Page 153 of Even Ground
I swallow. “Just a little.”
“It’s not like you. Are you going to miss me that much?” I press my lips together, and he frowns. “That’s not good. Are you trying not to say no?”
I throw my arms around his waist and bury my face in his chest. “I’m not going to miss you at all.”
“Good. That’s what I thought.” He kisses the top of my head.
“I think I’ll leave you both to it.”
There’s a soft snick of the door as Delaney leaves, and then I’m left, still with my face buried in Reece, not wanting to leave the comfort of his arms.
“You don’t have to go,” he whispers. “I’ll keep you in the manner to which you’re accustomed.”
All that does is make me laugh. “So, we’re going to look for a tiny apartment with a living room that doubles as a bedroom.”
“I would live in a tent in Josh’s back yard if I had you with me.”
“Stop being so nice.”
He kisses my ear. “I’ll be waiting. You know that. And any time you need me …”
“I know. I love you.”
“I love you too. And you’re still the only woman I’ve ever said that to.”
I raise my gaze to meet his. “Are you sure?”
He chuckles. “Positive. No one’s ever given me all that you have. And I’ll never take that for granted.”
It’s hard to find words when your heart’s in your throat. There are only three months standing between Reece and I making this permanent, but it feels like a lifetime.
But once that time’s over, we can make our life together.
And that makes it worth it.
* * *
It’s a quiet drive to the airport. And it’s weird to be in a hired limo because Reece wanted us all to travel in style in one vehicle, complete with Addison’s car seat and Melly’s booster. But I get to sit next to Reece and snuggle up with him all the way there.
After checking in and dropping off my luggage, we stand before the security entrance and the last place we can all be together.
Delaney hugs me tight. “Call me when you get home. I need to know you’re safe.”
“Okay, Mum.”
She laughs in my ear. “I should think so. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
She lets me go, and I bend a little so Melly can slide her arms around my neck. She’s too big for me to lift these days, but a hug will do. “And I love you too, little miss. Take good care of your mother and sister for me.”
“I will. I’ll miss you.”
I kiss her on the cheek. “I’ll miss you too. To the moon and back.”
Finally, I stand and face Josh. “Is Amelia supposed to take care of me too?” he asks.
I grin. “I’m pretty sure you can take care of yourself.”