“I really want to kiss you right now,” I murmur, letting my forehead fall to hers.
Her breath hitches as she pulls back. “That’s what youhave to say right now? After everything I just said?” she asks, eyes widening.
“Yeah,” I rasp, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Because I’m fucking speechless, baby girl. Let me show you what those words mean to me.”
“Oh…”
I capture her lips with mine, a shiver racing down my spine, my pulse quickening as her soft, breathy moan slips free and her fingers rake through my hair. When her lips part, I coax her mouth open, my tongue meeting hers as my hands slide to her hips. I guide her over me, pulling her into my lap until she’s straddling me. I pour every apology I’ve carried, every promise I mean to keep, and every inch of love I’ll never find the right words for into her.
She melts into me, right where she belongs.
21
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
HUNTER
“Is everyone ready?” I yell from my truck, tapping my thumb on the steering wheel.
Nerves simmer under my skin as I check the time on my phone. We’re already twenty minutes behind. Asher and Halle are halfway to Ashfalls by now, and we’re meant to be not far behind.
Halle has no clue that we’re surprising her at the arcade. As far as she knows, we all forgot her birthday today. I gave everyone strict instructions not to text her this morning to wish her a Happy Birthday. It’s the only way this whole plan works. She needs to believe the only person who remembered is Asher.
“I ready, Uncle Hunt!” Remi shouts from his car seat.
I lean over and ruffle his hair. “You’re the bestest, buddy.”
“We’re coming, we’re coming!” Sarah calls, half jogging down the porch steps, Remi’s bag bouncing against her hip.
Connor and Madi follow behind her.
My gaze hooks on Madi. Her denim shorts sit high on her hips, hugging her curves just right, and that straplessyellow top makes her look like she walked straight out of my summer dreams. She climbs into the back seat next to Sarah, beaming at Remi when he holds up his hand for a high-five.
“Tess and Jace are on their way,” Connor says as he slides in beside me, phone in hand.
I start the truck and glance in the rearview mirror. “You guys good back there?”
They both nod as I hit play on the playlist I queued up for today. The car buzzes with excitement as we pull out of the driveway. My nerves take off like they’ve been waiting for this moment. Today’s going to be fucking epic, I can feel it in my bones.
I just hope Halle feels the same.
We spot Halle and Asher waiting by his truck as we pull in three spots down. Her eyes fly open, bouncing between all of us. The second I stop, Madi shoves the door open and takes off, squealing as she runs straight for her.
“What the hell are you guys doing here?” Halle shouts, turning to Asher with a sharp glare.
He lifts his hands, grin stretching wide. “Hey, don’t look at me, sweetheart. This is all your brother.”
I help Sarah with Remi, grabbing his bag as she unbuckles and lifts him out of his seat. Connor pulls his stroller from the back and snaps it open. Once we’re all set, we walk over to them. Tessa and Jace pull up seconds later, and Halle’s brows pinch, her gaze moving from their car to me, confusion clouding her eyes.
“Can we?” Tessa calls, practically bouncing over to us.
“Not yet.” I shake my head, fighting a grin as I turn to Halle. “Come on, lil sis. I have a surprise for you.”
Her eyes widen instantly as she looks to Asher, threading her fingers through his. He gives her hand a gentle squeeze and smiles reassuringly at her.
“Go with Hunter, sweetheart,” he says, nodding toward me. “This is his day, your day together. We’re just along for the ride.”
I clap him on the shoulder, appreciation tightening in my chest.
