A whispered breath broke between them, and he rested his forehead against hers. “I love you,” he murmured, voice unsteady and thick with emotion. “God, Suzette, I love you so much it terrifies me.”
“We can be terrified together,” she said, her laugh more than a little shaky.
“I will stand up for you. No matter what. I promise.”
“I know you will.”
Several moments passed before the muffled sound of Katy Perry’sRoarvibrated between them, and she pulled away with real reluctance. “It’s Essie.” She tugged her cellphone from the deep pocket of her dress. “She said she’d call before they left for the ranch,” she said, starting to rise.
Justin’s arms tightened, keeping her firmly anchored on his lap. “Best you answer it.”
She gave a nervous little laugh. “I need to get off.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Justin…”
“You need to tell her about us, sweet Suze,” he said gently, thumb stroking her hip. “Before she hears it from someone else.”
“You’re right. But—”
“She’ll be fine.”
“She adored Braam…” An old fear pushed at her ribs. The fear of disappointing her daughter.
Justin shook his head, tenderness softening his eyes. “He’s been gone more than twenty years. If she’s taken aback, Max will tell her what an awesome uncle I am.”
She huffed a small laugh. “You are pretty awesome.”
Her shoulders sagged in resignation — and something like acceptance. “You’re right.” She straightened her shoulders, praying she didn’t look like she’d just been kissed senseless, and swiped to answer.
Essie’s radiant grin filled the screen, and Suzette’s heart squeezed with love. Surely her daughter wouldn’t begrudge her a little happiness of her own.
“Merry Christmas, Essie. How is Sophie’s first Christmas?”
Essie pulled a face. “She’s teething, so she’s not a happy camper right now.” Her gaze flicked upward, off-screen. “She down?”
“For now.” The phone shifted, and Max’s face popped into view beside Essie’s. “Season’s blessings, Mom.”
“Same to you, Max.”
She felt Justin’s hand settle on her thigh — steadying, encouraging. “There’s … someone else who wants to say hi.” She turned the phone toward him.
“Uncle J?” Max asked. “What are you doing in Paternoster?”
Justin grinned — at her, not at the screen — and winked before turning his attention back to the camera. “Visiting Suzette. Merry Christmas, you two. And give little Sophie a big hug from me.”
A telling silence followed.
“You’re visiting … mymother?” Essie’s voice hitched upward.
“I am,” Justin said calmly.
“Why?” Essie’s tone cracked into a full, bewildered wail.
“Because your mom is the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met, and I fell in love with her the moment I met her. And I’m hoping” — he glanced at Suzette, eyes warm — “that one day she’ll be my wife.”
Suzette groaned, mortified.Talk about ripping off the bandage.
