He turns to me, raking his arms around my waist. “But I will be teaching you how to high kick without making a fool of yourself.”
“Deal.”
My stomach twists when he kisses me. Because I think of how perfect this moment is.
And how it will be ruined tomorrow when Cole arrives.
34
It’s the first time since moving in that we’re using the dining-room table. Aside from the engagement party and wedding—where food and drinks were everywhere—we haven’t hosted a dinner.
But it’s Sunday evening, the night Cole is scheduled to pick up Ellie, and everyone wanted to be here. To make Ellie feel like our family is expanding. Not falling apart.
To make her feel loved—not abandoned.
The way Willow phrased it with her last night before bed somehow managed to make her excited.
We didn’t mention anything about it being permanent.
One thing at a time.
Besides, Noah’s already working on the appeal. And he’s determined to win this time.
No surprises.
No tactics.
Just facts.
Ellie belongs with us. In the home we built for her.
Willow tugs at my shirt as everyone gathers at the table.
My hand wraps around her waist naturally. My heart still skipping with how well she fits.
“Come upstairs with me,” she whispers.
I grin. “Can it wait three hours—say, long enough to eat dinner and kick everyone out?” I wink.
She shakes her head. “Please? It’s important.”
I toss the oven mitt down and follow her out of the kitchen and up the stairs.
She drags me by the hand into her bedroom—her old bedroom.
“Good thinking, no one will look for us here.” I tug on her dress and she giggles, pulling away.
“No. This room. It’s empty. Invite Cole to live with us.”
“What?”
She takes my hands. “Think about it. It’s like we told Ellie, he’s lonely. He needs a family. A reason to live. Ellie can only do that for so long before he starts feeling guilty. Let’s give him all of it.”
My heart swells at her selflessness. “Baby, are you sure about this?”
She nods enthusiastically. “Dallas, I don’t want to wait to see if we can win her back. She’s our daughter. He’s her family, which means he’sourfamily.”
I exhale, glancing at the room. “We’ll need to do something about those pink fringy pillows.”
