Page 46 of Only You
“I am. I talked with Lucy about it, and she’s really excited. I’m going to the school tomorrow to enroll her so she can start on Monday. But I will still have to travel back and forth between Harbor Falls and Chicago.”
“What about Lucy?”
“Mara has agreed to care for her when I’m gone. The past year has been hard on her, and she hates Chicago. I haven’t seen her smile as much as she has since bringing her here.”
“You’re doing what’s best for her.” I smiled, placing my hand on his.
“I’m trying.”
“You’re a wonderful father, Alex.”
He breathed out a laugh. “Not really. I already told you that I wasn’t there for her growing up. I guess you could say out of sight, out of mind.” He looked down, and I could tell he was ashamed.
“We all make choices that, in the end, we’re not proud of. That doesn’t mean you’re a terrible father. Look at what you’re doing for her now. You’re making sacrifices. Isn’t that what parents do?”
“I guess so.”
CHAPTER 15
Alex
I cleaned everything up and put it in the picnic basket. Then, I ran my thumb over her cheek, leaning in to kiss her soft lips. She returned my kiss as her lips parted, and our tongues met. I wanted her and her body so badly, but I knew I had to wait. This wasn’t the place or time to fuck her the way I wanted. My cock had never craved a woman as much as it did Hannah.
“We should stop,” I said, breaking our kiss.
“Yeah. We probably should. I’m going to have to fly back to New York and pack the rest of my things.”
“Hopefully, you won’t be gone too long.” I ran my finger across her lips.
“Only a couple of days. I might book a flight out next Sunday, get to New York, pack like a madwoman, and try to get back here on Wednesday. I have so much to do here; I don’t need that looming over my head. Besides, I need more clothes. By the way, Luis and I are throwing an engagement party for Adalyn and Colin. I hope you’ll come.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. Where is it at?”
“I don’t know yet. We’ve barely discussed it. I do know that I want it to be next weekend.”
“You don’t want to have it at the Seaside?” I asked.
“No. Because Colin will take it upon himself to clean up and stuff, and this party is for them. So, I need to think of somewhere. I was thinking of Rosie’s Bed and Breakfast.”
“Have it at my house.”
“Really?” she cocked her head.
“Yeah. My parents threw parties all the time. We have the patio and the beach. It’s the perfect place for an engagement party.”
“Thank you, Alex. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome. I should get you home. It’s late.”
“I feel like a teenager.” She laughed.
“Trust me. You’re far from a teenager.” I smiled, helping her up from the ground.
After driving her home, I walked her up to the porch and kissed her goodnight.
“I’ll be in touch. Sweet dreams, Hannah.”
“Sweet dreams, Alex.”