With a defeated sigh, I turn to look at the backyard. “I’m allowed to have fun, and my life didn’t stop because Simon died. He would want me to be happy and not spend years grieving him.”
“But?”
“What makes you think there’s a but?”
“We’re out here talking away from Ben, so I figure there’s stuff you don’t want him to know. Feelings, probably, since you’re always putting on a smile to hide your sadness from him. You were doing it in Memphis, and when you stayed with us. Bad habits are hard to break, and you’ve been doing that particular one since Simon died.”
“I still feel guilty,” I admit, voice low.
“You’re not doing anything wrong, Rose.”
Wrapping my arms around my knees, I stare down at my bare feet. “I told myself that was it when Simon died. I wouldn’t rush into another relationship. My entire focus would be on Ben, and not a year that Simon is gone, and I’m?—”
“Stop. That.”
The growl in his voice startles me enough that I snap my gaze from my feet to his face. Sam’s an alpha, but he’s always been laid-back and chill. For him to growl is unlike him.
“You found a golden ticket, Rose,” he says, softening his voice. “Scent matches are… a gift. What you found is even better. What I saw during dinner was a family. It’s okay to feel guilty, but it’s not okay to walk away from something you want because you think it’s too soon. There’s no time limit on starting over.”
“There probablyisa time limit in a book about grief and?—”
He growls again. “Quit pulling my chain, woman.”
I swallow my smile. “You sound like a hungry bear.”
He wraps his arm around me and lets out a weary sigh.
Laughing, I rest my head on his shoulder. “Sorry. I won’t tease anymore.”
“You’re like a sister to me.Be. Happy. That’s all Simon would ever want, and that’s all I want too.”
“Your parents might not be when they find out.”
“My parents will be thrilled that you’re laughing again and that they’re having another grandkid. Where’d you think we learned the importance of living a happy, fulfilling life from, if not from our parents?” He pats me on the arm. “If you ever want me to watch Ben while you all have some freaky sex, done.”
I rub a hand over my face. “That was incredibly inappropriate, Sam.Especiallyafter you just said I was like a sister to you.”
He winks at me. “But I don’t hear you saying no.”
“Shut up.” A reluctant grin tugs at my mouth.
He nudges me so hard that I nearly fall, ignoring my glare. “Be happy, Rose.”
“I’ll try.”
He nods. “Good enough for me. Any chance you and Ben would appreciate me sticking around for a movie, and maybe I could read him a story before bed?”
I get to my feet. “Ben would love that. Come on. I think we still have some vanilla ice cream in the freezer.”
Chapter 25
Rose
It’s been three days since Sam came to Rios to check on Ben and me, and he’s thrown himself into the challenge of turning Nico’s office into a space Nico can use rather than one that makes him want to burn the building down and start over in a new town.
There’s not as much banging from the office today when Ben and I walk into the diner as Sheriff Watson is on his way out with a takeout cup, and a small white box that smells of sweet almond and tart cherries.
“Hi, Sheriff Watson,” Ben says, head tipped way back to meet the sheriff’s eyes.
