“Why are we here?”
“Because it’s closer,” Brad said when they reached the cabin.
“Cubby said he can question us tomorrow, Brad.”
“I heard him too, honey.”
“Do you think I should pick up Billy?”
“He's asleep now. We'll get him early, when we get the call he’s awake.”
“I don't want him to wake scared.”
She was talking fast, and he knew it was the aftereffects, so he let her go.
“Does he wake much during the night?”
“No, never.”
“Probably be okay tonight in that case.”
“I-I didn't know if I would see him grow up.”
She broke down as he slipped his hands under her and lifted her out of the car, then carried her inside. He flicked on a light and walked to the bathroom. She cried, loud, heartbreaking sobs as he lowered her to her feet and turned on the shower.
“Sssh, now.” He stripped off her clothes and then his, and then led her into the water. “It's all right, baby, it's over now.”
He held her as her cries eased to sniffles and then sighs, and then she slumped against him as the water cascaded around them.
“I love you.” He spoke the words into her hair. “This is where I want to stay, Macy. Here with you and Billy.”
“Yes” was all she said. “I want that so much too.”
After he'd shut off the water and dried them both, he took her to bed and held her close while he spoke of the future, their future, and for the first time in years, he actually believed in what he said.
Chapter 21
Macy played with the sketch Willow had done of Brad and Ethan, and then stepped back to see if she was happy with its location.
“You've moved that five times now.”
“I can't get it to hang straight.”
She smiled as Brad moved in behind her, his arms circling her waist.
“It's straight, woman, and can I say how hot you’re looking that little red dress.”
“You can take it off me later.”
“Oh, I will.” He kissed her neck, and Macy felt the wonderful lick of heat travel through her.
“Do you like it here, Brad?”
They both looked around the room that had once been her parents’ dining room. She'd taken up her mother's offer and swapped houses four days ago, and she loved it, but it wasn't just her living here now. Brad had moved in with them.
He had decided to join Ethan’s business and run charters. He loved it here, loved flying tourists around and living in Howling, and every day he was changing. The serious man she’d first met now laughed constantly, loved freely, and she was falling more and more under his spell every day she spent with him.
“I've never lived in a home before, honey, but now I am. I love it here. I love you and Billy, and I've never known such happiness.”
