Juniper Hill (The Edens, #2)

by Devney Perry

Motherhood, I’d learned in the past two months, was nothing more than a ritual of second-guessing yourself.

Because that little boy was staring at his mother like she’d hung the moon and stars. He chugged his bottle, resting in her arms without a care in the world.

“I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing with you, woman.” My mouth was still open. Which suited Knox just fine. Because he raised his hands, framed my face. Then sealed his lips over mine.

“If it hurts. If it’s petrifying . . .” A crease formed between her eyebrows. “Why did you come to the loft? Why do you keep coming?” I lifted a shoulder. “I can’t seem to stop.” “Do you want to?” I lifted my hand, tucking that stubborn lock of hair away once more. “No.”

Before I was ready for it to end, he pulled his lips from mine, but his arm stayed tight, pulling me to his chest. “There’s one want granted. What else do you want?” I leaned into him and told him the terrifying truth. “You.”

He strode toward me, taking my face in his hands. “Then here’s another truth. I’m going to take them. I’m going to take all of your bests. Every damn one until you can’t keep track of the top five anymore because there are so many bests that you’ll need a hundred to capture them all.” “Promise?” I whispered. “I swear it.”

There was no going backward now. Not after last night. She’d given me her best days. I’d give her mine.

“Maybe you and Hudson can play together one day too. Build forts. Chase dogs. Be buddies.” Cousins.

“Because he wakes up before dawn,” Griffin muttered, pulling out a stool. “My boy’s a morning kid.” “Not mine.” Knox pulled out the stool beside his brother. “Mine’s a night owl.”

“She’s beautiful.” I nodded. “She isn’t you.” “Knox.” Her shoulders fell. “If you need time to talk, I can just go home. Stay in the loft tonight.” “Memphis.” I hooked my finger beneath her chin, making sure she was locked on me as I repeated my sentence. “She isn’t you.” She fell into me, her forehead crashing into my sternum. “I didn’t know if maybe you still wanted⁠—” “You.” I kissed her hair. “Only you.”