The admission feels like a failure, a glaring neon sign of my inadequacy. Maybe that’s why I’ve been dreading this conversation, this inevitable baring of my battered soul. I hate feeling pitied. Exposed.
But when I risk a glance at Blake, there’s no pity in his gaze. Only softness.
“So what are you running home to, then?” he asks quietly. “If it’s only you two?”
I squirm under his probing gaze.
Why does he even care? What does it matter to him if I have a support system or a big loving family to go home to?
I want to give a glib answer. Brush off his questions the way I’ve brushed off so many others over the years who wanted to know about my family and my struggles.
But something about the tender way he cradles our daughter makes me feel like I can trust him with my truth.
“Houston is my home.” I reach out to stroke Maddie’s soft curls. “It may not be much, but it’s where I’ve built my life. Where Josie and I have made a place for ourselves.”
Blake’s brow furrows. “I’m your family now, Julie. Yours and Maddie’s. I just bought a new house. I want you to stay here with me.”
I gape at him in shock. Stay with him? Here in Wyoming?
Is he crazy?
“Blake, I… I can’t just move in with you. I have Josie to think about too.”
“So bring her along.” He shrugs as if it’s the most natural thing in the world to invite virtual strangers to come live with him. “There’s plenty of room. I want all three of you here in Cooper Hills with me.”
I stare at him in disbelief, my heart hammering against my ribs.
This man is unreal.
First claiming to be my family, now wanting me and my sister to move in with him after one conversation?
But even as I balk at the audacity of his offer, a small traitorous part of me yearns to say yes. To have someone else to lean on for once.
My gaze drifts to the worn linoleum beneath my feet and the water stain on the ceiling. I think of the cramped, dingy house waiting for us back in Houston. Of the nights Josie and I have gone to bed hungry so there would be enough formula for Maddie. Of the stack of past due bills on the counter and the way Josie flinches at every knock on the door.
My stomach twists with indecision, longing, fear, and cautious hope. I know I can’t agree to move in with Blake yet. It’s too much, too soon. But maybe...
“I won’t agree to move in,” I hedge as I bite my lip. “But maybe... Maybe we could stay for the weekend? Before we head back?”
It’s a compromise, a chance to dip my toe in the water of this new reality before diving in completely.
Blake’s face lights up like I’ve just given him a winning lottery ticket instead of a measly two days. He reaches for his phone and taps in what I assume is his address before handing it to me. “Here, put your number in. I’ll text you the address. Go pack a bag and come on over.”
“Okay.” My voice is barely a whisper as my trembling fingers input the digits, sealing my fate. I’m really doing this.
I pass him back the phone, and he grins, the corners of his eyes crinkling with satisfaction. Then he stands and shifts a sleepy Maddie into my arms. I barely have a moment to marvel at the loss of his warmth and the sudden ache of emptiness before Blake’s big hand is cupping my cheek and tipping my face up to his.
His blue eyes blaze into mine, fierce and fathomless. “Don’t overthink this. I just got you back. I’m not letting you go again.”
Then his mouth is on mine, hot and searching, and he brands me with his kiss. By the time he pulls away, I’m gasping and clinging to Maddie’s solid weight to keep from swaying on my feet.
“See you soon, sweetheart.” Blake’s lips graze my forehead, and then he strides out the front door and leaves me breathless in his wake.
Holy. Shit.
My knees finally give out, and I slump against the wall and slide to the ground. Maddie dozes against my chest, oblivious to the chaos swirling inside me.
A few minutes later, the door creaks open and Josie pops her head in, her eyes wide as she takes in my shell-shocked expression.
