“We won’t stay long.” Becca rounded the side of the couch. She hooked an arm around Eve’s shoulders. “We just wanted to say hello and see for ourselves that you’re all right. Suzy insisted on bringing you some magic.”
Eve booped the girl on the tip of her nose. “She knows exactly how to make my day better. You all do.”
Becca sucked in a shuddering breath, tears brimming over her lashes. “We’re so glad you’re safe and sound. But we have pastries waiting for us.”
“I don’t want to leave,” Suzy said, clinging to Eve.
“Remember what I said. Quick visit today so Eve can rest.” Becca’s voice was sweet as sin, but Eve could detect the underlying message, warning Suzy to listen.
Tara jumped to her feet. “Can I go with you, Suzy? I’m so hungry and I’d love something chocolate! Do you like chocolate?”
“Yeah!” Suzy hopped off the couch and ran to grab Tara’s hand. “It’s so yummy.”
Becca gave her another gentle squeeze and glanced at Reid. “Take good care of her.”
“Always.”
As she watched her makeshift family walk out the door, Reid reclaimed his spot next to her. He pointed at the flowers. “Do you want me to throw these away?”
“No. They were given with love by a person who means the world to me. They’re beautiful.”
“Just like you.” He slid his arm around her and pulled her close. “Have I told you yet today that I love you?”
He had, but she couldn’t wait to hear it again. “No, I don’t think so.”
“My apologies. I love you, Eve Tilly. And I’ll tell you every single day.”
“I love you, too.” Melting against him, she listened to the soothing sound of his heart beating against her ear. Relished the protectiveness of his arms. And enjoyed the tingles of happiness he brought to life inside her.
Despite the hardships, life was good. And she couldn’t wait to do that life with Reid.
Epilogue
Eve hopped out of Reid’s truck. Warmth from the afternoon sun promised the coming of spring. The winter had been long, but the only thing about it that had been hard was testifying against Tyson. Something she’d do a hundred times over to get justice for both Dana and herself. She’d spent every day since appreciative of the love and happiness Reid had brought into her life, and every night in his bed.
Meeting her at the hood of his vehicle, Reid reached out a hand.
She took it and glanced around her, curiosity rippling her brow. “What are we doing here?” The snow had melted around the safe house that held a special place in her memories. They hadn’t returned since the night they’d spent here months before.
“I have something to show you.” He stepped in front of her, blocking her from the cabin. “I want you to close your eyes.”
“Excuse me?”
“Just for a few seconds. Trust me.”
“You’re lucky you’re cute,” she teased but closed her eyes then covered them with her free hand for good measure.
Reid tugged her forward. “Watch your step. Nice and slow.”
Her foot crunched over dirt instead of gravel, telling her they’d ventured off the driveway. She moved carefully, appreciating the care Reid took as he guided her to the surprise destination.
They hadn’t gone far when Reid rooted his hands on her hips and stopped her. “Okay. You can open your eyes.”
She let her hand fall away from her face and stared at the green tips bursting through dark brown mulch.
He hooked an arm around her waist and stood beside her, flicking his wrist at the sprouts. “I stopped by the other day and noticed the flowers we planted were starting to grow. I couldn’t help but stand here and look at them, realizing how much had changed since the day we put them in the ground. When we planted those bulbs, we hadn’t given in to our feelings for each other yet, hadn’t really opened up and discovered how much we love each other.”
She sniffed back happy tears. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love you.”
