve.
“You hate me for her,” I whispered, sensing Dash behind me. “Yes.” “Fair enough.” I was the living, breathing reminder of our father’s adultery. I turned away from the photo. “I’m not my mother, but I loved her. I don’t agree with what she did, but she was
my mom. Maybe one day you’ll see that I’m a victim here too.”
He pursed his lips. “Fine.” “Fine.” Fine was my word. I said it better anyway.
I wanted my paintbrush. I wanted to get back to work and forget this had ever happened. Damn it. Why had I thrown it?
me
“In a little town called Lark Cove. It’s different than Clifton Forge. Sits right on a lake.”
STOP IT OMG I WAZ LIKE 2 CHAPTERS INTO THAT BOOK
“I don’t mind the couch,” he said. “Please, let’s switch. It will make me feel better.” “Can’t do it, doll. I’m good here.”
I pressed a hand to her forehead. “You’re hot.” She gave me a little smile. “Is that why you were checking me out this morning?”
Those twins made me want a pair of my own someday. A family that was mine. A love to fill the open void.
“What are you talking about?” “I’m talking about this.” She took my face in her hands, pulling me down for a kiss. The softness of her lips, her subtle taste—I tensed. I always tensed. It was the only way to
Sure, that was for her own safety, but no one could say I wasn’t attached to my wife. And damn was I ever attached. “I don’t want you to go,” I blurted. Son of a bitch. Of all the slips to finally make its escape.
“I meant, I don’t want you to go. To leave.” “Oh.” She gave me a small smile as she put the car in park. “Good. I wasn’t going to anyway.” I grinned. My stubborn wife.
“I won’t be here to walk you down the aisle. Doing my best while I can to make sure the man you meet at the end of it deserves to be standing there.”
“Proud of you, girl.” Draven’s whisper hit my ear at the same time the tears fell down my cheeks. “So damn proud.” I smashed my face harder into his chest. “Thanks, Dad.” His arms squeezed tight at the name. “Goddamn, I wish things were different.”
gonna throw the book at the wall after this one 😓😓😓
“You’re hot.” She shot me a wry grin. “Gee. Thanks.” “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” True story. Part of what had made it hard to look at her in those early days was that I’d felt guilty. Genevieve outshone everyone living—and those who were not. “I didn’t compliment you so I could get one back.”
“Wait,” Isaiah called. I twisted as he jogged over. He didn’t pay any attention to the cops as he took my face in his hands and kissed me, slow and soft. “I love you.” And there it was. The moment I’d most needed to hear those words and he’d delivered. “I love you too.” He dropped his
Isaiah was laughing. It was deep and raspy. Sexy and real. Something I wanted to hear every day for the rest of my life.
“I should let you go”—he tucked a lock of hair behind my ear—“but I’m not going to.” “It wouldn’t work anyway. Where you go, I go, remember?”
He dropped a kiss to my lips. It was no more than a brush, but it held so much love and promise. Isaiah and his simple gestures. He took the quiet moments, the ones most overlooked, and made the most of them. “I do.” I smiled against his lips. “I do too.” EPILOGUE GENEVIEVE Three years later . . .
Emmett leaned past us and took in the tent. “It took Dash, Leo and me three hours to figure out that fucking tent. I’m good if she calls this off, but she’d better keep the bar open.”
Emmett shrugged, then pulled a Dum Dums sucker from his pocket for Xander. The kid’s eyes got wide as Bryce’s narrowed. “That’s the fifth one.” She shook her head as Emmett handed one to Zeke too. “When they’re bouncing off the walls from a sugar high, I’m letting you watch them while Mommy enjoys the open bar.”
“I was looking forward to dancing with you tonight.” He lifted my hand, holding tight to the small of my back, then spun us in a circle. I smiled as he slowed and swayed us back and forth, the only music our beating hearts. It was home. Here in this apartment, in his arms, was home.
