I smiled, the feeling of contentment washing over me like a blanket. Sure, there were things we had to discuss, to figure out, but we were okay. Connor and I were okay. He stared at me, one side of his mouth curving up as I chuckled.
“That was wild.”
“I’ll say.” He pushed his hair out of his face before arching up and leaning toward me. He traced my jaw with his thumb, the most tender expression on his face. “You are exquisite in every way.”
Flushing, I glanced away, but he shook his head and made me face him.
“No, this is important. You are my other half, Laney, and I stopped treating you that way. I never stopped loving you, not for a second, but that doesn’t excuse the pain I caused you. I am so deeply sorry, but I’m… grateful and excited to learn this new version of us.”
I nodded, my stupid eyes welling again.
“I think I am too.”
He kissed my lips before standing and offering me his hand. “Come, let’s shower.”
We used to shower together all the time. Not in a sexy,let’s-have-sex-in-the-shower way, but more in an intimate way where we would talk. He’d wash my hair and tell me about his plans that day, and I’d repeat it on him. I ached for those moments.
“Brilliant idea, husband.”
His eyes flashed with heat. “I love it when you call me that, but be careful. That word makes me feel things.”
I snorted. “What kind of things, husband?”
He growled and led me to the shower, where, yeah, we washed each other, but we ended up having more fun in there too. My heart burst because it was so happy, despite a small part in the back of my mind that was telling me I had missed something. It was hard to focus on that blip when Connor was all around me. I pushed the worry away and lived in the moment. My husband and I were back together.
Morning, baby.
A deep voice woke me up, and I groaned. The bed was too comfy, too warm, too him.
“No.”
A soft laugh followed, and then Connor’s hand ran down my leg. I’d slept in just one of his large shirts last night, and it was the best sleep I’d gotten in years.
“I forgot how fucking cute and grumpy you are in the morning.” He sat on the bed, the smell of coffee drifting around him. He repositioned me so my head was on his lap, and he played with the ends of my hair. “I haven’t woken up with you in some time, huh?”
I shook my head. Despite our new connection, there were memories ofbeforethat lingered, reminding me of the reality of why we had to be here in a rented house.
“Been a while,” I said, not opening my eyes. I liked being woken up by him.
He massaged my neck and scalp as he sighed. “New rule—we always wake up together.”
“What if you—”
“I know there will be random days you need to leave early, or if one of us has a trip, but overall, I wake up with you. No more meetings before eight.”
“Can you even do that?” I yawned and snuggled into him even more. He wore flannel pants that I had bought him three years ago, and the soft cotton felt nice against my face. “I didn’t mind waking up alone.”
“But you shouldn’t have to. And I will do it. It’s not about if I can anymore.” He stilled and then went back to massaging my head. “What are your plans today? Do you need help taking photos?”
“Shh. Too many questions,” I grumbled.
He chuckled and pulled me up so I cuddled against his chest, my legs wrapped around his middle and his hands up the back of my shirt. He smelled like home, and I buried my face into his neck, my stomach flip-flopping.
“You are fucking adorable.”
“Have you always been so chatty in the morning?” I nipped his neck, causing him to yelp, and I smiled at him. “Don’t recall you talking so damn much.”
His eyes widened before he barked out a laugh. “Are you intentionally riling me up? Was last night not enough for you?”
