“So, since Bea was arrested…”
“Everything’s been quiet.”
“I’m glad. You had not only me worried but Callie as well. And I’m doing everything I can to try to keep her calm during this pregnancy.”
Jesse nodded. He was in full agreement. Callie needed a calm pregnancy, considering her medical history. “I’m sorry. This definitely couldn’t have helped her.”
“Don’t be sorry, just keep telling us you’re all right.”
“I’m better than all right. I’m drinking great coffee, watching the woman I love smile, and waiting for Becket, Clara and Holden. Life’s great.”
Lock blew out a breath. “I’m happy for you, brother. You deserve every bit of good that comes your way.”
“Thank you. I’m just trying not to pinch myself in case I wake up and realize this isn’t my life.”
“Pinch yourself. Give yourself that confirmation that it’s real. Trust me, I’ve felt the disbelief myself, and then the overwhelming relief that it’s all true.”
When Aspen hugged Mrs. Gerald, Jesse straightened. “I’ve got to go. But we’ll talk soon.”
“Check in often, okay?”
“Definitely.”
He hung up, unbelievably grateful that his friend could live across the country and they could still have the relationship they had. When you served with a person, that person became family, and distance didn’t change that.
He rose from the booth before Aspen reached him and wrapped his arms around her waist. “You took too long.”
She laughed, and the sound was fucking beautiful. “I was gone for five minutes.”
“It felt longer.”
She leaned into him. “I missed you too.”
He studied the navy in her eyes. “This is it, you know.”
“What?”
“The magic you were chasing.”
Her smile softened. “It kind of feels like magic, doesn’t it?”
“No ‘kind of’ about it.”
Her fingers skimmed his chest. “I pushed you away for a long time.”
“I wasn’t going anywhere.”
“Thank God.”
He cocked his head. “Have you sent your manuscript to your editor yet?”
Her face lit up. “I did. And I put it up for preorder and announced a release date to my readers. It’s like this weight has been lifted from my chest.”
“Good.”
“Thank you for helping me believe in love again.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
