He pulls back. “I am proud. Did you really think I wasn’t?”
I shrug. “You’ve never said those words to me, ever.”
An understanding passes between us. I don’t know if he will really change, but time will tell. There are no more second chances.
“I’ll do better, Willow. I’m sorry.”
I sigh. Things have been better since that day, and while Dad is never gonna be a regular dad, he’s trying. He flew home a few days ago, after having coffee with my mom, and the conversation went well. I’m glad he’s keeping his promises, but I have no illusions that things will be rosy. Time heals all wounds, I guess. And as for me and Haze? We’ve never been stronger.
Haze boops me on the nose. “Lost you there for a second.”
I smile softly. “Just thinking about my mom and dad, wow, that was kinda out of the blue.”
“Shit yeah. I guess them having coffee at Muso means your mom has the protection of the MC. It was good of her to agree to sitting down with him. She’s a very brave woman.”
“She is,” I say. “I’m so proud of her. It’s also helped me heal a little from the resentment I held over her leaving. Now I get it more than she could ever know.”
“You think your dad will really change?”
“Time will tell,” I say, kissing Crunch on the head. “We all have our crosses to bear.”
“As long as you’re not crossin’ them with me.” He kisses my nose softly. “I never want you out of my sight ever again,Little One. I don’t know what I’d do if anythin’ happened to you like that again.”
“I guess a desk job isn’t looking so glum after all?” I will be returning to work, I hope, in a month’s time, if my knee heals like it’s supposed to. Until then, it’s house duties only.
“No, it isn’t, neither does moving in with me here.”
I cup his face with one hand. “What about my place?”
He humphs. “Not livin’ in a fuckin’ hotel. Anyway, when you’re better, you can sort out that garden you’re always complainin’ about.”
“Did I tell you today how much I love you?”
“Nope. I don’t recall that you did.”
“Well, I do.” I lean forward so my lips meet his. “So much.”
“I love you, too, but if you keep tryin’ to seduce me, you’re gonna have to watch me whack off again.”
“That was rather pleasant.”
He grins. “I’ll give you pleasant on that cute little ass as soon as I’m able to spank it again.”
“Do you promise?”
“Oh, yeah.”
I could get used to this. Him, me and Crunch. Taking one day at a time.
And that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Haze
Two months later
“So what do you think about me datin’ Nova?” Sawyer asks out of nowhere.
I grunt. “Now I know you’re seriously not askin’ me that.”
