Tanner looks up at me with his big brown eyes that are a spitting image of his mother’s.
“Promise me you’ll be safe. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you,” he says softly, making Jane sob.
“I’ll be safe,” I say without hesitation.
It’s the easiest promise I’ve ever made.
“Baby, come here. I need to hold you.” Jane sniffles.
“Mom, I’m not a baby.” He grumbles as he moves from my lap to hers.
As soon as he’s in her lap, I pull them both into me, wrapping my arms around them.
Closing my eyes, I soak in the moment. The only thing that would make it better is if Emily were here. This moment was for us, though. It was something that we needed to do between just the three of us.
Next time, she will be with us, though.
Opening my eyes, I see that Jane is already staring at me with nothing but love in her eyes.
We haven’t said that four-letter word to each other yet, but it’s still evident by the way we look at each other.
Soon.
I’ll tell her as soon as her ex has been dealt with. Because when I finally tell her I love her, nothing will stop me from making her mine once and for all.
Mine to love.
Mine to cherish.
Just mine.
The kids are sleeping in the other room, with at least two brothers stationed outside the house. I asked Mac if it was necessary, but he said he wasn’t going to risk it.
I should be sleeping, but I can’t. Mac is next to me, but I know he isn’t sleeping either. Both of us are tense. The situation is weighing on us.
“Will this ever really be over?” I ask him.
He turns to face me, placing one hand on my hip.
“It will be. I am going to take care of it. Then we can discuss what the next steps for us are.” He brushes a piece of hair from my face.
I don’t want to wait to discuss that. I want to discuss it now. I want to start my future with Mac now. I am tired of Evan ruining everything all the time. For once, I want something for myself.
“Why do we have to wait?” I whisper.
He rubs his thumb on my cheek. “I refuse to pressure you into anything. I need you to be absolutely certain you want this with me because I meant it. If you agree to be my old lady, I will be adopting the kids, and we will be getting married. I won’t accept anything less, so I need you to be sure.”
“I am sure, Mac. I have never been more sure of anything in my life. I know it’s been a few months, but I feel like I’ve known you for years. We have spent so much time together. My kids love you. I want the future you promised. I want you.”
I lean forward, pressing my lips to his. He responds right away, letting me lead the kiss. I continue to kiss him softly, pressing my body to his. His hand falls to my hip, hooking my leg over his own hip as he deepens the kiss.
We kiss for what feels like an eternity. My body is burning up from the inside. I have never felt this before. The desire to truly give myself to another person. I want to know what sex feels like with someone you truly care about—someone who cares about you.
I want to experience it with Mac.
I run my hand down his chest until I reach the waistband of his boxers.
He pulls back, his hand grabbing mine.
