Page 117 of Lowering His Guard

I pinch the bridge of my nose. May was terrified to tell me she can’t have children. She will not thank me for telling Jace. But I can’t explain what’s happening without telling him. She needs to learn families tell each other the truth.

“This needs to stay between us.”

He nods. “I can keep a secret.”

“May can’t have children.”

“That sucks. She loves children. And she’s good with them. But I don’t understand what this has to do with anything. Wait a sec.” He narrows his eyes at me. “Did you shame her? Dad. I can’t believe you.”

I growl. “I didn’t shame her. I told her we could adopt or get a surrogate or not have children. But she’s worried I’ll change my mind in the future.”

He snorts. “Has she not met you? You never change your mind.”

He’s wrong. I changed my mind about women in a few short months. I arrived on Smuggler’s Hideaway convinced women were not to be trusted. I never thought I’d be in a relationship again. I thought I’d spend the rest of my life alone. And then May bulldozed her way through my defenses and changed everything.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m going to win her back.”

His face lights up. “I like where this is going. What are you going to do? Some grand gesture? The hero in the movies always does a grand gesture. If it’s raining, you get extra points.”

I chuckle. “I can’t make it rain.”

He shrugs. “It’s worth a try.”

“How do you feel about living on Smuggler’s Hideaway?”

“You’re serious?” I nod. “Whoo-hoo! Yes! I’ve been telling you I want to live here since we arrived. I can surf all the time. The weather is way better than back in Steel City. Win. Win.”

“I’ll play one more season with the Seals before retiring. We’d move here afterwards. You’d have to switch high schools in your junior year. ”

“Awesome! I’ve already met some of the local kids. We can keep in touch over the year. I’ll already have friends when I start school here in a year.”

He’s serious. He’s excited. Good. First hurdle conquered. Onto the next.

“I want to start a gym.”

More than a gym actually. A fitness center with a swimming pool so kids can learn to swim in a safe environment. Maybe add basketball and volleyball courts. Hell, maybe even pickleball. It’s one of the fastest growing sports in America.

“Cool.”

“I’m meeting with the realtor to view locations this morning. You want to come?”

His nose wrinkles. “Sounds boring. Invite me when it’s time to view houses.”

I don’t deny that a time will come to view houses. I’m all in on Smuggler’s Hideaway. May lives here and she’s mine.

He stands. “I’m going to the beach to meet with my friends.”

“Take—”

“Money, sunscreen, and my phone.”

I grunt again.

He shakes his head. “The grunting is back. You better convince May to take you back.”

“I will, buddy. I will.”

He grabs his bag and leaves to join his friends at the beach. I finish my breakfast and clean up before making my way to my SUV.