Once he’s fully seated inside me, his deep brown eyes lock with my baby blues. “I love you, Leighton.”
I inhale sharply, every part of me trembling from the truth in his voice.
“You don’t have to say it back,” he adds. “I have no idea how to explain it, other than that I found myself with you. Who I am and the man I can be… it’s all because of you.”
My hands frame his face. “I love you too. I never thought this was possible. To have someone like you and to feel this much.”
He smiles—a slow, devastating curve of his lips that feels like a forever—and leans in to kiss me.
Then we’re making promises and declarations as our hands explore slowly, our movements an easy, romantic rhythm that makes my heart soar. We come together, kissing languidly, our sweaty bodies so entwined that nothing could ever tear us apart.
Chapter
Forty-Six
Leighton
* * *
I dump all the decorations for Lake’s birthday on the island. I meant to do most of it last night with Hayes, but after the kids went to bed, I wanted a little more alone time with him. He spent the night but got up and left before the kids were out of their rooms. Eventually, we’ll have to talk about sleepovers, but that’s a discussion for after I’m awarded custody of the kids.
The doorbell rings, and I drop the balloon I was about to blow up to answer it.
Usually, I’d be running to the door to see Callie. After months of her being away, I’d haul her into my arms, but my footsteps slow the closer I get. Because I told Hayes that today would be the day I confess everything to his sister.
I don’t think she’ll be too upset. She’s made hints about me liking him, so she’s not clueless. But I don’t want her to ever feel left out or think I’m picking her brother over her.
The doorbell rings. Then rings again. And again.
I open the door, shaking my head. “You’re so?—”
Her bags drop with a thunk, and she drags me into a hug. I’m not sure if there’s a Carlisle class on hugging, but everyone should take one.
I wrap my arms around her, and the scent of her perfume and her shampoo brings me comfort. My best friend is home.
“I’m never going away that long again.” She pulls back and gives me the once-over. “You look different.”
I run my hand down my hair and look down at myself. “How?”
She scans me over me one more time. “I don’t know. It’s not bad, just different.”
I pick up one of her bags. “You’re such a dork, get in here.”
She takes off her shoes, and I put her bag on the bench before we walk farther into the house.
“Where are the kiddos?” she asks.
“Lincoln and Monroe are with my mom. It’s Blueberry Muffin Day, so they’re picking up a bunch to see which is better.”
She slides up on the counter and takes a balloon from the packaging. “I didn’t think Lil had it in her.”
I chuckle and get up on the other side, suddenly feeling as if we’re twelve again and sharing a bowl of raw cookie dough, gossiping about boys and teen drama. Even back in those days, I was usually tracking Hayes if he was home when I was there. A rush of heat flows through my veins just thinking about how he’s mine now.
“What are you thinking about?” Callie interrupts the memory of his lips venturing down my body last night as he kept his dark gaze on my face the entire time.
“Just the stress of the party,” I say quickly.
“You have this weird smile.” Her head cocks to the side.
