Page 159 of The Defiant Curse

For as far as they could see, the terrain was dotted with so many purple dahlias. They were white and purple, pink and purple, and the air was tinged with their scent.

“We have an amazing space here. Let’s go pick some flowers,” he said.

Honestly, she was looking forward to that.

“Someone gave me flowers today, and now this. It’s a good day for me.”

At her words, he looked over.

Again, there was that whip of jealousy that someone else had done something like that for his wife.

Ethan was possessive of her when it came to strangers, or other men. Yes, he shared with Callen and Chris, but just some guy off the street?

Yeah, no.

That shit wasn’t happening.

Ethan wasn’t losing this amazing woman to anyone.

Ever.

Yeah, now, it was clear that he’d been neglectful because when she said she hated cut flowers, he still should have done something instead of nothing. He still should have found a way to make her smile.

That was on him.

When they got home, he was planting her a field full of flowers that she could enjoy.

It was time to do the work.

“Well, I hope you forgive me for picking you flowers, but that’s my plan,” he said, bringing Hamlet to a stop. Then, he got off and helped her down.

In that moment, she realized she hadn’t been perfect over the years either.

Saint Elizabeth wasn’t so saintly.

His words reminded her that sometimes, she was too hard to love, too. In fact, she rode ass about gifts they gave her, and she’d told them she hated cut flowers. Instead of just taking them and being grateful, she’d boxed them in.

“I’m sorry that I made it seem like I didn’t want flowers from you guys. That was wrong. I want lots of flowers.”

He turned and faced her.

This was about them, and no one else. He had to worry about his relationship between them, because Callen and Chris worked harder than he did to prove their love.

Daily.

“What guys? It’s just you and me here, Lyzee Renee LaRue. The re-beginning starts now. As long as you’re here, it’s just us. It’s just you and me until we choose to leave together.”

Her heart skipped.

“Really?” she asked.

He nodded.

“Work can wait. Life can wait. You need me. That’s all that matters now. This moment between us. Callen, Chris, and Gene will hold the family and job down. It’s our time to have an anniversary away.”

Still, she was worried.

“But the Shaman…”