“Dad, I just saw a car parked across the lane that could have been Cade? I just wanted you to know.” He turns to me, brows knotted, and clicks to end the call. “Should we go back?”
“That’s your call, baby. Do whatever will help you rest easier.” If I’ve learned anything about Sawyer, he’s fiercely loyal and worries more about everyone else than himself.
Damn, he reallyisa good man.
He wants me forever. And a family.
I’m the idiot dragging my feet.
Watching him chew on his lip in the dim light of the dashboard, something inside of me snaps.
My walls break.
Shatter.
He’s everything I want and more.
I’m done waiting and keeping him at bay. There’s no doubt he’s mine.
“I guess there isn’t much I can do about it.” He shakes his head, gripping the steering wheel hard enough to make it squeak. “It might not even have been his car.”
“You let your dad know.” I pat his thigh and leave my palm resting there. “Did I mention I have one last Christmas present for you?”
He blinks like he’s pulling himself out of his own head, then glances at me. “You do?”
“Well, it isn’t exactly a house in a beautiful meadow.” I smile at him, squeezing his leg. “It’s all of the money that you’re supposed to have earned. Plus tips. I kept stashing it away, but now that you haveotherbenefits, I didn’t know if you still wanted me to keep it?”
“Huh?” He looks bewildered. “I forgot all about that. I told you I didn’t want it.”
“I feel guilty holding onto it.” Digging into my purse, I pull out the thick envelope.
“Shit, how much is in there?” He really looks surprised.
How could he not care?
“A few thousand.” I wave the stack. “Probably more.”
“I have one more stop before we go home.” He turns hard left onto a dirt road.
It doesn’t take long before it becomes clear where we’re going.
“Is Scotty down as another surprise?” I watch the familiar markers pass as we get closer to Mom’s.
“Nope. I know for a fact he’s still in Missoula tonight because he texted this morning and said he met a girl at that party.” His teeth flash in a crooked smile.
“Of course he did. Then why are we here? We already spent time with her this morning.” I watch him jump out and come around to my side.
“Your mom was like a second one to me when I needed her most. I think it’d make a nice present for her.” He holds out his palm to help me out.
“Sawyer,” I gasp. “You don’t want anything?”
“You’re the best gift I could ever ask for,” he says softly, cupping my cheek on the porch.
His lips press mine as he pulls me close.
Fire rushes through me and I curl my fingers into the lapels of his coat.
“Well, aren’t you two just the cutest?” Mom’s sing-song voice makes us both startle.
