“Oh, Christian.” She closed her eyes, savoring his soft caress. “You already are. I see the way you selflessly care for your daughters. And you’ve been nothing but supportive and kind to me. That’s why the last few days have been so hard. I was worried your ex coming back had changed everything.”
“What?”
Hallie blinked the moisture away. “I’m not the girls’ mom. I only recently realized that I wanted to be. But how can I compete with the woman who gave them life? That’s a leg up I’ll never have.”
Christian took hold of her hand again, resting it in his lap. “You’ve been more of a mom to them in the last month than Sabrina has in their entire life. They love you. Isla asks repeatedly when you’re coming back. Penelope walks around the house, calling your name. Even Pumpkin waits by the door for you.”
“Really?”
His mouth lifted in an ironic smirk. “Please come back, Hal. I can’t take her constant whimpers anymore.”
“I miss them,” Hallie admitted. “Even Pumpkin has grown on me. I never thought I’d say that about a dog.”
His chuckle sent happiness trailing down her spine before he sobered. “If Sabrina really wants a relationship with the girls, I’ll always have a connection with her. It’s just the way it is. But Hal, there’s no competition. You’re the standard that no one can ever match.”
“Is that what she wants? A relationship?” Hallie had suspected as much, yet it was still a lot to process.
“Yeah.” He blew out a heavy breath. “I’m not convinced she’ll stick around, so I’m being cautious about giving her time with the girls at this point. We’ll see what happens. But I doubt she’ll make it easy for either of us.”
Even a week ago, the idea of navigating a relationship with Christian while dealing with his ex would’ve made her run for the hills.But not anymore. She knew what she wanted. And she’d willingly walk through this trial if it meant being with him.
She repeated the words he’d said to her in his mom’s kitchen. “We’ll figure it out together.”
“I like the sound of that.” He kissed her forehead. “For whatever reason, my kids needed to come when they did, and I wouldn’t change that. But my heart belongs to you. I can feel it. And you’re the only partner I want with me to raise the girls. If you’re willing.”
Hallie touched her hand to his cheek and nodded. “I’m ready.” She no longer had any reservations about that. “But if this is going to work, you’re going to have to teach me to dance.”
“Of course.” Christian lowered his face to hers. Their lips hovering a breath apart, he murmured, “I’ll make a dancer out of you in no time.”
The kiss that followed was soft and tender at first before growing in urgency. Hallie pressed into his embrace as his hand slid around her waist, drawing her closer. Every caress of his lips echoed his devotion, sealing the words he’d spoken with sweet assurance that he knew—as she did—that this love between them was the kind that would last forever.
“Ew, Daddy! That’s gross!”
A giggle followed Isla’s loud pronouncement, as did a pair of bird caws and the flapping of wings. Hallie threw her head back in laughter. She turned to find both girls staring at the scene before them, with her brother standing in between, his face scrunched in disgust.
“I agree with Isla on this one.” Tyler shuddered.
Christian groaned. “I think we can take it from here. You can go.”
Tyler’s gaze darted from his friend to Hallie and back several times before they narrowed theatrically. “Fine. But remember, you might be together now, but she’s still my sister. And I’m keeping my eye on you, pal.”
“Oh, you’re looking for a show?” Sliding his hand around Hallie’s waist again, Christian pulled her closer, his smile full of mischief. “We’ve got more where that came from.”
Hallie cackled, shoving him away playfully. Penelope giggled. And Isla shouted more objections.
“Okay,”Tyler said, holding his hands up in surrender. “Fine, I’m leaving.”
Hallie grinned as she watched him turn in the direction of the house. Dating her brother’s best friend would certainly be interesting.
When he’d disappeared through the trees, Penelope climbed onto her lap, placing her small hands on both of her cheeks. “Are you my mama?”
Hallie’s heart melted at the sweet question. “Not yet.” Though her next comment was still directed to Penelope, she glanced over at the child’s father. “But hopefully soon.”
With one arm around Isla at his side, Christian leaned over and kissed Hallie’s temple.
Penelope snuggled into her. “Mama,” said said, resting her head on Hallie’s shoulder.
Warmth pooled inside of Hallie’s stomach, radiating outward until it had engulfed her entire body.
