“You gave me every warning, and I’m still sitting right here.”
“That’s because it’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.” It was close to a growl. Forest eyes a blaze of intensity as they flashed to me, then he turned on his blinker and made a left at the motel’s long drive.
We wound through the dense concentration of trees, passing by a few cabins that were tucked within them. A long, one-story building was in the distance, sitting close to the shoreline of the lake.
The big blue sign sat above it.
The Sanctuary.
“We have a few special cabins that are reserved for those we’re helping on the far backside of the property.” He pointed in the general vicinity. “It’s where Piper first stayed this last winter when she was running from her ex.”
He made another left onto an even narrower drive, barely enough room for one car to travel through. Massive pines and oaks lined it in their beauty. It opened up to a small clearing with a gorgeous cabin right next to the lake. “And this is Theo’s place and, of course, now Piper’s, too, since the man couldn’t keep his grubby paws off her.”
Cash’s voice was light.
“I can only imagine,” I said with a small laugh.
He turned to me. His expression had gone soft. “Funny how I never imagined I could be like them. That I could ever open my heart this way. Thought they all lost their damned minds. But I guess I have, too, Daisy, because God knows I’ve completely lost mine over you.”
“I thought I was always on your mind?” I let it come out a tease.
His chuckle was raw, and he reached out and palmed my cheek. “Wasn’t a day that went by that I wasn’t thinking about this sweet face and these beautiful eyes. You haunted me, Little Wallflower.”
He started to dip in when a commotion burst on the front porch. The door banged open and a herd of kids clambered out, their little voices carrying into the SUV.
“Mommy and my Mr. Cash! Did you get here?” Colin shouted.
“Mr. BigGwumpyGiant!” Eva’s little voice filtered through, just as Nolan’s meshed with my children’s as he called, “Hi, Uncle and Auntie!”
My entire being clutched with affection.
They all ran up to the railing. Addy, Colin, Eva, and Nolan. Each gripping onto it and beaming their smiles in our direction. Little Finn came tottering out behind them, followed by Piper and Theo and an older woman I assumed was Piper’s grandmother.
Emotion gripped my spirit. A feeling of belonging that rushed in to overpower me.
“I never thought I would have this. Never thought I would meet a group of people who immediately made me feel as if I were accepted in a heartbeat. As if I could be myself. Safe and comfortable. I always thought it would only be me and my kids.”
Cash cast his attention their way. “And I guess I was always terrified of fully accepting their love and care. Afraid I didn’t deserve it. Afraid I would lose it.”
He turned his gaze back to me. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the fear. In the loss and the mistakes that will cloud and cover every portion of your psyche. Make you think you’re better off going it alone. But I won’t submit to it anymore, Daisy. I see what’s right in front of me.”
Love pressed full. Thick and sticky and beautiful. “I see you, too. I see you, and I don’t ever want to look away.”
He dove in then. Kissing me so tenderly and with so much passion that I felt as if I were going to rupture apart. A blooming of adoration and hope.
No longer did I want to hide.
No longer would I hide.
I would stand in the sun with Cash at my side.
He pulled back, and the slightest smile tweaked the edge of his mouth. “I feel you glowing, Little Wallflower.”
“How could I not after last night and this morning?”
His grin widened, and the shouting from the kids grew. “Come on, let’s go get those ragamuffins,” he said.
He pulled away and opened the door, and by the time I had mine open, he was there, helping me out. “Come on, wife.”
