Loving Colt

Loving Colt

Limitless Publishing, LLC
Kailua, HI 96734

www.limitlesspublishing.com

Formatting: Limitless Publishing

ISBN-13: 978-1507738788
ISBN-10: 1507738781

No  part  of  this  book  may  be  reproduced,  scanned,  or  distributed  in  any  printed  or  electronic  form
without  permission.  Please  do  not  participate  in  or  encourage  piracy  of  copyrighted  materials  in
violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This  is  a  work  of  fiction.  Names,  characters,  places,  and  incidents  either  are  the  product  of  the
author’s  imagination  or  are  used  fictitiously,  and  any  resemblance  to  locales,  events,  business
establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

Prologue

Alexis

“Mommy, I’m hungry,” Maddison spoke from behind me. The sound of her sweet little voice only

made my heart ache more intensely.

“I know, baby. Mommy will find you something real soon. I promise.” I slowed the car to a stop

and reached for the bag in the passenger seat beside me. Digging around, I pulled out the package of
crackers I had taken from our last stop.

Turning around, looking back at my sweet little girl, I forced a smile. The last thing I wanted her to

see was how unsettled I felt inside. She looked so tired, and seeing that in her eyes made me feel like
a worthless mother.

Tearing the package open, I handed her the two crackers. “Here, sweet pea, eat these for now. I

know it’s not much, but I’ll get ya something else real soon, okay?”

Maddison nodded her head and took the crackers from me. “Do you still have juice left in your

cup?” I asked, and she nodded her sleepy little head once again. “Good, we’ll be stopping real soon.”

Turning back to face forward, I took in a deep breath and began looking around. I had passed a

sign that read “Welcome to Brooklet” about a mile back. As I looked around, I found myself
wondering if there was even a hotel here in this small town. It was definitely a big change from San
Diego.

With only a little over two hundred dollars left to my name, I knew I had to make it last. The

thought of not being able to take care of Maddison made me sick to my stomach.

I had no choice; I couldn’t go back. I had to leave, had to hide out. He had crossed a line that could

never be fixed. A life like we were living had to stop. I couldn’t go on in fear any longer; we
deserved so much more than that.

I knew I was taking a chance by going back home to Palm Beach, but I needed my family more than

ever. I knew it would be the first place he would look, but it was the only place I could go.

Keeping Maddi safe came first. It was my job, and for the last six months, I had failed her and the

memory of her daddy, Troy.

So the choice to leave in the middle of the night, when Seth least expected it, was an easy one to

make. A choice I would never regret, no matter how much I had to sacrifice.

Maddi needed stability and security. When she had that, my needs would come, but not until then.
“I need to potty, Mommy,” Maddison announced from the backseat.
The decision had just been made; it looked like we would stop in Brooklet for now, at least for

tonight.

Looking around for a place to stop, I pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was just

after seven at night, and the lot appeared deserted. Two vehicles were parked up close to the
entrance. The rest of it was empty.

Holding Maddison’s hand securely in mine, we walked side by side toward the entrance.
The smell of grease engulfed me when I opened the door, and it smelled amazing. It had been hours

since I had last eaten anything.

“Is it just the two of you?” an older woman with a genuine smile asked. I nodded my head as she

led us to a small booth in the back.

“Do you have a restroom my little girl could use?” I asked as I looked around the small dining

area.

“Just down that hall, to your left. Can I get anything started for the two of you?” she questioned.
“Yeah, um, a grilled cheese and chocolate milk if ya got it?” I replied as I led Maddi toward the

bathroom.

“What are you having darlin’?” she hollered after me.
“Nothing thanks. I’m not hungry,” I said over my shoulder as I nudged Maddi along. I forced a

smile as I hurried toward the bathroom.

“Mommy, your tummy is growling.” Maddi looked up at me as I continued to guide her toward the

back.

“No, baby. Mommy ate this morning. I’m good,” I assured her.
I had decided when we left San Diego that I would only allow myself one meal a day. Even though

I would kill for a juicy burger and fries, I had to use my head. The money had to last until I found a
source of income.

When we made our way back to our table, I thought for a moment we were at the wrong one.
There was a large salad at one side, and on the other a bowl of applesauce. A large soda with a

cup of chocolate milk sat in the center.

I stood looking around in confusion, just as the lady who greeted us put a plate of fries on the table.
“Ma’am, I didn’t order all this. I can’t…” I began to say, as panic set in. She held up her hand to

stop me.

“Don’t you worry yourself over it darlin’. It’s all been taken care of.” She grinned and nudged her

head toward the door.

I looked up just as a tall, broad man pushed open the door. He tipped his head toward me and

winked, a dimpled grin gracing his lips. I stood staring at him until he disappeared through the exit.

“That sweet man just bought the two of you dinner.” She placed her hand on my shoulder and gave

it a reassuring squeeze. “There’s kind people out there, sweetheart. Colt Thompson is a good man.”

Her final words left an emptiness in my chest. A good man. I wasn’t sure they existed anymore.
Besides my father, I didn’t know many others. Troy, Maddison’s father, was a good man—a man

who gave his life for his country and never got the chance to know he was gonna be a father.

My brother was also a good man, but other than those few, I was starting to feel as though good

men were only mythical.

Chapter One

Alexis

I sat in a musty chair at the side of the motel bed, staring at my little girl curled tightly in her

favorite blanket in the center of it. The moonlight peeking in through the parted curtain highlighted her
little form.

My mind raced with fear and uneasiness. How did I get to this point? How could I have let it all

go this far?

I had moved across the country to be with Troy. We were introduced by a mutual friend when he

was on leave with a fellow soldier. They were vacationing in Florida, and I was hooked the moment I
saw him. Blond hair, blue eyes, and a sweet smile. I had no hope. I was a senior in high school and
fell hard for the marine from Cali.

After high school graduation, the choice was easy. I chose the college closest to the man who held

my heart. Every chance we got, we were together.

The only family he had was his mother, who at the time was in her late sixties. Troy was a shock

to her when he was conceived but, as his momma put it, he was the best gift she had ever received.

Now she was in a nursing home with dementia and, on her good days, she remembered she once

had a son. She got worse and worse daily.

We had planned to get married one day, and I would have followed him anywhere. He was

deployed at the beginning of my senior year at San Diego State University.

A little over a month later my world was shattered.
PFC Troy Aaron Walters died on active duty.
The moment I heard those words, a piece of me died too. Five days after I lost my best friend, I

found out I was carrying his baby. And once again, I shattered. It wasn’t because I was pregnant, but
because Troy would never get to meet his child.

For weeks I could barely get out of bed; on most days it was a struggle even to open my eyes. I

thought about going back home, but I loved California. I loved my school and my friends. Leaving
there would be like leaving him behind, and I couldn’t stomach that. It was the place that held all our
memories.

So with the help of some good friends and the counselor at school, I pulled myself together.
The day my daughter was born was one of the greatest days of my life. On that day, I knew a piece

of Troy was given back to me. I could look at my little girl and see the man I fell in love with. She
was the little slice of heaven he had sent back to keep me going.

Maddi stirred on the bed and mumbled a few words before her breathing evened out and she

drifted off into a deeper sleep.

Tears burned at the backs of my eyes, as I thought over the events of the last year. Looking back, I

know I should have just gone back home to Florida.

After Troy’s death, I focused solely on Maddison Erin Walters—my angel, my gift from Troy. She

is and will always be the center of my world.

I never even considered dating or getting involved with any man after Troy. It was the furthest

thing from my mind until nine months ago. Just after Maddison’s fourth birthday party, she and I had
gone for ice cream. On the way home, we were stranded with a flat tire.

Seth Trowbridge, the sweet-talking man, came to our rescue. We had been friends for a long time

but, until then, I had never given his flirty behavior a second thought. I blamed it on those damn blue
eyes. Those eyes pulled at something deep inside me, and I suddenly felt alive again. He laid it on
thick that day. I fell for it, even though I told myself I wasn’t ready.

I should have walked away the first time he raised his voice at me. I blamed it on the alcohol he

had consumed. He was a different person when he drank, and after that night outside of the restaurant,
I knew what I had to do. I had to get away. I had to save myself from being another victim at the hands
of an abusive man.

I spent over an hour watching Maddison sleep soundly in the motel bed. A heavy weight pressed in

all around me, as I let “what ifs” play out in my mind. It was a game I played often with myself.

What if Troy had made it home safely?
What if I had just gone home after his death?
My mother and sister both called me often, trying to convince me to pack up. My brother always

threatened to come kidnap me and force me to move back to Florida. I was the middle child,
surrounded by those who felt they needed to shelter me. I just needed to feel like I could do it on my
own.

So much for that.
My sister, Harper, is twenty five—just three years younger than me.
My brother Jett is the cocky bachelor—he who makes women drool, or so he says. I won’t deny

that he’s attractive, because he is. He just needs to lose the cocky arrogance of the ultimate twenty-
nine year old man who rules his world. When it comes to me and my sister, though, he is a complete
sweetheart.

Jett adores us both and would do anything for either of us. That was one of the major reasons I kept

Seth and his aggressive behavior to myself.

The last thing I wanted was for Jett to get into trouble over me and my drama. He had far too much

to lose. I couldn’t be responsible for him losing what he had built for himself.

Chapter Two

Alexis

Waking up in a musty motel made my stomach turn. Maddison had slept so peacefully tucked into

my side, and I had spent most of my night staring at the water stain on the ceiling.

After both of us took a bath and put on a change of clothes, we went back to the same diner. I

figured I could afford breakfast, thanks to the handsome stranger and his generosity the night before.

The restaurant was much busier today than it was last night.
The moment we entered, I felt like I was on display. I could feel eyes on me, and it was unnerving.

The moment my eyes locked with the same waitress, I instantly felt relief. Her kind eyes settled the
churning in my stomach.

“Well, hello pretty ladies. I’m real happy you came back to see us.” She knelt down before

Maddison and brushed her blond curls away from her face. “You have the sweetest little smile. You
are such a doll.”

She then stood up and led us to a table. “You want some coffee darlin’?” she asked. I nodded my

head and watched her walk off to retrieve the pot.

I took time to allow my eyes to roam the restaurant and found there were still a number of people

looking in our direction.

I swallowed hard, attempting to calm my nerves.
“Don’t let them bother ya. They’re all just curious.” A deep raspy voice spoke from behind me. I

quickly turned around, only to come face to face with the man from last night. He smiled as he took
me in slowly.

“It’s not often we get visitors here in town. You’ll have to ignore their gawking.” His voice was

one of those voices that made you want to keep him talking. It made you feel warm inside and safe.

I smiled nervously and quickly averted my eyes. His looks were a little distracting and, for a

moment, I found myself forgetting what it was he had said.

Pull it together, Alex, honestly. I had to keep my head on straight.
I looked back up to find he was still watching me closely.
“I never got the chance to say thank you.” He cocked an eyebrow in a questioning manner. “For

dinner last night. It was really nice, but you didn’t have to do that.”

“I know I didn’t have to; I wanted to. Just consider it a welcome to Brooklet gift.” A grin broke out

over his inviting lips.

Once again I found myself looking away, attempting to slow my sporadic heart rate.

The waitress placed a coffee cup onto the table in front of me, and I was able to use it as a

distraction. I needed something to draw me away from him.

I could still feel his eyes on me, and it was a bit unnerving. Not that I didn’t slightly enjoy his

attention, but I knew my track record. The last thing I needed was to pretend that there was anything
more than a physical attraction going on here.

“Well, I really appreciate the welcome. It was a nice gesture.” I smiled, and the moment he

winked, my stomach fluttered.

“You can call me Colt.” He held his hand out, and I gently placed mine in his for a gentle shake.
I was momentarily tongue-tied. His calloused hands were warm, and mine felt so small in his

grasp.

The instant Maddison dropped her fork and it clanked against the ground, I had never been more

thankful for her clumsiness. I needed a distraction to pull me away from his sweet smile.

I did everything possible to keep myself facing forward, with my back to him. It was one of the

hardest things I had ever attempted.

When he left, it was then that I noticed he wasn’t alone. The sweet, gentle older woman stopped

next to my table and smiled.

“She’s a beautiful little angel. Like a sweet, precious doll,” she said, motioning toward Maddi.
“Thank you,” I said in return.
“You traveling alone, darlin’?” she asked.
“Yes ma’am.” I replied. I could see the concern in her eyes and feel the motherly side of her.
“You be careful sweetheart. Traveling alone with a child is scary. Do you have family nearby?”

Colt stepped up next to her and placed his hand on her shoulder.

She turned to face him and smiled lovingly. His interruption saved me from answering her

question.

“Okay, Momma, let’s let these pretty girls enjoy their breakfast.” He nudged her along and smiled

as he passed.

My eyes never left him as they stopped to pay their bill and walked toward the front door. He

looked back as he held the door open for his mom, winking one last time.

Something about the way he was with her made my heart melt. He was careful and gentle as he

held her arm. I could still see them through the front windows as he led her to the car.

It wasn’t just a show he put on in front of people. He never once let go of her until she was safely

tucked away inside a small blue car that I assumed was hers.

My stomach twisted and turned. What the hell was I doing thinking about any man right now? I was

running from the last one, and I was in no position to allow myself false hope. I couldn’t allow myself
to believe there was a gentle man out there, one with a kind heart.

It was time for me and Maddison to get back on the road. I didn’t need to develop any friendships

here. The only thing I needed was to get back home to the ones who loved me and would protect me.

Chapter Three

Alexis

After breakfast, we went back to the motel. Checkout was at eleven, so I had just enough time to

give Maddi another bath, washing away the syrup she wore more than ate at breakfast. I wanted to get
her settled for another road trip. Gathering everything into our bag, I returned the key to the front desk.

One quick stop at the nearest store to grab a few snacks, and then we’d be on our way.
After a few attempts to start my car, it finally sprang to life, and I felt relief wash through me. It

was close to death, and I knew I was pushing it with this trip. I just prayed it held out a few more
days. After I was home, I didn’t care if it ever started again.

Maddi was already beginning to doze off for her afternoon nap, but I needed to keep her awake

just a little longer.

There I was standing in the aisle, making silly faces at my little girl, while she laughed. Acting

crazy was something she loved. At this point I would try anything to keep her alert just a little longer.

I turned to grab a juice off of the center shelf and bumped into a woman. It was actually her

stomach that took the brunt of the collision. I looked down at her protruding pregnant belly and felt
horrible.

“I am so sorry. Really, truly, sorry.” Great, Alexis. Assault a pregnant lady.
She waved her hand out in front of her. “Oh please, don’t you worry about it. This thing should

have some sort of beeper or something. Some hazard sign. It’s always getting in the way.” She
laughed.

“Are you okay?” I asked.
She reached out and placed her hand on my arm. “Honestly hon, don’t worry about it. My husband,

on the other hand, would insist I be rushed to the ER. He’s driving me insane with his overbearing
ways.” She rolled her eyes and then noticed Maddi in the cart.

“Oh, she is beautiful. Those eyes.” She looked on at Maddi in awe, and all I could do was smile in

return. Her eyes are her daddy’s, that’s for sure. Those gorgeous blues.

We talked for a few minutes before heading off in opposite directions.
Keeping Maddison awake was getting harder. My poor little girl was exhausted.
Coming out to find I had a flat tire was not what I needed. I stood there staring at it, like that was

gonna fix the problem.

Angry tears began to pool in my eyes and I kicked at my wheel. “Son of a bitch.” I growled and

kicked it once more.

“Well, I’m not sure that’s gonna help ya much.” I turned to see the pregnant girl from the store

staring at me. She smiled and laughed lightly. “Let me call my husband so he can get that changed for
ya.” She pulled her phone out of her pocket.

“No! Really, it’s okay.” It honestly wasn’t, not even slightly. But she didn’t owe me anything.

“You don’t need to bother him.”

“Hush now,” she insisted.
I watched her as she held the phone to her ear. I could hear a deep voice filter out from the phone

but was unable to understand his words.

“I’m fine, beast. Please just listen.” She paused and rolled her eyes. “You are a pain in my ass. I’m

fine; the baby is fine. Now will you just get in your truck and come to the grocery store? I have a
friend who needs a little help.”

She laughed at something he said. “No, if it was Kori she’d be calling Reed. Just get over here to

the market.” She hung up and groaned.

“That man is going to drive me crazy. He is so overprotective. I had to sneak out of the house just

to go to the grocery store by myself. If he had it his way, I would be tucked away safely in bed every
day and night.” She shook her head. “I was going stir crazy.”

“It’s actually pretty sweet. I didn’t have anyone to fuss over me when I was pregnant with

Maddison. I think it would have been nice to feel that.” I shrugged my shoulders and looked over to
find my little girl asleep. She was hunched over in the cart at an awkward angle, and it broke my
heart. What was I doing dragging her around?

“Hey, you okay?” she asked.
I nodded my head. “I’m okay. Thanks for the help.”
“Not a problem.” Her smile was genuine. It was almost as if I was a longtime friend, someone she

had known for years. It was comforting, and for the first time in a long time, I felt safe and welcomed.
In the whole realm of things, it was odd that a complete stranger had given me that sense of peace.

***

At the rumble of an engine, I watched a big black Ford truck pull into the space next to my car. I

did everything I could not to drool at the sight of the man who climbed out of the cab. His leering
smile was distracting, not to mention he filled out those jeans of his quite nicely.

The girl who had earlier introduced herself as Maria lit up like a Christmas tree. This was

definitely her husband, and I found myself feeling just a little jealous.

He stepped up to her and pulled her close. Kissing her softly, he whispered something that only

they could share before smiling lovingly at her. It almost felt as if I was intruding. The two of them
were adorable together, and the love they shared was obvious. He adored her.

A young boy bounced up next to them and wrapped his arms around her waist in a hug.
A few seconds passed as they shared a moment, before the man turned to face me. He held his

hand out in a kind introduction. “Hello ma’am. I’m Gavin.” He smiled and god damn it if his eyes
weren’t that crazy alluring shade of blue. What was it with men and those bedroom blues?

“Nice to meet you. My name’s Alexis, and this is my daughter, Maddison.” His gaze wandered to

Maddi hunched over in the cart. Her head was resting upon her rolled up blanket, and he smiled
gently.

“Let’s take a look at what you got here,” he said as he knelt down next to my tire.
I watched as he walked over to his truck and grabbed a jack and crowbar from the back.

After he got my car jacked up into the air, he began working the tire free. The look on his face only

made me feel nauseous. I knew it was going to take money that I didn’t have to spare.

It looked like my plans to leave were being placed on hold for a day or two.
When Gavin said he would take my tire to a friend in an attempt to plug it, I was grateful, hoping it

would fix the problem and I could be on my way.

I lifted Maddi from the cart and laid her in the backseat of my car, allowing her to stretch out.

Camping out in the local market wasn’t my plan for the day, but it looked like I would be forced to do
it.

“Hey, where you staying?” Maria asked, causing me to spin around and face her.
“Oh, I uh…” I nervously popped my knuckles. Yeah, a nasty habit I know, but one I found myself

doing more often than not lately. “I was staying at the motel, but I checked out today. I was planning
on heading out this afternoon.” I paused for a second. “Looks like I’ll be checking back in.”

“Oh, that’s crazy. My momma has a room at her place. She lives alone and would love the

company.” She lifted the small bag I had in the cart, with cookies and juice, and turned back to face
me with that welcoming smile of hers. “Come on, I’ll take ya.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t, really. I appreciate it greatly, but the motel’s fine.” This small town was so

different, compared to the big city. Everyone was so polite and helpful.

“Honestly, hon, you would be doing me a favor. She calls me constantly. I thought about getting her

a dog or something to occupy her time. Just last night she called me to talk about her couch pillows.”
Maria rolled her eyes. “She can’t decide if she should recover them with a new material or just buy
new ones.” She laughed and hung her head. “It took me almost forty-five minutes to convince her that
getting new ones would be cheaper.”

I couldn’t help but laugh as I envisioned that conversation in my mind. “My mom has a full house,

so she has little time to hassle me about those kinds of things.”

“Honestly, my momma would love to have you and Maddi, even if it’s just for tonight.” There was

something about her that made me feel so safe. I couldn’t explain it. I had no idea who she was until
about an hour ago, yet I felt like I had known her for a lifetime.

Over the last six months, I had managed to slowly lose the friends I did have. I know now that it

was Seth who ran them off, but then again they didn’t put up much of a fight. It was nice to feel like I
had a friend, one who appeared to care more about me than those I had known for years.

“Okay, but I insist on paying her what I would pay the motel.” I lifted Maddison from the car,

grabbed our bag as well, and walked toward Maria’s SUV.

“Yeah, good luck with that. I’ll leave that conversation to you and Momma.” I heard her giggle but

chose to let it die. I wouldn’t take handouts. I had to leave this place knowing that I didn’t owe
anyone anything. I wasn’t one of those people who took without giving in return.

Chapter Four

Alexis

“Are you sure this is no trouble?” I asked as Ann led me to the bedroom at the end of the hall. The

moment I saw her standing in the kitchen, my heart raced. What were the chances that Maria was the
sister of the man from the restaurant?

Ann smiled from ear to ear as she listened to Maria explain my horrendous morning. She was

insisting I stay with her before Maria even got the chance to ask.

“Sweetie, this is no trouble at all. You stay as long as you need to. My home is yours and Maddi’s

for as long as you need it to be.” Her kindness was overwhelming. “And this nonsense about you
paying me stops here. I won’t have it. You’re a guest.” She smiled sweetly as she set my bag on the
bed. Having company will be a nice change.”

Maddison looked around the room at the dolls that lined the shelf just above the dresser.
“Mommy, look,” she said, pointing in their direction. “Pretty.”
“Yes, they are pretty, but we can’t touch.” Maddison loves dolls. Most of our belongings are in a

storage unit I rented. After talking to my landlord and neighbor, they agreed to move my things for me
after I left. Once I get settled, I will find a way to get everything. For now, Maddi and I are living
with only the necessities.

“Oh, she can play with those,” Ann said as she pulled a doll from the shelf. “I think this one has

some extra clothes. You can dress her up and do her hair. Would you like that?” she asked Maddi.

I held back the emotions that filled me as Maddison’s face lit up. She nodded her head as she

reached out and took the doll from Ann. She was in a state of awe at that moment, and it was
heartwarming.

We settled in and I allowed myself to relax, something I rarely was able to do anymore. I always

felt as if at any moment something bad would happen and our world would be flipped upside down.

***

Ann allowed Maddison to help her make dinner. I cringed at the sight before me. Maddison had

gotten sauce everywhere, and all Ann could do was laugh.

Maddison’s giggles filled the house, and her happiness brought tears to my eyes. They were happy

tears, of course, because my little girl was doing what she did best. She was making Ann fall in love
with her. She seemed to have the ability to capture just about anyone in a matter of minutes. Her sweet

smile and gentle eyes were the undoing of anyone within ten feet.

A deep chuckle from behind caused me to jump forward. Placing my hand on my chest in surprise,

I spun around quickly. There before me stood Colt—dirty, sweaty, and rugged yet alluring Colt.

A sly grin spread out over his lips, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it. Accompanied by the

dimples, it was impossible to look away.

Clearing his throat, he chuckled softly. My gaze shifting to his, I could instantly feel the heat flood

my cheeks.

“Hello again,” he said, and I just stared back at him, speechless. Like an adolescent girl, I was

trembling at his closeness.

I stepped back and smiled in return, with a forced smile I was sure he could see right through.
“So, you’re the cute blonde with the sweet little girl, staying at my momma’s house,” he said, and

my cheeks once again felt flushed. “My nephew’s words, to be exact. My sister was a little more on
the nose with her description.”

For a moment, I felt disappointed. What was he saying? Did he not find me attractive?
“I think “gorgeous blonde” says it a little better. For some reason, Maria felt it was very

important that I come over here tonight to fix my mother’s bathroom sink.” He leaned in just a little
closer and lowered his voice. “I’m pretty sure she had an ulterior motive for sending me.” He winked
before stepping around me and making his way over to his mom.

I took the time to take a few deep, calming breaths, internally smiling at the idea of him thinking of

me as gorgeous.

Shaking my head clear of the hazy feelings he brought on, I wiped my palms on my jeans.
Colt kissed his mother on the cheek, but his eyes stayed on mine from across the room. “If I

would’ve known about all the pretty ladies in this house, I think I would have come over sooner.”

I averted my eyes quickly to the floor, as his gaze was intense and distracting. How was a girl

supposed to keep her head on straight with him around?

Maddison’s giggles abruptly broke free, and I looked up once again to find Colt and her having a

miniature food fight. I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped me. I covered my mouth quickly, looking at
Ann in horror. Her poor kitchen looked like a war zone.

She waved her hand in the air. “Oh honey, this is nothing. Last Sunday Colt and Mikey had an egg

toss in the kitchen.”

Colt chuckled as he wiped a smudge of strawberry glaze off the tip of Maddison’s nose. “Mikey

started that one, Momma. I told him to toss underhand. He went all major league on me and pulled out
the pro pitching stance.”

Ann was now laughing so hard she held her stomach. “Yes, but the look on your face when it

splattered across your chest was the best part of the whole day.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she
continued to laugh heartily.

“Messes can always be cleaned up, but those memories will last forever,” she said as she looked

at her son in admiration.

My phone ringing in the other room had me rushing for it. I didn’t even take the time to look at the

number. I was so caught up in the happiness of the moment that I hit send and brought it to my ear, my
eyes still glazed over.

“Hello,” I laughed in greeting.
“Where are you?” I could hear the heavy anger in Seth’s voice. I also instantly picked up on the

fact that he was drunk. “I asked you a question, Alex. Answer me. Where the hell are you?”

My chest tightened and my eyes filled with tears. Fear ran through me, causing my hands to shake.

“Leave me alone, please.” I pleaded in a whisper.
He laughed a demented, evil laugh. “Yeah, that’s not gonna happen. You’re mine, Alex. We can do

this the easy way. Just tell me where you are, and I’ll come and get the both of you. You went home to
your parents’ house, didn’t you?”

“No,” I cried out. The trembling in my voice only made me feel weaker. “Please just leave us

alone. It’s over, Seth. Let it go. Just stay away from us, leave us alone.” I was begging now, but I
couldn’t help it. I just wanted it all to stop.

“Listen here, you bitch.” The phone was yanked from my hand before I could register what had

happened.

Colt held my phone, and the anger pouring off of him was intimidating as he listened to Seth’s

words.

“Who the hell is this?” He seethed into the phone, and his nostrils flared as he listened to the voice

on the other end of the phone.

I could only imagine the things Seth was saying to him. I suddenly felt sick, as my stomach

tightened. He had to be filling Colt with all sorts of lies. My stomach continued to twist and turn as
my throat burned.

The lurch in my stomach had me rushing down the hall. I reached the bathroom just in time,

emptying my stomach as the tears fell heavily down my cheeks.

Chapter Five

Colt

It took everything I had in me not to smash her phone against the wall. The asshole on the other end

of the line who was continuing to bash her only made my anger harder to handle.

I had just barely met Alex and Maddison, but I knew the garbage this asshole was spewing was a

bunch of shit.

“Listen to me, you sorry son of a bitch. I don’t know who the hell you are. I do know that you seem

to have a negative effect on Alexis, so that places your worthless ass on my shit list. Your best bet is
to do as she asked and leave her alone. If not, you better bet the outcome is gonna be one you aren’t
gonna like much.”

I hit end and turned off her phone. I never took the time to hear his reply, because I had to get to

her. She looked so terrified and lost at the moment she turned to face me, when I took her phone.

When I found her kneeling on the bathroom floor, it nearly broke my heart. The moment I touched

her back, she scurried off to the side of the tub and tucked her knees in tightly to her chest. Her body
trembled as she sobbed uncontrollably.

“Colt, what’s happening?” My momma whispered from the door and I waved her off. She held

Maddison tightly and walked away to distract the little angel.

I gave Alex a few quiet moments before I made another attempt to reach out to her.
Steadying my voice as much as possible, I tried to soothe her with words. “Alex, I’m not gonna

hurt you. No one is gonna hurt you. You’re safe here.”

She shook her head without looking up, and my chest tightened even more. Just thinking about what

this beautiful girl had gone through felt as if it was gutting me slowly.

“I’m not safe. I’m an idiot. I did this. I put us in this situation. It’s not going to change. It won’t go

away.” She whispered through her sobs.

I inched just a little closer and sat on the floor in front of her. Without touching her, I tried to

reassure her that what I said was true.

“I guarantee you that whoever that was, he won’t get anywhere near you. I won’t let him.” Her

head lifted and her reddened eyes focused on my determined stare.

“It isn’t up to you. You can’t save me.” She paused and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I can’t

go home now, because he’ll look there. He knows that the only place I have to go is to my parents’,
but I’m not going back now. I can’t go there. I just have to keep moving and find a way to start over.”

“I’m thinking that you need to stick around here for a while,” I stated, without thinking twice about

it. “Your being on the road isn’t really a good idea.”

She looked down at the floor between her knees, almost as if she was in a daze.
“That guy on the phone. Was he your…?” I paused. I figured it was best to let her fill in the blanks,

but only if she wanted to talk to me about it.

There was a long pause of silence, which I took to mean that she had no intention of answering me.
“He isn’t Maddi’s dad, if that’s what you’re asking. Her dad would have never hurt me; he was a

good man. Troy was a marine. I followed him to California, and we talked about getting married after
I finished school. He had no idea I was even pregnant. I never got the chance to tell him.” Alex
looked up from the floor, and her eyes met mine.

“He died on active duty,” she whispered.
My mouth went instantly dry. I wondered if that was all she was going to tell me. The silence set in

once again.

“The guy on the phone was Seth. I met him my junior year of college. He was a friend, someone I

hung out with often. We were part of the same group. I never imagined dating him.” Alex shook her
head lightly.

“I went over four years without having even the urge to date. I let my guard down after he tried

repeatedly.” Another pause filled the room.

I didn’t want to say anything, for fear of causing her to shy away from me. I only hoped that my

sitting here in silence allowed her to have some sense of peace. Inside I was dying slowly for her. My
heart broke over and over at the idea of what she had endured.

“It was great at first. Seth spoiled me. Maddi too. Everything was almost too perfect.” She

lowered her knees and crossed her legs in front of her. “The first time he put his hand on me, I froze.
It was so unexpected, and it was almost as if I had dreamt it—the horrific nightmare I had imagined.”
She shrugged.

“He thought I was allowing some guy to hit on me at a party. Seth was drunk, and he pushed me

backwards. I stumbled and fell.” I watched as her eyes roamed the small bathroom, looking for
something. “Could you hand me those tissues? Please.”

“Yeah,” I answered hoarsely. My throat burned over all she was confessing in me.
“Thank you.” The smile she forced was weak.
I never took my eyes from her as she attempted to clean up her tears.
Afterward, she lowered her hands to her lap and nervously picked at the Kleenex balled in them

with shaky fingers.

“I broke it off with him immediately. It only angered him more, and since he had run all my friends

off already, I just felt alone. When he cornered me about a week later, I was so scared.” Alex’s lower
lip trembled as she fought against her impending tears. “He pinned me against my car, with his hand
around my throat. I was just getting off work. He told me that things weren’t over because he wasn’t
done with me yet.”

“Son of a…” I growled in frustration. I hung my head and took a deep breath, biting back the

words that threatened to spill over.

When I was sure I could speak sensibly, I tried again.
“Alex, none of this is your fault, you can’t keep blaming yourself. You left. You got away from

him. You took that step, so now let me help you.” She immediately began shaking her head no.

I held up my hand. “Please let me finish.” I waited for her to agree.
“I know you barely know me or my family, but I promise you we are here for you if you’ll allow

us to help you. No strings, nothing expected in return. Just help. You shouldn’t have to run scared.”

Chapter Six

Alexis

Colt and his family have been amazing. They have made both Maddison and me feel like we are

part of their family. Over the last week, Colt has helped me get myself in order, the best I can.

I spoke with my family a couple of times and explained that I had changed phone providers and

now have a new number. It was a lie I felt horrible about telling, but it was necessary for now. One
day I would explain everything, but for now this was best.

Maddison loves it here, and I am actually growing quite fond of Brooklet myself. It is peaceful and

calm, exactly what we need in our lives.

Colt stops by daily, pretending to help his mother with a new fix in the house. I know there is more

to it. I wasn’t blind to the attraction I could sense we were both feeling. I chose to let it find its way to
the surface. I didn’t want to force anything.

Maddison’s squeals from the back yard brought on a panic. I ran for the back door and stopped

abruptly. Colt had her held up high above his head, swirling her around. She held her arms out to her
sides as she laughed and squealed with delight.

His deep chuckle filtered through her laughter, and a smile spread out over my lips. I stood

watching them play. He lowered her to the ground, and she ran toward the swing set. Colt darted after
her, and her laughter only grew louder.

“He adores her.” I turned quickly to the sound of Ann’s voice. She watched Colt and Maddison

play with shimmering eyes. “All I have ever wanted for all of my children is for them to find joy. I
have lost contact with my oldest boys. Jake, he calls weekly, and one day he’ll find it. He is so much
like his father, though, that I worry about him. Maria and Colton, they are more like me. They have
loving souls.”

She paused as she continued to stare out into the back yard. “Maria found Gavin, and I know that

her heart is safe. That man would move mountains to keep her happy. She found a good man. Colt
deserves happiness too.”

Ann turned to face me and her smile grew wider. She reached out, and taking my hand in hers, she

squeezed gently. “Sweetheart, I know you have had it rough. I know that you feel as if you have to
guard your heart from ever falling again. I just want you to know that if you ever decide to share it
again, Colt would keep it safe. He’s been hurt before too.”

“He doesn’t just adore Maddi, he adores you too. I can see it when he’s near you. I can sense it

when he talks about you. Just know that you have a place here with us. We all adore you two, very
much.” There was one last squeeze of my hand before she turned and walked toward the living room.

I felt the lump in my throat grow larger as I thought over her words. Ann was so kind and caring.

She opened up her home and her heart to us and has honestly become a very important part of our
lives in such a short time. They all have, if I am being honest with myself.

***

Colt stuck around for dinner, and afterward he helped his mother clean up the kitchen. They

insisted that I take Maddi and get her ready for bed. She was exhausted from her day, and the signs
were beginning to show.

Once she was settled, I walked toward the kitchen and found it darkened and quiet. I felt

disappointed that Colton had left without saying goodbye.

I was startled by his deep voice filling the darkness. “She fell asleep?”
I jumped and placed one hand against my chest, covering my mouth with the other. A scream

threatened to spill out.

“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to scare ya, sweetheart.” He stood up from the table and walked toward

me. He looked concerned as he closed the distance between us. He reached out and brushed his
fingertips over my cheek softly. “You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine, really,” I assured him.
Colt wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me in close, his masculine scent filling my

nose. I buried my face in his chest and enjoyed the safety of his embrace. I loved when he hugged me
close.

Over the last week, he had grown bolder with his attempts to soothe me. At first he kept his

distance, but each day he gave a little more, and I let him. I honestly looked forward to him holding
me and even just sitting near me more often. There was attraction building between us that was
obvious, but it was even more than that. There was a secure feeling when he was close, and each day
my trust in him grew. He was becoming someone I could rely on. I found it soothing and terrifying at
the same time.

When he pulled back, he watched me closely. “I really didn’t mean to scare you. I just didn’t want

to leave without saying goodbye.”

“I’m okay,” I assured him once more. “Is Ann in bed already?”
“Yeah,” he replied. He still held me close, and I could feel his hands playing with the edges of my

hair.

“Do you want to watch something on TV, or do you have to go?” I could feel my stomach begin to

tense. I wanted to break the trance that his closeness was causing.

“I can stick around for a little while longer. I have an early morning, but a little TV wouldn’t hurt.”

Colt’s voice took on a new deepness I was sure was filled with a hidden desire. I was feeling it too,
and it made me nervous as hell.

For the next hour, we sat on the couch watching a show I couldn’t tell you one single thing about.

The distance had grown between us, but that was all on me. I made sure I kept the space between us. I
just wasn’t sure I was ready for what I knew would happen if I touched him. I knew we were both
fighting against the need to feel the other.

Chapter Seven

Colt

“Hey champ, you ready to go harass Granny?” I roughed up the hair on Mikey’s head as I held him

in a headlock. He fought against me.

His mom, my sister, had taught him about my weak spot, and now I could only hold him for a short

time. The moment I felt his hand grip my side, I let go. Yes, I had a ticklish spot on my side. Maria
had a big mouth and gave up my secret.

“I’m ready, but we have to wait on them now.” He motioned over his shoulder toward the hall.
Gavin fussed over Maria, and she swatted at his arm. “I am fine, you brute. My feet work. Will

you stop already? The doctor has even told you we are both perfect, so let it go already.”

I chuckled at her obvious annoyance with his over-protective manner. After the loss of their first

baby, he hovered over her every move. I can’t say I blame him. A loss like that would scare the shit
out of any father. I was sure Maria wouldn’t be able to take another loss like that. This little rug rat
would be spoiled for sure, by everyone.

“Will you tell this man that I am not an invalid?” She groaned as she walked toward the front door.
“I just came to pick up my buddy here. You’re on your own with that one over there.” I knelt down

and threw Mikey up over my shoulder. I quickly rushed out the door before Maria could stop me. She
was close to eight months pregnant, so she wasn’t moving real fast these days.

I chuckled when I heard her call me an ass, just before the door closed to muffle her aggravated

voice.

***

It has been almost two weeks since I convinced Alex to stay here in Brooklet. She planned on

looking for an apartment she could rent out month to month, but momma wouldn’t hear of it. She said
Maddison and Alex belonged with her, and I had to admit I liked the idea too. They both needed each
other in their own ways, and it comforted me to see the closeness develop between them. Alex and
Maddison fit in with everyone.

We were all gathering at Kori’s parents’ house for a Sunday lunch. It was actually a baby shower,

but Maria was oblivious. She was used to the big get-togethers at Gemma and Bud’s place, so she
didn’t suspect a thing.

Kori pulled Alex in under her wing, and both she and Leann made her feel welcome. I thought

about the comments she had made about losing all her friends, and it made me feel good about
convincing her to stay. She was instantly loved and became part of their little group.

Mikey and I took a seat on the couch and watched the girls rush around the room. They were

completing a few last-minute things before the guest of honor arrived.

Alex had on a soft pink dress that hugged her body perfectly, and I couldn’t keep myself from

admiring her. I thought I had gone undetected until I caught Gemma giving me a questioning glance. I
shifted nervously in the chair, but all she did was smile and wink.

I had kept everything between Alex and me at a very slow pace, or so I tried like hell to do. The

last thing she needed was some guy drooling over her. She had enough problems to work through.

I am ten years older; it’s my luck she thinks I’m too old for her. Hell, maybe I am, but I can’t deny

I’m attracted to her. That first night I saw her at the diner, she caught my eye.

Alex has a sweet innocence about her and a quiet nature that makes you feel like everything is

perfect, even when it isn’t.

Maddison ran in from the kitchen, straight in my direction. She too wore a pink dress like her

mommy. Maddison’s was a little fluffier and had a lace overlay on the skirt.

She dove for me, and I scooped her up and pulled her close. “Hey princess, you look pretty. Did

you get a new dress?”

Her little head began nodding up and down quickly. “Mommy found it at the sale,” she stated

proudly.

“The sale, huh?” I knew Alex had gone to yard sales with my mom and Maria. I don’t know why

the thought of her scrounging for clothes and personal items bothered me so much.

I just wished she would take me up on my offer to take them shopping. The look on her face when I

offered was one I don’t want to see again. I know I offended her, but I honestly just wanted to do
something nice for them.

I found myself feeling like I needed to protect them and care for them often. It was a completely

new feeling, but one I was kind of liking.

“They’re here,” Kori hollered from the front doorway, and all the guests scurried off toward the

kitchen.

Maria knew that most of the people here came to Gemma’s Sunday meals, but the others in

attendance parked out back. I think Kori invited the entire teaching staff and faculty from the
elementary school.

I kept my spot on the couch with Maddi on my lap and Mikey tucked in at my side.
I could hear Maria telling Gavin she could climb the stairs without his help. All I could do was

chuckle and shake my head. He was still hovering, and if she was wearing her red boots, I was sure
he would be sporting one in his ass by now. That was if she had the ability to lift her leg high enough.

As she stepped in through the front door and looked around, I could see she looked suspicious.

Before she could ask, everyone yelled surprise and she jumped back startled.

“Oh hell.” She leaned forward. “Honestly, y’all, do you not know that I have a hard enough time

not peeing myself every time I move? Now you just scared the piss right out of me.” She laughed.

All I could do was wrinkle up my nose in disgust. “Nice, Mar,” I groaned.
As the party moved forward, I watched Alex hide back more and more. She didn’t know all of

these people, and each time someone asked her something personal, I could sense her nervous
behavior getting worse.

My instinct to protect her was pulling at something deep inside me. I waited for her wandering

eyes to connect with mine. The moment they did, I winked and motioned with my head for her to come

over and join me on the couch. At first she was hesitant, which made my stomach ache. An unwanted
sense of rejection.

Then she walked in my direction, and that tension turned to excitement. I felt like a kid with his

first crush.

She sat down next to me, a lot closer than I had expected. In fact, her entire left side was pressed

snugly against mine. I took pleasure in it and wrapped my arm around her shoulders.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” I leaned in toward her ear and whispered.
“Yes,” she whispered in return, her sweet innocence once again shining through.
We sat close, with her hand unconsciously lying on my thigh. I was pretty sure she had not yet

picked up on that fact. Or maybe she had; all I knew was that I loved the feel of her hand on me.

I avoided the stares from around the room. I could feel them on us, but I was focusing on only one

person right now. I didn’t want Alex to get any more uncomfortable than she already was.

Instead, I focused on Maddi playing in the center of the floor. There were a few other little girls

her age, and she was enjoying the time with them.

I took a chance and began trailing my fingertips along Alex’s arm. When she didn’t object, I

continued the gesture. I was pretty sure it soothed me more than her. I wanted this closeness with her
and was too afraid to make an attempt. This felt like it could be a turning point for us.

Chapter Eight

Alexis

I was sure without Colton I would have walked home from the party. I felt overwhelmed by all the

questions and prodding of the guests. I was the new girl around, and everyone wanted to know about
my past and what brought me to Brooklet.

I was running out of ways to avoid the details of my past.
Colt had kept things simple over the last two weeks, and I was sure I had scared him off. He came

around daily, but it was just different. Prior to my confession in the bathroom that night two weeks
ago, he used to flirt. Now he just smiles kindly and treats me like I might break.

I was sure I had scared him with all my drama, but the moment he motioned for me to join him on

the couch, I froze. On the inside, I wanted to rush over to him and use him as a buffer, but was that a
smart idea?

When his grin flashed that dimple, I let go of my hesitation. I wanted nothing more than to allow

him to protect me from the ongoing questions.

Now here I sit tucked securely into his hold. The security of his embrace comforts me more than I

had imagined it would.

The moment I realized my hand was resting on his thigh, I felt embarrassed. What was I doing?
When his fingers began feathering over my arm, a feeling of calm set in over me. His touch was

soothing and gentle. I allowed my eyes to close to focus solely on the feeling.

When he leaned in and whispered against my ear, chills spread out over my arms and legs. “I think

you should let me take you to dinner. Just the two of us.”

I could feel his warm breath fanning out over my neck and shoulder. I turned just enough to look up

into his warm brown eyes. He smiled softly and waited for me to respond.

“Are you sure you want to get involved with a girl who has such a dramatic past? You don’t need

all of that in your life. A woman with a kid running from a crazy ex.” I was trying to make a joke of it,
but his eyes only darkened with intensity.

“Nothing about your past scares me, Alex,” he insisted.
I thought it over for a moment before I smiled in return. “Okay.”

***

After Maria opened up the gift that Colt had made for her by hand, my heart became even fonder of

him.

He had handcrafted a gorgeous crib and matching changing table out of oak. When Maria began to

sob, I thought it was purely due to the detail of the design. But when Gavin held her close and he too
become emotional, I knew it was because of something more.

It was the card that threw her over the top.
Kori took it from Maria’s hand and, after she nodded her head, Kori read it aloud.

Sis, it’s your time. Our losses will never be forgotten, but they are pieces that hold us together. This was meant to be. The

love you have within your soul can soothe all heartache.

The love you and Gavin share has given me hope that one day I may find the same.
Love, Colt

I was given the chance to be a part of this emotional moment.

***

Colt took our date seriously. Ann kept Maddison, and I was picked up at seven in the evening as

promised. He walked me to his truck, and like a complete gentleman, he helped me climb up inside.

When he got into the driver seat, he passed me a single red rose, and I found myself wondering

where he had hidden it.

Colt surprised me by leaning over to place a soft kiss on my cheek, skimming his nose across my

cheek bone. Barely brushing his lips over my ear, he whispered softly, “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” I said breathlessly. He had my heart racing with the closeness of our bodies.
He smelled amazing and manly.
Something had shifted today between the two of us. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was or what we

were doing yet, I just knew it felt different. I wanted to enjoy the change; I wanted to relish the idea
that it could lead somewhere. The problem was I knew all good things seemed to turn out for the
worst, at least that had been the way for me.

“You look nervous,” he said. “Why?”
My eyes met his, and we stared at one another for a moment. I nervously licked my lips, and his

gaze fell immediately to my lips.

“I wanna kiss you, Alex,” he whispered, as he continued to stare at my lips. “What are you

thinking?” he asked.

I hung my head for a second and took in a calming breath. “I didn’t realize I was that transparent.”
The moment his hand reached out for mine, I turned to look up at him. “This doesn’t have to be

more than you want it to be. I’m not trying to push you or force you to do anything you’re not
comfortable with.”

I immediately felt embarrassed, maybe I read more into it than I should have. He was just trying to

be friendly, and I thought it was more. I started to pull my hand away and act as if everything was fine
when he gripped mine tighter.

“I won’t lie and say that I don’t want this to lead somewhere. I do. I have from the moment I saw

you walk into the diner, holding Maddison’s hand.” I couldn’t speak as I stared back at him. “I
understand your hesitation, completely. I’m a patient man, Alex. I’ll wait it out, but I can’t stay away.
I want to spend time with both of you.”

There was a silence that set my stomach on fire. Colt watched me, and I, in turn, became even

Chapter Nine

Colt

I had to figure out a way to make her feel safe with me. I knew she was uneasy; if you watched

closely enough, anyone could pick up on it. Today at the party, I thought she had finally let go of her
fear. I know now that it was only an “in the moment” kind of thing.

I don’t blame her for protecting herself. She had a darkness inside of her that held her back. All I

wanted to do was give her back a sense of freedom. I wanted to give back to her the feeling of safety.

Every time I thought about what that asshole did to her, it was hard not to get pissed off. He had

better hope I never have the chance to show him just how much it angers me.

No woman should ever have that kind of fear instilled in her by any man. Boy, jackass, and low-

life son of a bitch were more like it; he was no man.

Dinner was quiet and tense. I took her to a small Italian restaurant, requesting a table secluded

from the other guests. I wanted the chance to talk, but now I wished we had a little more distraction.

“I’m sorry, I’m ruining everything tonight,” she whispered from across the table. I wasn’t sure I

was meant to hear her apology, but it was clear.

“You’re not ruining anything. Being here with you is enough. I told you I’m not pushing. Just think

of this as two friends having dinner together. There are no expectations, I promise.”

She nodded her head, and we finished dinner a little more relaxed than we started it.
“Dessert?” I asked, and she groaned in protest. Holding her hand against her stomach, she closed

her eyes for a brief moment.

“If I eat another bite, I may explode.” I chuckled as she blew out her cheeks, making them puffy.

She then laughed and shook her head in embarrassment.

Her reactions and gestures were so cute. I almost said it; it was on the tip of my tongue, but I held

it back. I noticed that, if I complimented her, she shied away. It had taken me this long to get her to
relax, and I wasn’t ready to take two steps backward. Instead, I silently admired her movements and
pretended not to be as affected as I was. It was almost impossible, but I managed to hide my attraction
for her.

***

When we pulled up in front of my mother’s house, it was dark. Momma had left the porch light on

and the small light just inside, for Alex.

She walked ahead of me and up the steps toward the front door. I won’t lie and say I didn’t notice

the sway of her slim hips. She is beautiful, and any man would take the opportunity to admire her
perfection.

I didn’t get too close. I wanted to stay in the comfort zone. I was so afraid of making her fearful of

any advance on my part.

She stopped suddenly and turned to face me. “Thank you for dinner.” She worried her lower lip

between her teeth before looking up to meet my gaze. “I’m not scared of you. I don’t think you would
hurt me. That is the part that terrifies me.”

“Why?” I asked.
“Because I told myself I would never again trust a man. Seth never gave any sign of who he truly

is, until it was too late. It came out of nowhere. I just can’t go through that again.” She placed her feet
on the first step of the porch.

With two steps between us, we were close to the same height. “I have to protect myself and

Maddi. Falling for you wouldn’t be the smart thing to do right now. I have really messed things up
since Troy died. I think my choices have been wrong, and I’m trying to do things differently.”

I wanted to argue with her, but she stopped me. “Can we just focus on being friends? Right now I

could use a good friend.”

The knot in my chest grew two sizes as I fought the twisting churn in my stomach. I wanted to tell

her hell no. I wanted to be more than her friend. I wanted to be able to kiss her and hold her. I wanted
to be the man who held her close at night and into the morning.

Instead, I forced a smile and pushed aside my needs. “Of course we can. Anything you want,

sweetheart. I told you it was all in your hands.”

Alex took the two steps down and wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me close. Her sweet

scent filled my nose and her warmth engulfed me.

Wrapping my arms around her, I kept them firmly placed in the center of her back, fighting the urge

to slide them lower. Friends. She needed that right now, and I would give it to her.

It would kill me and I knew it, but I would do whatever I had to so that she got what she wanted. I

was pushing too hard. I needed to pull back.

She was making it clear that we were just friends—something a man never wanted to hear from the

woman he fantasized about.

***

“Colt, you in here?” Gavin hollered from the front of the shop.
“Yeah, back here.” I raised my hand in the air from around the edge of the hutch I was staining. It

was scheduled to be picked up on Saturday, and it needed one more coat before then. I was ahead of
myself on my orders, but that’s what happens when you do nothing but work.

Over the last week, I have busted my ass to keep my mind busy. I started in the moment I woke up

and went until I was on the verge of passing out. The only time I paused was to grab something quick
to eat, but even then I worked in between bites.

“So Maria wasn’t bullshitting me.” Gavin pulled a chair up and took a seat next to me. “She said

you were hiding out and working yourself into exhaustion. You wanna talk about it?” he asked.

“Nothing to talk about. I just have orders to fill.” I averted my eyes. I didn’t need a heart to heart. I

know he meant well, but what guy wanted to admit to another that he had struck out? Not me.

“She broke down this morning,” he stated. I looked up at him, waiting for him to tell me about my

overly pregnant sister’s newest meltdown. The girl was cranky as shit, swollen and emotional. I felt
for the guy. I really did, but it was always the same. Maria flipped out and cried for hours, only to
later get pissed off because she had a breakdown in the first place. It was a reoccurring cycle that I
was happy to avoid.

“Alexis.” One word was all he gave me. It caught my attention immediately, and I sat up straight, a

deep pain settling deep inside of my stomach.

“What about Alex?” A rush of concern swarmed within me.
“She let everything out, I guess she talked to her brother and confessed everything she had gone

through. Your mom called Maria, they tried calling you, but you didn’t answer your phone.” I stood
quickly and brushed the dust from my pants. “She’s gone, man.”

“What?” I panicked at his words. “What the hell do you mean, she’s gone? Where’d she go?”
“Florida. Her brother bought her and Maddison airline tickets. They flew out about twenty minutes

ago. Apparently he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Got them both on the first flight home.” Gavin
looked at me with pity. I think he knew I was losing it on the inside.

“Wanna tell me what’s going on with you two?” he asked.
“What do you mean?” I replied, still not really wanting to admit that I had screwed up.
“Colt, I’ve been there; you know that. Something happened. She said she pushed you away, and

then you were avoiding her. Seemed real upset about it.” His comment only made my stomach tighten
more.

I sat down on the chair across from him, resting my elbows on my knees. “She’s right.” I looked up

to meet his gaze, and he stared back at me in confusion. “I was avoiding her. I wanted more and she
didn’t. I said I could be friends, but I couldn’t. It was harder than I thought.”

I blew out an aggravated breath. “So I just stayed away and ignored her calls until it was too late

to return them. I sent a few texts telling her I was swamped here at the shop, but the truth is I just
couldn’t be around her and pretend I didn’t want her.”

He looked back at me with a look of understanding. Gavin was right. He had gone through this. He

had avoided his feelings for Maria for so long, until he finally woke up and made them known.

“She left you this.” He held out an envelope. I looked down at his hand and my stomach dropped.

Did I want to read it? Could I handle her words, knowing that I had hurt her when I promised I never
would?

I know it wasn’t the same as what she had been through in the past, but I had still hurt her. She

needed a friend and, because of my bruised ego, I turned my back on her.

I swallowed hard and grabbed the envelope from his hand. I couldn’t meet his stare. I kept my eyes

averted toward the floor, gripping the envelope so tightly it crinkled in my grasp.

Chapter Ten

Alexis

Jett knew me well, which was one of the main reasons I had chosen to avoid him. I knew I would

cave if he pushed hard enough. He knew I was hiding something. He knew there was a reason I had
decided to leave California, and he didn’t let up until he had it.

It has been four hours since I landed at Palm Beach International Airport. Jett and Harper were

waiting for me at the gate.

My brother didn’t even take the time to speak before he reached for me and pulled me in tightly

against his chest. He held me as he expressed his concern silently. Within seconds, I caved within his
embrace and allowed him to hold me up as I let everything rush from me. All the anger, frustration,
and pain I had held in for so long.

Harper knelt down and hugged Maddison, telling her over and over again that she had gotten so

big.

“I will get a hold of that prick, Alex, and when I do...” Jett let his words fade away, and the

evident anger boiled within him. He was not small by any means. He was tall and intimidating. He
held an aura of confidence that I was proud of. He was and had always been my protector. I knew he
was serious, which was the main reason I had held back the truth from him.

“No, that is why I didn’t tell you. You won’t get in trouble over this. I left, Jett. It’s over. If he

comes here, I’ll call the police. I couldn’t live with it if you got in trouble over my mistakes.” I
pleaded with him. I wanted him to understand my concerns.

He stared back at me, his face unreadable, and I had to look away from him.
The moment we arrived at my parents’ I was pulled into a tight hug. My dad had been informed

about everything, and I hated the looks of pity they all gave me. I didn’t want to be looked at as a
victim. I was no longer a victim; I was a survivor.

I had yet to turn my phone on since my arrival. I knew that, by now, he had to know I left.
I was torn over the idea that Colt may or may not have called. If he hadn’t, it meant he didn’t care

that I had left, which would break my heart. If he had called, would I have the nerve to listen to what
he had to say?

Maddison was busy showing my mom how well she could color within the lines. I took the

opportunity to grab our bags and wander upstairs to my old bedroom.

I looked at all the things that reminded me of my youth, all the things that used to make me happy,

before life changed. Sitting down on the bed, I pulled my bag in securely against my chest and tucked

myself into a ball in the center of my bed.

I could hear Maddison’s and my mother’s laughter filtering up from downstairs, and I couldn’t

help but smile. My little girl’s sweet giggle had the greatest affect on me.

My mind wandered back to the day Colt had her laughing so hard by pretending to be different

farm animals. It was before things got complicated, before our date. Before I let the fear of moving
forward run him off.

Remembering suddenly the photo I had snuck out of Ann’s house. I dug through my bag and pulled

the small framed picture out. A sense of guilt washed over me for taking it. I wanted something of him
to remember. I didn’t want to let him go just yet.

The photo was from Maria’s wedding. Colt wore a dress shirt and tie, and the cocky grin on his

face only made him look sexier.

With each day that passed after the date that changed it all, I knew I had made a mistake. I just

wasn’t sure how to fix it. As the days went on, I found it harder to force myself to go after him. I
convinced myself that he had changed his mind and no longer wanted anything more with me.

It was a childish game, I know, but one I played anyway. My fears and insecurities got the best of

me, as they always did.

“Knock, knock.” I looked up to find my sister standing in the doorway. “Can I come in?” she

asked.

I nodded my head as she closed the distance between us and took the empty spot next to me on the

bed.

She brushed the fallen hair from my face and tucked it behind my ear, her gaze shifting to the photo

I still held in my hands.

“Is that him?” she asked.
“Yes,” I choked, as I turned it so she could get a better view, and a smile spread across her lips.
“Well, hello, hunky cowboy.” She pulled it from my hands and held it closer. “He is yummy,

Alex.”

I laughed lightly because she was right; he was extremely yummy. When she handed the photo

back, I lightly traced my fingertip over it.

I know I made the choice, but damn it, it was the wrong one. I only wish I could go back and

change it. I was scared, and I pushed him away when I should have grabbed on tightly.

“Do you miss him?” Harper asked and, without hesitation, I nodded my head yes. “Have you

talked to him?”

“No, not since the day after our date. I tried calling a couple of times, but I think he was avoiding

me.” I shrugged my shoulders and looked over at her. “One minute I was clinging to him for security
and holding on to his thigh. The next I was avoiding the fact that he said he wanted to kiss me. If I was
him, I would have run for the hills, too. I’m a mess, Harp, and he deserved better.”

She twisted around on the bed to face me. “Alexis, you have had some shitty luck with love.”
“Gee, thanks, Harper. Just lay it all out there.” She rolled her eyes and took my hand into hers.
“Listen to me,” she continued. “You know it’s true. You need to talk to him, tell him how you

feel.”

“I wrote him a letter before I left. I gave it to his sister, I’m sure he has it by now.” I looked back

down at his picture and closed my eyes tightly. “I’m just scared of the outcome. It could go either
way.”

“Call him, or at least turn on your phone and see if he called you? You owe yourself that; you owe

him that.” She leaned down and connected her stare with mine. “After everything he did for you, his

Chapter Eleven

Colt

I have read over the letter at least ten times, her words hitting me deep.

You gave me hope when it had all been taken from me. You didn’t owe me a thing, yet you

attempted to give me all you could. I will forever be grateful to you and your family. In the short
time that we have known you, all of you accepted us and gave us a home.

There will not be a day that passes when I won’t think of you.
I was wrong to push you away, but I was terrified of what you could do to me if I let you in.

Now I just regret the fact that I should have told you to kiss me. I should have said I wanted that
too.

I’m sorry if I hurt you, Colt. I never meant to. You deserve happiness, and I hope more than

anything that you get that someday.

Thank you for giving me hope that there are still good men out there, in places you least expect

to find them.

Alexis

Why the hell she didn’t call me and tell me how she felt was eating at me. Had I appeared so cold

that she couldn’t come to me?

Then the thought hit me. She had tried to call me, more than once. I chose to hide from the rejection

and ignore the hurt it brought on. I made her feel as if I no longer cared.

I grabbed for a shirt and quickly pulled it on over my head, searching for my keys. I had to know if

my mom knew how to find Alex. It was the only chance I had to find her.

What I needed to say to her couldn’t be said over the phone. I had just made it to my truck when my

phone began to ring.

Maria’s number lighted up the screen and made me smile. Swiping my finger across it, I climbed

up into my truck. “What’s wrong now, another meltdown?”

The sound of Mikey’s panicked voice had my heart racing. “Hey, buddy, slow down. I can’t

understand what you’re saying.” He tried to speak again, but he was crying so hard. “Deep breath,
bud, come on.”

“Blood, and she wo…won’t wake up,” he sobbed.
“Where are you?” I asked, throwing my truck into drive.

“Home, we’re…” he cried.
“I’m coming, do you hear me?” I assured him, and he whispered a pained yes.
I told him I was going to hang up so I could focus on driving. “I’m only a few minutes away,

buddy. You stay calm.”

I never took the time to turn my truck off or even shut the door when I pulled into the driveway.

Maria’s car was there, but Gavin’s was nowhere to be found. I rushed through the door, only to find
Mikey kneeling on the floor next to Maria. He held her hand in his, and there was a look of terror in
his eyes.

There was blood, and the sight of it made my stomach lurch. She wore a pair of pink stretch pants,

which were soaked completely through. I had no idea what to do. On pure adrenaline, I scooped her
up from the floor and turned toward the door. Hollering back, I told Mikey to get to my truck.

I didn’t want to waste any more time waiting on an ambulance. I placed her in the extended cab of

my truck, not caring that the blood was soaking through everything.

“Mikey, buckle up, bud,” I directed him as I slammed the truck into reverse.
Once we were on the road, I looked over at him and patted his shoulder. “You did well, little man,

calling for help. I’m proud of you.”

He turned his head to look up at me, and my heart shattered with his words. I fought back the

emotional overload within me.

“Is she gonna die?” His tears fell heavily and his lip trembled. “Am I gonna lose my mom all over

again?”

“No,” I firmly stated. “She is not gonna die.”
He had been through that once, and I prayed that I was right. He couldn’t lose her. Fuck it, I

couldn’t lose her. And Gavin. Oh shit.

“Mikey, where is Gavin?” I hadn’t even thought about calling him. The fear of the moment took

over when I saw them on the floor.

“Working,” he replied. “I tried to call him, but it just rang and rang.”
He started looking around like he was searching for something. “I forgot the phone at home.” He

looked up at me in a panic.

“I’ll try again, after we get her there. That is our first priority,” I explained, and he nodded his

head in understanding.

Pulling up to the emergency doors, I left my truck running as I grabbed Maria and carried her

toward the entrance. The moment the nurse at the front desk saw me, her eyes grew wide. “We need
help over here,” she yelled as she approached me.

After Maria was placed on a gurney and rushed off, I took the time to take in a few deep breaths.

My heart was racing, and my entire body shook from fear. I grabbed my phone from my back pocket
and made the call.

Calling Gavin should have been the first option, but I feared that he would drive after hearing the

news. So I called Reed instead.

“Hey, Wood.” He chuckled at the nickname he had given me.
“Listen, Reed, I need you to get over to Bud’s. Find Gavin and get him to the hospital, now.” I was

trying to maintain my composure, but with each passing second it was harder to control.

“I’m here, man. What the hell is going on?” I could hear the fear in his voice.
“It’s Maria. Mikey called me after he couldn’t reach Gavin. Just get him here, please. I don’t have

any answers. I just know it’s bad.” He hung up quickly, assuring me that they were on their way. I
took a seat next to Mikey in the waiting area and let my head rest back against the wall behind me.

I knew that, at any moment, the area would be flooded with those closest to my sister. Word

spread quickly, and only one call was needed to get the message out.

***

The sound of the entrance doors sliding open caused me to look up. Gavin rushed in, followed by

Reed and Bud close behind. I stood up from the chair and walked in their direction. The fact that I
still had blood all down the front of me had slipped my mind.

Gavin took one look at me, and his knees buckled as he crumpled to the floor. He began fiercely

shaking his head back and forth, saying no repeatedly.

Bud and Reed gripped his arms as they helped him up. I firmly placed my hands on his shoulders

and forced him to look at me.

“Listen to me, look at me.” My eyes locked with his. “They’re working on her. You need to hold it

together, do you hear me? They need you, Gavin; they need you to stay strong.”

The moment he registered what I had said, the scene before me shattered me all over again. A

grown man was sobbing heavily as two others supported his weight.

“Mikey saved them both. He got the help they both needed.” Gavin’s eyes locked with Mikey’s,

and he pulled free from Reed and Bud.

We all witnessed him rush for Mikey and pick him up from the floor. He held on to him tightly and

whispered thank you over and over.

We gave them a few moments alone and stepped just outside the entrance doors.
Within minutes, Gemma pulled up and out climbed Kori, Gemma, and my mom. I watched as my

mom’s eyes began to look me over. Her reaction was pretty damn close to Gavin’s.

“We really need to get you a change of clothes,” Reed said as he held Kori close, assuring her that

everything would be okay.

I couldn’t have agreed more. I was sure the sight of me would make anyone think the worst. I was

a walking horror flick.

Over the next hour, we all sat in a worried state. Each time the door opened, we all turned our

heads in its direction. It was a natural reaction to our worry. We needed answers.

“I suspect you’re all family of Mrs. Tennison?” an older man asked as he approached us, with

scrubs still covering his body and a surgical mask hanging around his neck.

“Yes,” Gavin whispered. “Please tell me they’re okay. Both of them, my wife and my son.” He

pleaded with the doctor. I closed my eyes tightly as I prepared myself for the worst.

“Your son is healthy and being looked over by the pediatrician now.” He paused and knelt down

to look into Gavin’s broken, fearful gaze. “Your wife lost a lot of blood. We had to perform an
emergency caesarean. She had what we refer to as placenta abruption. The placenta detaches from the
uterine wall, causing bleeding. In Maria’s case, it was a complete detachment, which caused very
heavy bleeding. We didn’t take any chances, because she was close enough to her due date.”

The doctor paused, taking us all in as we waited for him to continue. We were on the edge of our

seats, waiting for the ball to drop.

“It was a good thing she had a brave boy who got the help they both needed. He saved their lives,”

the doctor said as he looked over toward Mikey and smiled. “You’re a hero, little man, and your
momma and little brother are here because of you.”

Chapter Twelve

Alexis

My finger hovered over send as I stared at my message on my cell phone.

I miss you.

I wanted him to know so badly that he was on my mind. He was all I could think about. I had

deleted the message and retyped it three different times. Yet I still had not gathered the courage I
needed to hit send.

A knock on the door startled me, and I dropped my phone to the floor. Maddison was down for her

nap, and I had told everyone I was going to do the same.

The truth was I just couldn’t shake the funk I was in. I regretted leaving Brooklet. I should have

told Jett no. I should have explained to him that I found happiness in the small town and the kind
people who lived there. They accepted Maddi and me, even though they had no idea where I had
come from.

I quickly grabbed for my phone and made my way over to the door. Jett’s captivating green eyes

looked back at me as a small smile pulled at the corner of his mouth.

“Hey,” I said.
“Can we talk?” he asked.
I stepped back from the door and allowed him to enter, before closing it behind him.
“Harper told me about the guy. The one you met in Georgia.” I sat down on the bed and refused to

look at him. It was the infamous brother speech. He would tell me the man didn’t deserve me and I
was where I needed to be.

“She also told me about what he and his family had done, how they took you in.” Here we go, I

thought. “That’s pretty damn amazing.”

His words confused me and I looked up at him. “What?”
“Why didn’t you just tell me about him? I could tell over the last couple of days that you’ve hidden

away. I know something has been on your mind; I just figured you needed some alone time. I wish you
would have talked to me,” he stated.

“You didn’t really give me a chance, Jett. You bought our tickets while you were telling me I was

coming home¸” I replied, shaking my head and kneading my hands nervously in my lap.

“I know I messed things up after Troy. I should have just come home then, but I tried to maintain

the life I had with him, the best I could. I couldn’t let go of the way things were because, if I did, I felt
like I was letting him go too. When Maddison was born and you all came out to California, I regretted
letting you all leave without me. But I pushed forward and pretended everything was great.”

I swallowed past the impending emotions. “Things did get better, and I finally was able to move

on. Seth was a friend, someone I thought I could trust.”

At the mention of Seth’s name, Jett’s jaw tensed in anger. “He was good to me at first. He treated

both me and Maddi perfectly. But after a while, he changed, and in turn it changed me.”

He stared back at me, and I could tell that this was all affecting him so much more than he was

letting on. I knew that facial expression of his, the one that meant he was fighting against his anger.

“He made me second-guess every single person I’ve come into contact with since him. I don’t trust

easily. I don’t give into what I want, because I fear it will only lead me down the same path I took
with him.”

“Not everyone is like him, Alex. Not every man wants to make a woman feel fear. He isn’t a man;

no man would place his hands on a women to instill fear in her,” he assured me.

“I know, but it didn’t stop me from pushing Colton away,” I whispered.
“Colton, huh?” He smiled.
“Colt, Colton, whatever.” Just the mention of his name made me smile. “He is a good man. I knew

it the moment I saw him with his mom. He’s older, but the love in him is written all over his face. He
has a kind heart, and I ran from it.” A single tear ran down my cheek at the thought of what I had
thrown away.

“Older, how much older?” Jett asked.
I laughed lightly and looked up at him. “Ten years.”
He only nodded his head, accepting the information. He never said anything further, so I assumed

he was okay with it.

“Have you talked to him?” he asked. I shook my head no, worrying my lower lip. “You should call

him.”

He was right. I should, but for the life of me, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I hadn’t heard from

him, and I know he had to have gotten my letter by now. Maybe it was his way of telling me we never
would have gone any further, a way to avoid the awkward goodbyes.

***

I spent the rest of my day entertaining Maddison. June in Palm Beach meant weather warm enough

to swim. So my little girl and I stayed out so long our skin got wrinkly from the water.

She was tired but determined to keep going. Bribing her with a popsicle was about the only way I

could convince her it was time to go in.

After she was nice and sticky, I carried her upstairs to give her a bath. My dad sat in the recliner

watching the news and smiled at us as we walked past him.

Once she was clean and dressed in her pajamas, I placed her in bed and combed my fingers

through her blonde curls.

“Mommy, when are we going back to Ann? I miss her.” Tears pooled within my eyes as I looked

at my sweet girl.

“Would you like to call her? Tell her goodnight?” Her face lit up and she sat up, smiling and

nodding her head. “Okay.”

I grabbed for my phone and noticed I had a missed call from Kori. It was my first call from anyone

in Brooklet. It made me smile, and I made a mental note to call her after Maddison spoke with Ann.

I dialed the number, and when it rang, I quickly passed the phone to Maddi.
I could tell the moment she answered, because Maddison became overly excited. “Nana,” she

said.

Nana was what Mikey called Ann, and Maddison had picked up on it right away. They talked for

about five minutes as Maddison told her all about our day. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face,
watching her excitement.

The moment she handed the phone to me, my stomach dropped. Nauseous feelings took over, and I

held the phone tightly as I raised it up to my ear.

Ann had cried when I left. She told me I was like another daughter to her. She gripped my face

tightly in hers hands and looked me directly in the eyes, as hers filled with tears when she spoke.

You two made me fall in love with you. Don’t you ever think you don’t have a place to call

home. My home will ways be yours too.

“Hello, sweetheart. How’s Florida?” she asked.
“It’s warm.” I didn’t know what else to say. I missed her horribly, and the sound of her voice

made it harder to handle.

“I have news,” she stated.
“What news?”
I could hear the happiness in her voice when she answered. “Garrett Michael was born the day

after you left. Maria scared the hell out of us all, but they’re both healthy and happy. Thanks to Mikey,
they’ll get to come home tomorrow.”

“Oh wow,” I whispered.
She proceeded to tell me about Maria and how Colt rushed her to the hospital after Mikey’s phone

call. My chest tightened as I thought about what they had all gone through.

“I’m so glad they’re okay. That must have been so scary, for all of you.” I had fallen in love with

all of them, as well, and hearing what the last few days had held for them broke my heart.

We talked a little longer about the baby and Maria. She asked about my family, and I filled her in

on each one of them.

Harper was a mystery. She was rambunctious and free spirited; it was hard to keep tabs on her and

her latest quest.

Jett was a successful business owner and the guy most tourists and local woman tried to tame. He

always said he was too busy for relationships and stayed clear of all the drama. He ran a local
restaurant, which was the place to be. It was right on the beach, and the atmosphere always kept the
customers coming back. Not to mention that the food was pretty amazing.

My parents were the quiet types. My father was a dentist and my mother was a nurse.
I didn’t want to ask Ann about Colt, because I didn’t want her to be in the middle of our confusing

friendship. But I couldn’t control myself. I had to know.

“How’s Colt doing?” I asked.
The silence filling the other end of the phone line made my heart race. Why had I even asked that? I

instantly wanted to take it back.

“He’s been pretty quiet since you left. I think he misses you and Maddi.” My throat burned and my

vision became clouded with tears.

“I miss him too; we both do,” I confessed.

Chapter Thirteen

Colt

The last thing a grown man wants anyone to witness is his mom setting him straight. But that is

exactly what happened.

I was invited over to Gemma and Bud’s for their weekly feast. The moment I walked into the

kitchen, my momma set my ass straight.

“You need to pack a bag and get your stubborn ass on a plane to Florida,” she said as she pointed

her finger at me from where she sat at a table full of people.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion and heard a few snickers from around the room.
“Do you think hiding out and nursing your wounded ego is gonna bring her back?” she asked.

Before I could say a word, she started again. “No, it won’t. She thinks you changed your mind about
her. She thinks you let her go because you decided you didn’t want her after all.”

So after an hour and a half of my mom chastising my actions and Gemma nodding her head in

agreement, I snuck out the back door and hid in the darkness on the porch.

The only problem was that Gavin, Reed, and Ben all used it as an opportunity to sneak out as well.

So there I sat on a porch surrounded by the guys. It was awkwardly silent, except for the noises of
nature and voices spilling out from the house.

Gavin sat holding Garrett, my adorable nephew, to his chest, wrapped tightly in a blue blanket.

Reed held little Grace as she sucked on her pacifier and pulled at his finger. Chloe was bouncing
around on Ben’s knee, and I sat shifting my gaze among all of them. A sense of longing filled me
deeply at the sight of them holding their children.

I thought back to the time when I thought I would be married and have kids by now. That was the

plan, but when Claire went off to college, it all changed. We held it together for the first year after she
left, but I could feel things changing. Each day that passed we grew further apart.

I never fought for her, I just let her go. I gave up on the thought of love and family. So as I sat there

looking around, I realized I was doing it again. I was letting go of the idea that Alex and I could have
something. I wasn’t fighting for her; I was giving up.

I hung my head and leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. A deep chuckle ripped

through me as I ran my hands through my hair. When I sat up straight, each one of the guys was looking
back at me like I had lost my damn mind.

“My mom was right,” I stated.
Apparently they were all thinking the same damn thing. They all smiled and nodded their heads in

agreement.

“Now to figure out how the hell to find her.” I slouched back in my chair and let out a frustrated

breath of air.

“I can help you with that,” Gavin stated, and all eyes turned to him. I cocked an eyebrow, waiting

for him to continue. “Did you forget that Maria and your mom still talk to her?” he asked. “She’s in
Palm Beach. She started working at her brother’s restaurant today until she can get a job at the
hospital or a doctor’s office.”

“Do you know the name of the restaurant?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he smiled. “It’s called Jett’s.”
I returned his smile and knew what I’d be doing in the morning.

***

I didn’t have to convince Gavin to take me to the airport, as he offered before I asked. I know it

was because my being in the dumps caused Maria heartache.

Gavin didn’t like anything that made Maria upset, so getting my ass on a plane was a step closer to

making her smile. The guy had done a complete turnaround for my sister. I was pretty sure he would
go to the ends of the earth and back just to see her smile.

We all thought he was protective and hovering during her pregnancy, but now…it was only worse.

She had scared the shit out of all of us, and he pampered her beyond belief. I loved to watch it,
because she deserved it.

Maria had wanted that can’t eat, can’t sleep, can’t even breathe without you kind of love. Now

she has it, which makes me happy. It’s my turn.

The entire flight had my stomach in knots. I had no idea what I would say or do. I just knew that I

needed to see her. I had to tell her how much I missed her and Maddi. Then we’d see what to do
about it.

The rental car’s GPS said the restaurant was less than ten minutes away. With each passing mile,

my stomach became more nervous.

It was three in the afternoon and, through my sister, I had confirmed that Alex would be working

now.

Pulling up to the restaurant, I was impressed. The place was packed, and I had a hard time finding

a place to park.

When I walked in through the front door, I was greeted by a young host wearing a black polo shirt

with a logo reading Jett’s on the front in teal.

“Good afternoon. Do you need a table for one?” she asked with a sweet smile.
“Actually, I was hoping I could talk to the owner.” She inspected me slowly as her smile grew

bigger.

Nodding her head, she picked up the phone at the side of the counter and dialed it, not taking her

eyes off me. I took the time to look round.

“Can I help you, sir?” A deep voice caused me to turn around and look behind me.
The moment I saw him, I knew it was Alexis’ brother. Their features were very similar. Light hair,

cut short. He was tall, a few inches taller than me, actually, and his build was impressive.

I held my hand out to him and he shook it firmly. “You must be Jett.” He nodded his head, still

trying to figure me out. “I’m Colt, a friend of Alex’s”

I noticed his face soften just a bit, and a grin pulled at the corner of his mouth. I wasn’t sure if I

should be nervous or happy that he knew who I was.

“Good to meet you, Colt. Why don’t we go to my office?” He stepped back and motioned me

toward the hallway. “It’s the first door on the right.”

Walking in through the open door, I was taken back. The entire wall facing the restaurant was

made of glass, and I turned around to look over my shoulder, “I’m impressed.”

“Thank you.” He motioned toward the chair across from his large desk. “They can’t see us, but I

like to keep my eye on things. Observe the staff, guests, and make sure things are running smoothly,”
he clarified. I nodded, looking over once more at the expansive restaurant filled with people.

“So I take it you didn’t fly all this way just to see me?” He chuckled. “She misses you, ya know.”
I was floored slightly by his bluntness. “I miss her too,” I told him. “Alex and Maddi mean a lot to

me. I came here to tell her how I feel. Your place was the only way I knew how to find her. But I
couldn’t just walk in and approach her. This is your place, your life. So you are my first stop before I
find your sister and make her understand that I need her and Maddison in my life.”

He stared back at me without speaking a word, his line of vision never wavering from mine. His

lips pressed into a firm line. He was analyzing me, looking for any sign of weakness. I wasn’t
showing it. I felt strongly about my actions and knew exactly what I wanted.

“Why should I trust that you won’t be the same as the last guy?” he asked with an unreadable

expression.

“Alexis is a strong woman. She’s been knocked down by a guy who thought he was a man. She

feels she can’t find love, but I can promise you that I am a man. I would never place my hands on any
woman, for any reason.” I leaned forward and looked him directly in the eyes. “There is nothing I
want more than to help Alex realize she deserves to be treasured. I want to be the man who builds her
back up and makes her see that she is an amazing woman, a woman that any man would be lucky to
share a life with.”

He continued to stare back at me quietly.
“Listen, from the moment I saw both Alex and Maddison, my heart ached. It ached because I had

this strong uncontrollable urge to protect them. I can’t explain what it was or why I felt that way. I just
did. The moment I walked into my mother’s house and I saw them there, laughing and smiling, I knew
I wanted them in my life.” I was now at the point now where I no longer cared if I came across as a
pussy. I had to make him understand that I would never hurt her. He could be my in, and I needed help
convincing Alex that I could love her, if she would just let me.

A grin tugged at the corner of his lips, and his line of vision focused on something over my

shoulder.

I turned around just in time to see Alex approaching a table, carrying a tray of drinks. My stomach

bottomed out and my heart raced. Her blonde hair was pulled up in a high ponytail, with a few curls
hanging down around her beautiful face.

She smiled sweetly at the couple sitting at the table as she placed their drinks in front of them. I

hadn’t realized I was squeezing the arm of the chair so tightly until my fingers began to ache. I wanted
to get up at that moment and go to her. I wanted her to know I was there and that I hadn’t forgotten her,
that I couldn’t.

“I will get a hold of the man who broke her.” Jett spoke firmly from behind me.
I nodded my head in agreement. “I’m waiting for the day I get the chance to show him what I’m

made of too. I would love nothing more than to get the chance to break him.” I assured him without
turning to look back. Alex still held my attention. She smiled at something the lady said and turned to
walk back toward the kitchen.

Chapter Fourteen

Alexis

I had been in Florida for well over a week. Every day was the same—get up, go to work, and just

exist. The passion in me was gone; the desire to thrive was depleted. Maddison was my only
happiness. She was my joy and my reason for getting up every day and attempting to put on the best
happy face I could manage.

I had applied at the hospital and a few private practices in hopes of putting my degree to use.

When Jett offered me a job at his restaurant, I was grateful. I couldn’t live with my parents forever. I
had to think about getting my own place. After that, I would have to get the rest of my things from
California.

My father had set up an account for Maddison. All of the money that she gets from the state, from

Troy’s service to his country, will go straight into it. When she is eighteen, she will be given that
money; I only hope she will use it wisely.

I attempted to stay busy and accept the fact that Colt had forgotten me. He never tried to contact me

after I left. I wrote the letter hoping he would understand that I had made a mistake. I was attracted to
him, very much. I had just let the fear in me control the outcome.

I sat staring out at the water, listening to the waves. The tourists and locals covering the beach all

looked so at peace. I picked at the food on my plate; my appetite was nonexistent.

The sound of footsteps approaching caught my attention, and I turned in my chair to see who was

approaching. I came out here to get away from others. It was my time to think. I didn’t like the idea of
another worker joining me.

I froze in shock the moment I turned completely around. There before me stood Colt.
He wore a pair of khaki shorts and sandals. I don’t think I had ever seen him in anything other than

his jeans and boots. A red shirt hugged his chest and arms, showing every muscle and defined ripple.

My heart raced as he closed the distance between us. He wasted no time kneeling before me and

smiling that gorgeous smile of his.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said. Reaching out, he took my hand in his. “Did you honestly think I would

just let you leave without coming after you?”

My throat felt dry. I opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I still wasn’t sure this was

real.

“I would’ve been here sooner, but with Maria and the baby, I had to make sure they were gonna be

okay.” Colt lifted his hand and pushed my hair from my face. I placed mine over his; holding his hand

securely to my cheek, I closed my eyes briefly.

“You’re here,” I whispered.
“Yes I am, sweetheart. I’m here,” he assured me. “I’ve missed you.”
“I thought maybe you chose to forget about us,” I whispered, still shocked that he was actually

here, kneeling before me.

“Never. There’s no way I could forget two of my favorite girls.” He inched in a little closer, and I

took in the contours of his face. His strong jaw, lightly covered with two-day-old stubble. Long
lashes highlighting his gorgeous eyes, eyes that had a way of making me feel safe. Instinctively I
placed my hand on his chest, just to feel him beneath me.

“I read your letter,” he said. A smile graced his perfect mouth. “Did you mean it?”
“Every word,” I said without hesitation.
Colt’s vision dropped to my lips, and he licked his lower lip. I wanted him to kiss me. I needed

him to. I had pushed away the chance I had before, but this time there was no way I would stop it.

“I know I was stubborn and I avoided you. It never meant that I didn’t want to see you; it was just

too hard to be near you. I wanted more than you were ready for, and I couldn’t keep pushing, so I had
to distance myself.” I could feel his breath fan out over my skin, and my heart rate picked up from the
closeness.

“I thought I messed everything up,” I admitted.
“You didn’t mess up anything, sweetheart. You have reasons for protecting your heart. I

understand.” He spoke in a soothing voice. “I just want you to understand that you’re safe with me. I
would never hurt you. I care about you and Maddison so much.”

My vision was becoming blurred as I stared back at the beautiful man before me. Colt had an

amazing heart. He was so kind and giving.

“I’m sorry I left without saying goodbye.” My voice vibrated with emotion. “I should have come to

you.”

“Yes, you should have,” he stated, and my heart plummeted. “If you had, I would have saved us a

lot of time. I would have told you then that I couldn’t let you go. I would have told you that I needed
you and Maddison and that I refuse to let you disappear out of my life.”

A single tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. Colt’s thumb quickly brushed it away. I could

see the battle he was fighting, and my chest ached. I knew he was thinking about kissing me by the
way his gaze continued to drop to my lips.

I also knew he was hesitant because of the way I had reacted the first time.
I didn’t let him continue the fight. Instead, I wrapped my hand around the back of his neck and

pulled him forward. Sliding to the edge of the chair, I placed my lips to his.

The moment our lips touched, his arms wrapped around my waist, holding me close.
I tugged at the hair at the back of his neck, and opening my mouth to him, his tongue caressed mine

gently.

He pulled back and rested his forehead against mine, while my eyes were still closed. “Wow,” I

whispered.

His deep chuckle made me smile. Leaning back, he looked down at me as my eyes fluttered open.

“What time do you get off work?”

“At five. How long are you gonna be here, in Palm Beach?” I asked.
“For as long as it takes to convince you that you belong in Georgia, with me,” he stated, without a

second thought.

My heart fluttered at the thought of being with him, in his arms. I ignored the feelings of fear,

because with Colt they weren’t necessary.

“What if I told you that I already knew that? How long would we stay here?” I questioned him with

a smile.

“Until you’re ready to leave, sweetheart. I know your family is here. You probably want to spend

some time with them. I can stay for a few days before I have to get back. I spent a lot of time getting
ahead on the orders I had, so I won’t be behind.”

“They’ll all be happy to finally meet the man I can’t get my mind to stop thinking about.” I weaved

my fingers through his and toyed with his hand.

“Are you inviting me over?” he asked, and I nodded my head. “I’ll go check into my hotel and then

meet you back here at five. How’s that sound?”

“Perfect.” The nervous energy in my stomach was running rampant. I was ready for this step, and I

knew that Maddison would be so excited to see him.

Colt leaned in to place a sweet kiss against my lips before standing and leading me back inside.
Jett was near the bar, smiling as we approached. I narrowed my eyes at him and his smile grew.

“Did you have something to do with this?” I questioned him.

“I was as surprised as you were.” He stood tall and placed his hand on Colt’s shoulder, giving it a

squeeze. “If I had known that his showing up would make you smile like this, I would have flown him
out here myself. Just a little word of advice, though. If you think I interrogated you, wait until you
meet my dad.” He winked before walking past us, chuckling, to greet some regulars as they entered
the restaurant.

I almost laughed at the uneasy look that covered Colt’s face. It was one of the funniest things I had

seen in a long time. Jett wasn’t lying; my dad is normally quiet and easy going…until my sister or I
bring a guy home. I remember the first time he met Troy. I spent an hour listening to my dad question
his every goal, as well as what he planned for our relationship. Troy held his own, though, and I had
no doubt my parents would love Colt.

I just hoped that my father would go easy on Colt. He had a lot of anger built up over what Seth

had done, and I didn’t want Colt to have to suffer because of it.

I said a quick goodbye to Colt before going back to work. I had never been in more of a hurry to

get a day over with.

I called my mom to let her know we had a guest for dinner and she squealed, literally. She had

spent days hearing both Maddi and I talk nonstop about Colt and his family. Now it was time for her
to meet the man who had stolen our hearts.

Chapter Fifteen

Colt

“Should I bring flowers? Hell, or maybe a bottle of wine?” I took in a deep breath. My heart was

like a damn jackhammer within my chest. “I have no idea what these people are like. What if I show
up empty-handed and they instantly hate me?”

“Colton Matthew, you just need to stop this nonsense and breathe, boy. They’ll love you.” My

mother attempted to reassure me, but I still wasn’t convinced. “Flowers for the mother and a firm
handshake for her father.”

I nodded my head as if she could actually see me, as I flopped down onto the end of the hotel bed.

Leaning forward, I ran my free hand through my hair.

“Did you hear me?” my mother asked.
“Yeah, Momma, I gotcha. Flowers, handshake.” She was right. I just needed to calm the hell down.

The last time I met a girl’s parents, I was eighteen years old. I picked Claire up for our first date and
played twenty questions with her dad before he even let me enter the house. After I was inside, he
proceeded to tell me that he owned three shotguns and kept them loaded. Then he told me that at ten
o’clock he had better see his daughter walking through his door and not a second later.

I know I am no longer eighteen and that Alexis is a grown woman, but it didn’t make me less

nervous. I know how I would act if one day I had a daughter and a guy showed up on my doorstep for
her. I can almost guarantee I would go on the damn date with her.

Five o’clock was closing in on me. I took a long shower and made sure to dress in the best clothes

I had brought. I wasn’t going to change who I was, so I wore cowboy boots and jeans.

At a quick stop at the closest florist shop, I picked up the best arrangement it had to offer.
Pulling up outside the restaurant, I walked up and waited just inside the front door.
I had removed one of the lilies from the arrangement, and when Alex walked around the corner, I

stood immediately. Walking up to her, I held it out and kissed her softly.

The smile that graced her lips made my stomach tighten. She was so beautiful. Hair frizzed and out

of place and smudges of food on her shirt from her hard day changed nothing; she made my heart race.

“I’m a mess,” she said as she looked down at her clothes. “I feel disgusting.”
“You’re beautiful,” I assured her. Alexis’ cheeks reddened as she looked up at me.
I took her hand and led her to the rental car, holding the door open as she slid in. Once I had

climbed inside, I leaned over and placed my hand on her cheek, kissing her once more. Her eyes
closed as she relaxed from my touch.

“I’ve waited too long to kiss you. Now I can’t stop,” I whispered as I skimmed my lips over hers.
“No need to explain,” she smiled. “I’m not complaining one bit.”

***

The ride to her parents’ was quiet. Her hand rested over mine, which was just above her knee.

Feeling her touch calmed me. I was doing everything I could to appear relaxed, but on the inside I
was a nervous wreck.

Turning into the driveway of the house she had grown up in, my throat began to feel like it was

getting tighter. There before me was a huge two-story home with pillars. The circular drive was lined
with decorative tiles and bushes cut perfectly.

An iron fence surrounded the property and just to the left sat a huge in-ground pool. I had no idea

what kind of childhood she had, but from the looks of it, she and I came from two different worlds.

“You ready?” she asked, and all I could do was nod my head. “Don’t worry. They’ve heard

enough about you to feel like they already know you.” I looked over at her, and she looked slightly
embarrassed by her admission.

“What, sweetheart, you been talking about me?” I grinned and tucked her hair behind her ear.
“Maybe a little,” she confessed as her cheeks reddened. “Maddison hasn’t stopped telling them

about the piggyback rides you gave her. She makes Jett and my dad fill in the void.”

“I can’t wait to see her,” I confessed. “I’ve missed her sweet giggles.”
As we stepped up onto the front porch, the front door opened, and I felt like I was eighteen again.
There in the doorway stood a man who had to be close to 6’5’, and his bulky frame filled the

opening.

“Hey, Dad, this is Colt.” Alex introduced me and I held out my hand to him, remembering my

momma’s words.

“It’s good to meet you, sir.” His expression did not falter as he took my hand in his and shook it

firmly.

“Hey, sis, why don’t you go help your mom out in the kitchen. Harper’s in there, and you know

what a disaster it is every time that girl attempts to cook. Colt and I will be in my office.” Her dad
never let his eyes wander from mine.

Alex rose up on her tiptoes and kissed her dad’s cheek. She whispered, but I heard them clear as

day. “Be nice, Daddy. He isn’t Seth.”

At the mention of that asshole’s name, my jaw twitched. I was sure her dad noticed the movement,

because a small grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.

“Get going; we’re just taking a little time to get to know one another. Isn’t that right, Colt?” he

asked.

“Of course, sir.” I smiled a reassuring smile at Alex, letting her know that things were fine.
She hesitantly walked away and mouthed the words, I’m sorry, as she walked toward the kitchen.
Winking at her, I made an attempt to assure her that everything would be fine, even though on the

inside my stomach was a little uneasy.

A hand gripping my shoulder firmly caused me to redirect my attention away from the beautiful girl

slowly walking away. “Let’s go share our secrets, Colt,” Alex’s father said as he directed me down
the hall to the right.

Once we were inside his office, he closed the door behind us and took a seat behind the desk.

Lounging back in his chair, he rested his elbows on the arms and steepled his hands in front of him.

Resting his fingers against his lips, he stared at me, waiting.

“What is it you’d like to know, sir?” I didn’t look away as he studied my every move. So the

interrogation begins. I am now on trial.

“Everything, Colt,” he stated. “But let’s just start with the basics. What do you do for a living?” he

asked.

“I worked with my father, who owned a custom woodworking business until he passed away just

recently,” I explained. I wasn’t about to tell him the details of my father’s gambling habit and how he
lost everything he owned to it.

“I’m sorry to hear that, son.” He spoke with more sincerity in his voice. “Did you take over that

business?”

“No, actually, I went more on my own with it. I have three older brothers who didn’t want to

continue after he died. I moved back to Georgia to be closer to my mother and sister. My parents
hadn’t been together since I was a teen. I thought it would be nice to be back near the family I had
left.” I purposely left out the bad details of my life. I knew I was already under the microscope, so I
didn’t need to set off any alarms.

“I started on my own, and before I knew it, everything took off. My brother-in-law and some close

friends spread the word, and now I have orders coming in from all over.” I explained, still holding
his stare.

“Have you ever been married? Have any kids?” he asked. Nothing like cutting right to the point.
I nodded my head. “No to both questions, actually. I was engaged once when I was younger, but

we found out we wanted different things and went our separate ways. I just haven’t ever found the
right girl.” I debated telling him I felt Alex was that girl, but I didn’t want to push it.

“I appreciate what you did for my daughter and granddaughter. They both seem to be pretty fond of

you.” I couldn’t refrain from smiling when I thought of those two; they lit up my world. Knowing that
Alexis and Maddison had talked about me felt damn good.

“They’re pretty special, sir.” He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his desk and nodding his

head in agreement. “My entire family fell in love with the two of them; it didn’t take much.”

“Do you love them?” His question caught me off guard.
I took in a deep breath and nodded my head. “I do believe so, sir. I thought a lot about both of them

after they left. It felt kinda lonely without them around. I got used to their smiles and laughter.
Everyone sorta tiptoed around the subject, but it was obvious we all felt the loss of their absence.”
His grin pulled at his lips did not go unnoticed.

I knew he was trying to play the role of the mean ass dad that would kill for his daughter. I also

knew that deep down he was a kind man.

“Could you do me a big favor, though?” I asked, and he cocked his eyebrow in question. “Could

you not tell her I admitted that, considering she should probably be the first one to hear those words
from me?”

This time he did smile, and his face softened just a bit.
“You have to understand that I am worried about both of them. They have gone through more than

enough. I just wish she would have come to me, but she was embarrassed. I understand that too. I will
admit that I am so glad you crossed paths with them.” He cleared his throat, and I could tell the entire
situation was weighing heavily on him. “I can’t stop her from moving forward. I can just hope that she
finds a man who treats her as if no other woman compares to her in his eyes.”

“Sir, I know we just met and you don’t owe me a thing. I don’t expect you to trust me; that is

something I will do everything I can to earn. I can tell you one thing, though.” I paused and cleared my

Chapter Sixteen

Alexis

I won’t lie and say I wasn’t worried. I was. I couldn’t stop thinking about what my father was

putting Colt through. They had been in there for close to an hour, and the comments by Harper and Jett
weren’t helping my nerves.

“Colt probably snuck out and ran back to Georgia. He realized it wasn’t worth Dad’s third

degree.” Harper laughed and my mother bumped her shoulder, scowling at her.

“Nah, the guy put up with my questions. I’m sure Dad is going light on him.” Jett paused for a

moment. “You haven’t heard any loud noises or scuffling, have ya? Maybe Dad showed Colt what he
would do if he laid a hand on Alex. Do you think he’s showing him his gun collection?”

“Stop it, both of you. It’s not funny.” I turned to face the entryway again and waited for them to

walk through.

Just when I was about to go after them myself, I heard them talking. It got closer and closer,

followed by Colt’s deep chuckle.

As they rounded the corner, Colt winked and walked in my direction. I felt relieved that they both

appeared to be happy. My father was smiling just as wide, and his face seemed relaxed and at ease.
The tension it held when I first arrived with Colt was now gone.

Before Colt got to the bar in the middle of the kitchen, Maddison came running into the room and

dove for him. He scooped her up just in time and held her tightly against his chest. Her little arms
wrapped around his neck as she kissed his cheek.

“Colton, I missed you.” She squealed and hugged him with all the strength she possessed.
“I missed you too, darlin’. You know your hugs are my favorite.” He looked at her with such love,

and my eyes filled with happy tears. I looked around the quiet room and saw that every person was
watching Maddi and Colt as well. It was like they were the only two in the room.

She told him about our days in the pool and how we would read at night. He was so tuned into her

words that he appeared to be mesmerized by her.

“Uncle Jett tried to tell me the stories from my favorite books, but his sounds aren’t as good as

yours.” She wrinkled up her nose.

“Hey kid, I’m right here, ya know.” Jett chuckled as Maddison rolled her eyes and turned back to

Colt. She was such a little diva these days. It was so hard to hold back the laughter her actions caused
to flood through me.

“I miss you reading to me and the pony rides you give. Did you come to pick us up?” she asked,

and the room grew silent. All eyes were now on me, and I had no idea what to say.

Did I want to go back to Georgia? Yes. But what would my family think? I liked being here, I did,

but I loved being in Brooklet. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I belonged somewhere. I
knew the moment I had boarded the plane I was making a mistake. At that point, it was too late.

“How about we just see what happens, okay?” Colt whispered to her, but it was so clear.
“Will you stay?” she asked, and my heart ached at the look on her face. I knew she loved Colt, but

until that moment I hadn’t understood the attachment she had formed with him.

“I’m gonna hang out for a few days, if that’s all right,” he said as he looked up at my family.
My mother was the first to step forward and, when she leaned in and hugged Colt, I could not hold

back the tear that ran from my eyes. They had accepted him, and I was overwhelmed with emotion.

“You are more than welcome. Anyone who can make Maddison and Alex smile the way you do is

part of this family too.” My mother smiled brightly at him.

Harper stepped forward next, and I knew she was going to say something embarrassing; I could

see the mischievous look in her eyes. She was untamable. She was so blunt and to the point.

Colt watched her approach, and I almost laughed out loud at the look on his face. He appeared to

be seconds from bolting.

Harper was actually scanning over his body from head to toe, perusing his body in an appreciative

manner. I felt my cheeks heat from the obvious appreciation she was oozing.

She walked around his back side, and I heard a low whistle. I hung my head and laughed lightly.
“Well, Alex, you weren’t lying. He does have a fine ass, and those arms are enough to make any

girl within miles have naughty thoughts.” Jett chuckled because he knew she was doing it too. She
always attempted to make a man feel out of his comfort zone. She was a little spitfire.

My dad had busied himself in the den, and my mother just chose to ignore Harper and her sexual

harassment of poor Colt. My mother knew she would only fuel the fire if she tried to control her.
Harper was the kind of girl who, if you told her no, only pushed harder.

Colt looked up and found me watching him, and at that moment, I think something clicked. He let

Maddison down, and she scurried off to play with her dolls.

When he saw that she was out of earshot, he leaned in a little further toward Harper, who did not

falter. Her eyes were locked on his as he began looking over her in the same way she had just looked
at him.

For a brief moment, I felt a little jealous. I know Harper was only playing; it was what she did.

But the idea of Colt checking her out in return did something to me that I didn’t like.

“Well, Harper, was it?” he asked, and she nodded lightly. He grinned that sexy smirk of his.

“Harper, you can look all you want, darlin’, but the only one feeling my arms wrapped around her is
your beautiful sister over there.”

His gaze lifted and he looked up over her shoulder, winking at me. He hadn’t backed down from

her; he gave it right back to her.

Harper laughed, followed by Jett’s chuckle. “You’re a keeper, Colt. I like you,” Harper told him

as she hugged him and looked back at me.

She squeezed his biceps and pretended to shake off shivers of excitement. “Damn, Al, he is a sexy

one. I thought for sure you were exaggerating when you described him.”

Once Harper had finished groping his arms, he made his way to me. He skimmed his lips over my

cheek, just catching the side of my mouth. “Keep little Miss Handsy away. I don’t like being felt up
by anyone, unless of course you want to do it.”

He wagged his eyebrows up and down, and I smiled at his playfulness. “I might take you up on

that, cowboy.”

***

Dinner turned out great, and everyone welcomed Colt like he was part of the family.
After I gave Maddison her bath, he helped me get her to bed and read her the book she begged him

for.

I sat on the edge of the bed and watched as he snuggled up beside her. He acted out the parts with

such animation, and she smiled up at him in awe, her face showing just how much she truly adored
him.

When the story was complete, he slid off the bed and knelt next to her. Her eyes began to grow

heavy as he sang softly to her, in a soothing melody. I had no idea he could sing; it was beautiful. The
words he sang were familiar, yet I didn’t know the name of the song. It was calm and relaxing.

Maddison’s eyes slowly began to drift shut and, just before they were completely closed, she

whispered the words that hit me hard. “I love you, Colt.”

His eyes shot up to meet mine, and they looked glossy. Looking back down at her, he brushed her

hair away from her face in the gentlest way.

Chapter Seventeen

Colt

Damn if this little girl didn’t just embed herself into my heart deeper than she already was. I didn’t

think it was possible for me to fall for her more than I had already. Not until she whispered those four
words.

She had almost made a grown man cry, and I never cry. But the moment she told me she loved me,

my stomach tightened, my heart ran rapid, and my eyes clouded.

“I love you too, angel.” I whispered, because I knew it was all I could handle without breaking.
I could feel Alexis staring. Looking up to meet her teary gaze almost undid me. I forced back the

intense, overwhelming emotion and winked, before looking back at the sleeping angel next to me.

It was pretty close to impossible to get up and move away from her, but I forced it. My heart was

still weakened by her words, and I was on the edge of unfamiliar territory.

Being raised by a man who showed no weakness made me feel as if I was less of a man if I did. I

knew it wasn’t true, but it was still a hurdle I faced.

Standing before Alex, I reached out and took her hand in mine. With a light tug, I pulled her up and

into my arms. Holding her close, I buried my face in her neck, breathing her in.

I wasn’t sure how long we stood like that. A shadow in the doorway got my attention, and I looked

up to find her father standing just outside the room. A smile gracing his lips, he nodded his head and
walked away.

I hoped he realized how much these two girls meant to me. It was in that moment that I knew for a

fact they were my future. They were everything I needed and more than I ever imagined.

Alex leaned back and looked up at me. The darkness of the room allowed me to see only the slight

shadow of a smile.

“Thank you for coming after us,” she whispered. “I was so worried I had pushed you away and

that I would never get the chance to show you how I truly feel.”

“No need to thank me, sweetheart; just promise me you won’t run again. Promise me you’ll give

this thing between us a chance.” I tried to refrain from pleading, but it was useless; I was begging.

“I promise,” she reassured me. Rising up onto her tiptoes, she placed her sweet lips to mine, and I

was instantly lost. I had waited so long to feel her against me that I couldn’t keep my head straight.

The gentle brush of her tongue against my lips triggered a groan in my chest. She smiled against my

mouth, and then she licked my lip once more.

“Oh, you are evil,” I whispered, resting my forehead against hers.

Alex bit down on her lower lip, and I squeezed her hip to pull her in tighter. “I should probably get

going. Walk me out.”

The smile on her lips faded, just enough to notice, but she quickly recovered. Taking my hand in

hers, she led me from the room and down the hall.

The house was now quiet as we made our way to the front door. Before I could open it, she leaned

her back against the door and looked up through her long lashes, with a look that had my mind going
in all kinds of directions.

The guy in me wanted to place my body against hers and pin her to the door, devouring her and

exploring her body with my hands and mouth.

The more logical part of me remembered we were in her parents’ house and her dad was

somewhere around. I was sure he would not appreciate finding us in the positions I was letting my
mind conjure up.

I shook my head as if to clear the image, and she wrinkled up her nose.
“Don’t look at me like that; you know exactly what you’re doing. You’re trying to get me shot.” I

tugged at the lower lip she had pinned between her teeth, lightly grazing the pad of my thumb over it.
“There is a time and a place for what we’re both thinking, and your parents’ foyer isn’t that place.”

She pouted and I chuckled. “Now move that sweet little ass of yours, so I can go back to the hotel

and take a cold shower.”

The gleam in her eye was sexy as hell. She knew she had me by the balls, and she was loving it.
After everything she had gone through, I strived to make her feel desirable and wanted. She needed

to know that she deserved more than what she had been dealt. I planned on making sure she knew
what it felt like to be somebody’s all.

After a few more heated kisses, I begrudgingly pried myself away from her and backed down the

front steps, shaking my head at her. “You’re asking for trouble, blondie. Some real big trouble.”

“Maybe I am, cowboy. Maybe I held back when I shouldn’t have, and now I’m ready for it all.”

She was tempting me, and my heart was racing.

“Oh, I’ll give it all to ya,” I assured her with a smile. “Just not on your daddy’s doorstep. It’s

gonna happen, real soon. I can promise ya that.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” She took a step toward me, and I took another backwards. I

couldn’t let her touch me again. I was on the edge as it was.

“Get back inside,” I told her, and she shook her head no. Another step toward me had me taking

another one away. “Yes.” I narrowed my eyes in an attempt to warn her.

“I can read you clearly, Colt. I can tell you’re real close to losing your control. Maybe that’s what

I want.” Oh, she was a temptress. That gleam shining bright and the way she slowly continued to
move toward me made my mouth dry.

I watched as she closed the distance between us and ran her hand over my chest. I closed my eyes

tightly and took in a deep breath. “What are you doing, baby?” I asked just above a whisper.

“I wasn’t done kissing you yet,” she stated as her lips feathered across mine. “I need more.” Her

tongue licking along my lower lip made my knees weak.

Reaching out, I gripped her hips tightly and pulled her body flush against mine. “Not here, not

now.” I opened my eyes and locked them with hers. “Tomorrow night, let me take you to dinner.
Maybe your mom or sister can watch Maddi.”

I could barely control my urge to take her with me now. “Do you think we can make that work?” I

asked.

“I’ll ask, but will I be coming home after?” That lust-filled glaze in her eyes was screaming out to

Chapter Eighteen

Alexis

I couldn’t believe how nervous I was. Last night I was strong and confident. It was so unlike me.

Maybe like the old me, but things had changed. I had changed. Until last night, I just went along with
things, never pushing for what I wanted.

Colt brought out something in me that felt good. He made me feel as if nothing was out of reach.
After he left, I was so worked up. I would have gone back to his hotel right then if he had asked.
As I stand in front of the mirror examining myself, I was glad I didn’t. We weren’t a quickie in a

hotel room; we were more than that.

A loud whistle startled me, and I spun around to look behind me. Jett was leaning against the door

frame, smiling. “You look amazing, Al, truly amazing. That smile sure looks damn good on you. I
think Colton is good for you.”

Hearing those words made my smile grown wider. “He is, Jett, for both of us. The way he is with

Maddi, and how he makes me feel.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I just can’t explain it, but I know he’s
what I want.”

“Well, I think it’s about time you get something you want for a change. Don’t you?” Jett was the

level-headed one. He worked hard to get where he is, and I admired him tremendously. The only
problem I had with his success was that he was alone. He deserved a woman who knew how
wonderful he was. I just hoped one day he would find the one who made him feel whole.

***

Colt was picking me up at six. I had spent hours trying to make everything about me perfect, from

my hair and makeup to the clothes I wore. I still wasn’t sure about what I had chosen to wear, but it
would have to do. I only had ten minutes to calm myself down and pull myself together.

My phone chirped from across the room, and I scrambled for it, wearing a big smile on my face,

thinking it was Colt.

I just got off the phone with my brother. I can’t express how happy I am that he found you.

Colt adores you, he deserves to be happy. You make him happy, Alex, both you and
Maddison. I can’t wait until he brings you both home. Maria

I stood there staring at my phone, smiling. I typed out a quick response and tossed the phone into

my purse as I rushed toward the ringing door bell. I was feeling giddy, knowing that beyond the door
was the man who had earned my love.

My parents had taken Maddi out for pizza, and I had the house to myself. I skipped, yes, happily

skipped, down the hall and swung the door open.

My heart instantly ached, and my entire body began to shake. There on the other side of the

doorway stood Seth. One shoulder was resting against the frame, and he wore an arrogant grin across
his lips.

“Hey, babe, were you expecting company?” he asked as he took a step in my direction, his smirk

growing larger.

My throat ached with the need to scream. My eyes began to scan my surroundings, looking for

anything that might help me get away.

“I told you I would see you again,” he whispered. “You ready to come home?”
My gaze shot up to meet his as he reached out and gripped my wrist, pulling me toward him. I

shook my head no and attempted to tug my arm away from him. “You’re hurting me.” I winced as he
squeezed tighter. “Seth, please.”

“You hurt me, by taking off on me. Then you ran right into the arms of another man. Imagine how

that makes me feel.” His eyes were hard, and the expression on his face was so cold. “Another man,
Alex. It was like I meant nothing to you. I was waiting, and you were whoring around.”

An eerie feeling engulfed my senses and I began to panic. Seth gripped me tighter and started

dragging me down the hall. I tried with everything in me to maintain my composure. I couldn’t show
him I was losing it. I couldn’t show him the fear in me; I had to stand up for myself.

Entering the living room, he jerked my arm and brought my body flush against his. His mouth was

only inches from mine, and it was then that I smelled the alcohol on his breath.

“I’ve missed you, Alex. I know you are alone. I know your parents left with Maddison, so nothing

is in our way.” He licked his lips. “I’m thinking you owe me a little something. After all, I drove all
this way.”

My stomached tightened in disgust. He used to make me feel completely cared for and loved. Now

he just terrified me beyond belief.

I turned my face away from him just before he kissed my lips. He didn’t let it stop him. He gripped

my chin tightly and turned me back to face him, pressing his lips painfully against mine. I groaned in
protest. He mistook my groan for lust and backed me against the wall. I could feel his arousal against
my stomach, and I fought off the nausea that it triggered within me.

“Please stop,” I asked.
“Shh, Alex,” he whispered.
Tears were building in my eyes, as my heart raced faster with panic.
The ringing doorbell gave me a small sense of hope, knowing it had to be Colt. I let out a whimper

as I thought about him coming to save me. He had no idea I needed him, but it was knowing he was
close that helped to ease the fear.

“Who the hell is that?” Seth sneered angrily. “Your new toy?”
His grip on my arm caused me to yelp. He pinned me against the wall by placing his hand around

my neck and, as he pressed harder, it was becoming difficult to breathe.

I tried to pry his fingers from my throat as I gasped for air. I couldn’t scream because I couldn’t

draw a breath. My lips were tingling, and I closed my eyes tightly, still pulling at his fingers.

The doorbell rang again, followed by a knock. Seth only grew angrier. “You better hope he leaves

real soon,” he stated. He glared at me while I gasped for breath.

I could feel my body getting weaker as I slid weightlessly down the wall. Seth lowered with me,

while keeping his eyes locked with mine. My feet touched the floor as my body sagged against the
wall behind me. It was as if he enjoyed watching me slowly fade away.

Maddison’s face and her sweet smile flashed before me. My entire body tingled, and my eyes

rolled back as everything grew dark.

My world was shattering at the hands of Seth. Everything I had imagined for Colt and me was

being taken away from us. My little girl would be alone, and that broke my heart.

Chapter Nineteen

Colt

I stood on the porch looking around and wondering what was taking her so long. She knew what

time I would be here. We had talked a few times today, and the time had been confirmed more than
once.

After the fourth time I rang the bell, I stepped back and looked through the front window. I felt like

a damn peeping tom, attempting to see through the drawn shades.

I wandered from window to window looking for movement. Kneeling down at the front of the

house, I peered in through the slit at the bottom of the blinds. I could see the slightest shadow, so I
knelt a little lower.

My stomach tightened at the image before me. A woman’s feet, wearing strappy sandals, were

kicking at the ground, struggling. Another set of feet, covered in black boots, stood before her.

The instinct to protect her shot through me, and I grabbed for the first thing I could find. I picked up

the small iron table on the porch and began slamming it against the front window. A rage took over,
as I continued to beat it against the glass until it shattered.

I didn’t pause. I rushed forward and climbed in through the opening. The scene before me fueled

my anger when I saw Alex slumped against the wall, lifeless.

My heart was racing with such a rage that I charged at the man standing before her, bringing him to

the ground. Everything was a blur as I swung at him, one blow after another. My fist connected with
his face, and his head fell from side to side. He struggled against me, attempting to shield himself.

Until I was pulled back, I had no idea anyone else was in the house. I fought against the person

holding on to me from behind, unable to register my surroundings. My anger took over, and I wanted
him to pay for what he had put her through. I wanted him to know what defeat felt like.

“Calm down, son.” A voice spoke from behind me. Turning just enough, I registered the concerned

face of Alex’s father. Ragged breaths were flowing from me as I attempted to rein in my rage.

Looking past his shoulder, I found Harper kneeling next to Alex. Tears were falling from her eyes

while she held Alex close with a terrified look. She was gasping for air.

Pushing past her father, I fell to the floor beside her.
“Are you okay?” I looked her over closely. Her eyes watered and her skin was pale. The red

marks that marred her neck only made my anger return.

Everything around me disappeared, and Alex was my only concern. I moved in closer, lightly

brushing my hand over her cheek. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.”

I was falling apart on the inside, knowing that I could have prevented this if I hadn’t stopped for

flowers.

“It’s not your fault.” Her voice came out in a whisper, a raspy whisper that broke me more. I

pulled her close and buried my face in her hair.

I held her like that until the paramedics made me step back; even then, I still held her hand. I

watched as they checked her over and her eyes continued to shift downward. She was hiding her
tears, feeling ashamed of the situation.

After the police questioned both of us, she was led upstairs to her room.
Her mother had gone next door with Maddison when they pulled up and found the window broken.

She called 911, not knowing what was happening.

Jim, Alex’s father, was shocked at what he had found. There I was in the middle of their living

room floor, punching Seth repeatedly.

I stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching Alex being led away from me. With each step they

took, my chest grew tighter.

A hand firmly gripping my shoulder caused me to turn quickly. I was still wired from the whole

night, with adrenaline still heavily coursing through me. Jim tried to appear calm, but I knew he was
as angry as I was.

“I think I owe you a beer, son,” he stated as he nudged me toward the kitchen.
Pulling two bottles from the fridge, he held one out for me. I nodded my head, silently thanking

him. I still didn’t trust my voice.

“Thank you for what you did tonight,” he said.
“Sorry about your window,” I replied.
“Hell with that damn window, you saved my daughter.” His eyes glistened as he said the words.

“If he would have…” He paused and cleared his throat. “Thank you, Colt.”

“I think I could have killed him,” I admitted without hesitation.
“I know,” he answered. “I’m pretty sure I could’ve done the same.”
We stood in the kitchen, silently thinking over the events that had taken place. My stomach was in

knots over Alex and the fear in her eyes. I’m pretty sure it was an image I would never forget. It was a
look I never wanted to see on her face again. The fear in her eyes would surely haunt my dreams.

“Colt,” Harper whispered from the doorway. I immediately sat the beer down on the counter and

took a step in her direction. “She um…” She paused and took a calming breath. “Alex wants to see
you, upstairs.”

I nodded my head and turned back to look at Jim. The slight dip of his head told me it was okay

with him, so I rushed off without another thought.

As I stepped through the door, her back was to me. She was tucked in bed with the covers

wrapped tightly around her. Hearing the shuffle of my feet made her look up from the spot she focused
on at the side of the bed.

The moment her gaze locked with mine, the tears fell heavily from her eyes.
Sitting down on the bed beside her, I curled myself around her. “Don’t cry, baby. I can’t stand to

see those tears. It breaks me.”

“I was so scared, Colt.” Alexis’ hold on my neck tightened just a little more. I did everything I

could to soothe her, but I think she just needed to break. I held her as she sobbed against my neck,
letting out her fear and relief at the same time.

Now Seth would be where he deserved to be, behind bars. He should consider himself lucky he

had the safety of those bars because, if he didn’t, I was sure I would finish what I had started. He

Chapter Twenty

Alexis

I wanted him close, as close as possible. I needed to feel protected, and Colton gave me that. He

made me feel safe, something I hadn’t felt in so long. I held on to him with everything I had in me.

At some time I had wrapped myself around him, and then he had crawled into bed next to me. I lay

with my head resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat beneath me. It was soothing, peaceful.

I pretended to be asleep when my father came in to check on me. I listened to him thank Colt once

again for saving my life. I lay as still as possible when both Jett and Harper stopped in to find out
how I was doing. I wanted nothing to pull me away from Colt’s embrace. It felt as if I could hide
within him from all that was wrong in my life.

I listened to Jett’s words, filled with such hate for Seth. He promised that one day he would get his

chance to show Seth what it felt like to be strangled almost to the point of your last breath. His
declaration was making me even more saddened by the events. I hated causing pain for those I love.

Harper, of course, cried and hugged Colt, thanking him for what he had done. She too appeared to

find peace in him. He reassured her that he would take care of me.

The visit from my mother and my baby girl was the hardest one of all. My mom held strong and did

everything to refrain from breaking down, for the benefit of Maddison. I knew she would later break,
when she was alone with my father.

Maddi climbed up on the bed next to Colt and placed her hand over mine, which was resting on his

chest. “Grandma said Mommy’s sick,” she whispered. I think she was fearful she would wake me. It
was the sweetest thing to hear her tiny voice.

“Yeah, baby girl, your momma’s gonna be fine, though. I promise you that,” Colt reassured her. I

opened my eyes just barely and watched as she climbed up against his opposite side. She curled into
him, resting her head on his shoulder. I could no longer stop my lips from trembling. My little girl had
fallen for this man, just as hard as I had.

That was how we spent our night, both of us curled up against Colt, safe within his arms.

***

Slipping from the bed, I entered the bathroom as quietly as possible. Standing before the mirror, I

inspected the bruises around my neck. They were changing from the reddened marks of last night to
purple and blue. They brought the entire horrific experience back to me, full force.

I jumped in surprise when the bathroom door creaked. I looked up from the spot I was focused on

and my chest grew heavy. Colt’s gaze locked on mine. I watched as he slowly scanned over me until
his eyes hardened and his jawed ticked in anger. He was now seeing the evidence of Seth’s hands,
and his dislike was evident.

I turned around and rested my hip against the countertop, forcing a smile. “Thank you for staying

with me last night,” I said. I was attempting to break his thoughts of what had happened. “Thank you
for assuring Maddi that I would be okay.”

A small smile tugged at his lips. “I thought you were asleep.” He narrowed his eyes and I laughed.
“Nope, I was awake the whole time. I just wanted you to stay with me,” I stated. “It made me feel

safe being in your arms.”

Colt closed the distance between us and skimmed his fingertips over my jaw. “You are safe with

me, always,” he whispered. “I love you and Maddison. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for either of
you.”

His lips settled on mine in a gentle kiss. My eyes fluttered shut at contact. He loved us. I mean I

think I knew that he did, but to hear it meant so much more.

I trembled in his arms and he pulled back, looking down at me. “I love you too,” I whispered, my

eyes still shut tightly.

There was a long silence, and I slowly allowed my eyes to drift open to see Colt before me,

smiling widely.

“Why are you smiling like that?” I asked.
His tongue traced his lower lip, fighting to maintain his raging grin. “Just happy you’re finally

admitting that you also have strong feelings for me.”

The cocky gleam in his eye made me laugh. “I knew you were gonna be trouble when I met you.”

His eyes narrowed as he pulled me snuggly against his body.

His lips were just inches from mine, and I could feel the heat of his breath fanning out over my

lips. “Trouble huh?” he whispered. I nodded my head, and he grazed his lips over mine in a teasing
manner. “How?”

“I knew it would be hard not to fall for you. You’re kind.” I skimmed his jaw with the tip of my

finger. “Any man who treats his mother the way you do has a heart of gold.” Allowing my hand to curl
up through his hair, I tugged him closer. “I knew I would have a hard time letting you go, once I
allowed you in,” I confessed.

“Well, don’t ever try to let go then.” Before I could respond, he pressed his lips against mine and I

was lost in the kiss. All thoughts were gone the instant his tongue traced my lip.

A small giggle filling the room had us jumping apart like the other was on fire.
Maddison was standing in the doorway with her hand over her mouth, attempting to hide her smile.

She had just witnessed Colt and me kissing, and for a brief moment, it worried me. How would it
make her feel to see us together like that?

“Hey, princess,” Colt said as he knelt before her. “What are you giggling about?” he asked her,

brushing the golden curls from her face and tucking them behind her ear.

“You were kissing Mommy.” She giggled once more as she tucked her face behind her outstretched

hand.

Colt scooped her up and stood with her in his arms. He looked over at me and then back to

Maddison. “Is that okay?” he asked her.

Maddi nodded her head with her eyes connected to mine. “Yes,” she said.
“What do you think about you and your momma coming back home with me? Everybody misses

both of you,” he told her. “It doesn’t feel the same without seeing your sweet faces every day.”

My heart raced, wondering what Maddison was feeling. I had regretted leaving Brooklet since the

moment I boarded that plane. I missed Ann and the girls. I had in the short time I was there developed
great friendships with Maria, Kori, and Leann. They made me feel so welcome and at peace. I ran
from the fear of it all, fear of it falling apart like everything else had.

Colt wanted Maddison and me. He made that clear the day he had arrived in Florida. I wanted it

too, so badly. Maddison was the final decision-maker, though. I would do what she wanted. It was
time she was given some stability, so the future now lay in her hands.

“Where will we live? Does Nana still have my room?” Maddison asked as she looked at Colt with

a concerned look on her face.

“Nana still has your room and your momma’s.” They smiled at one another, and I loved how she

was so comfortable with him. “I’m hoping that uh…” his gaze wandered up to meet mine. “Well, I
was thinking that maybe your mom and you would let me find the three of us a house.”

My heart raced at his words. He wants us to live together? It was like he could read my thoughts,

and he reached out and ran his hand up my arm. “Not right away, Alex, but soon. Even if you and
Maddison live in it while I stay at the apartment. Until we feel we’re ready for that step. I just want
Maddison to have a home, a place the two of you can start creating happy memories.”

My throat ached with the impending emotion. All I could do was nod my head. I still wasn’t sure

how he had found me, but I was so damn glad I stopped in that small town that night.

Chapter Twenty-One

Colt

“I’m gonna try to sell it? I know I won’t get much, but anything would be better than nothing. I’ll

get another car after I get settled and find a job, a more reliable one.” I listened to Alex make
arrangements with her dad to sell her old beater. He was worried about her driving it, because it
really was on its last leg. It still sat in my mom’s driveway, and I had even thought about junking it
myself. She really did need something safer.

Tomorrow morning we had an early flight back to Georgia. We had spent the last few days setting

things up. Kori’s mom, Gemma, had set up a couple of interviews for Alex. She has a few friends
who work in the medical field, and with Alex’s nursing degree, her prospects were looking good.

Alex sat down on the couch next to me, curling her body in to mine. Her hand rested on my

stomach, and I placed mine over hers.

We had developed a sense of comfort with one another that was now second nature.
I had continued to stay at the hotel, out of respect for her parents. They had offered to allow me to

stay in their home, but the temptation was too great.

With our flight tomorrow so early, I caved and decided to stay in the guest room. I felt like a kid

all over again, under the watchful eye of her father. Alex, on the other hand, thought the entire thing
was funny. She continued to touch me and tease me every chance she got.

I was beginning to see a new side to Alex, fun and relaxed, a side without fear. It was refreshing.
After dinner I took a quick shower and was about to crawl into bed, only to stop in the doorway

abruptly. I was sure my mouth was hanging open in shock and in awe.

Alex was lying in the bed, atop the covers. She was wearing a tank top and the tiniest pair of

shorts I had ever seen. One knee was propped up, and her legs were slightly parted. A sly smile
spread out over her lips as she twisted her long blonde hair around her finger.

My body temperature felt like it had just gone up about twenty degrees. “What are you doing?” I

asked her, my voice cracking from the intense arousal coursing through me.

“Thought I would come tuck you in,” she whispered. Pulling her body up into a sitting position, she

bit her lower lip.

She had my blood boiling, and I had images of a surprise attack flooding my mind. Her eyes were

raking over my body, pure lust filling her golden eyes. I stood in the doorway of the joint bathroom,
with a towel wrapped around my waist.

Alex slowly and very seductively crawled from the bed and began closing the distance between

us. “You need to go to bed,” I sighed. My heart raced with anticipation the closer she came.

Her fingertip trailing along my waist just along the edge of the towel caused all rational thought to

disappear. “You’re making it real hard for me to remember we’re in your parents’ house, Alex.”

“They’re heavy sleepers, I promise,” she whispered while placing kisses along my chest and up

toward my neck. My head was falling backwards as I took in a deep breath. “I can’t sleep upstairs
knowing that you are down here; it’s too tempting.”

The exact reason I had chosen to stay at the hotel. I gripped her hips and pulled her in tightly

against me. Sliding my hands around to grip her ass, I lifted her from the floor. She instantly wrapped
her legs around my waist and hooked them behind my back. The look in her eyes surely matched mine.
Pure desire and uncontrollable need.

In three short steps, I had Alex pinned to the bed, pressing my arousal firmly against her. Her

needy moan fueled my drive for more. I covered her mouth with mine in a hungry kiss. Pinning her
hands above her head with one fist, I lifted her tank top with the other.

Her hips lifted off the mattress, grinding against my erection. A turned-on Alexis was a complete

surprise. She was a little feisty and aggressive.

I allowed her to flip me over and take her place above me. Straddling my hips, she began rotating

her hips suggestively.

“Are you sure about this, baby?” I asked in between our kisses.
“Yes,” she sighed. Running my tongue over hers, I sucked on the tip gently. “I’ve never wanted

anything more than the way I want you,” she assured me. “I need you.”

Our eyes locked in a heated stare. There was no fear, no hesitation. Alex was confident and sexy.
I was lost in the sweet torture of her lips on my body. I had never been so turned on, never more

ready to share the blissful joy of desire.

She was surely mine, from this moment forward. She was giving herself to me without fear. I

would treasure this gift, and she would never again question her importance to me.

I made sure to pace myself, enjoying every dip and curve of her perfection. She was my future.
I had not planned for this; I had not expected it. When she produced a condom and began rolling it

over my hardness, her cheeks reddened.

“You planned this, didn’t you?” I questioned her with a smile.
“Maybe,” she admitted.
I watched in awe as Alex positioned her body above mine. Slowly she began to lower herself,

taking me inside of her. Not able to take my eyes off of her, I watched her eyes roll backward. She let
out a low whimper when I had reached her depths, and I thrust upward just a little more.

We both paused, memorizing the pleasure of our first time together. When she was ready, she

began to move. I squeezed her hips tightly, helping her lift up before lowering once more.

I was lost to her, completely.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Alexis

I tried to wipe the crazy grin from my face, but it was pointless. Last night was amazing and I

couldn’t hide it.

I could still fill his hands on me, his mouth kissing my body. I could still feel where he had been,

and I wished more than anything I could replay the night over and over.

Our flight left at 9:15 a.m., and I had been unable to sleep. I was too excited and nervous. I was

ready to move forward with my life, but saddened to leave my family. I had spent the last four and a
half years away from Florida. I knew what it was like to be away, but something had changed since
then. I had grown closer to my parents on this visit. I hadn’t realized how much I had missed Harper
and Jett as well.

Even with the sadness of leaving them behind, I knew going back to Georgia was the right thing for

Maddi and me. I was ready to start fresh, with Colt.

“You about ready, sweetheart?” my mother asked from the doorway. I took one more look around

and nodded my head, turning toward the door.

“He adores you two,” she stated, catching me off guard. My gaze locked with hers and she nodded

with reassurance. “He’s downstairs right now, promising your dad to love you always. He isn’t
holding anything back.” She pulled me in for a hug. “I trust him, because he reminds me so much of
your father. Colt is a good man, and I know he won’t fail you or Maddison.”

“I hope you’re right, Mom,” I whispered into her neck as she held me close. I wasn’t sure I could

handle much more failure.

***

Landing always makes me nervous. My heart raced and my stomach fluttered with uneasiness.

Hearing the sound of the wheels skidding along the runway, I squeezed my eyes even tighter. Holding
my breath, I tensed from the hopping of the tires along the pavement.

“Hey baby, you okay?” I slowly opened my eyes, feeling Colt gently caress my hand with his. He

looked down at me with a nervous smile.

“I hate this part,” I whispered.
Leaning forward, he kissed me softly and rested his head against mine. A small grin took over my

frown and I instantly felt more relaxed.

“Mommy, look,” Maddison said. I looked over to find my brave little girl happily pointing out the

window.

She was definitely the opposite of me and loved the thrill. She wanted the window seat, and I

gladly gave it to her. She got that trait from her father, the brave one who never ran from adventure. It
was just another reminder of the man who helped create my beautiful girl. She was all smiles, and I
couldn’t help smiling back at her.

Once the plane was safely on the ground and the attendant announced that we could start exiting the

plane, I could breathe again. It was time to place my two feet back on solid ground.

Colt placed his hand on my hip and guided me to the front of the plane, as Maddi led the way. She

thought she was so much older than she was. I could hardly believe my little girl would be going to
school next year. It was amazing how fast time had gone.

I had not expected to find everyone there waiting for us as we gathered our bags. It instantly felt

like home; it was welcoming.

Maddison was engulfed in the arms of Ann immediately. She treated her no differently than Mikey,

and that warmed my soul. Maddison loved Ann; she was her Nana.

The moment I saw Maria holding the baby securely in a snuggy, excitement ran through me. I left

Colt behind as I rushed for her. I had to see the sweet little guy.

“Look at all that hair,” I said as I peeked inside. “He is so tiny.”
“Just barely seven pounds,” she announced. “But he eats like a horse.” Gavin chuckled from

beside her. He couldn’t take his eyes off either of them. It was beautiful, the love written all over his
face.

The welcome didn’t stop there. I found a gathering underway at Ann’s, as Reed and Kori waited

patiently for us to arrive. Gemma and Bud, along with Ben, Leann, and Chloe, smiled from the porch
as we approached.

“Welcome home girls, we’ve missed you both around here,” Kori said as she reached out to hug

me. “Colt looks much happier now than he was when he left. You two bring one helluva smile to his
face,” she whispered before pulling back.

My cheeks heated as I looked back at Colt. He grinned and my stomach tightened. He seemed to

get sexier every day. Or maybe it was because nothing was a mystery any longer, I knew what he had
to offer. I instantly felt warm with the thought and tried to control my raging libido.

The ladies had prepared a feast and everything was so laid back, as laughter filled the room. I was

accepted back as if I hadn’t even left. Colt was happy, and I couldn’t take my eyes from him. I quietly
observed him from across the room when he joined in with all the guys.

It had been so long since I had felt this sense of peace. I knew right then that coming back to

Georgia was the right choice. This was the home I had found when I wasn’t even looking for one.
This was where we belonged.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Colt

I wanted to ask her to come home with me, but I felt like I was pushing too fast. Honestly, I just

wanted to pack the both of them in my truck and drive them there, no questions asked and no
arguments stopping me.

Instead I kissed Alex goodbye and hugged little Maddison, before turning to leave.
Now that I was at home, I couldn’t sleep for shit. Last night was the first night I was able to feel

her body against mine, and I needed more. I had thought about it many times, but now I was addicted
to the soft skin and perfect curves of Alexis.

Unable to sleep, I wandered downstairs to distract my thoughts with some work. I worked well

into the night, but I still found the distraction unavoidable. I wanted them, I needed them, and, damn it,
I had to convince her that living with me was the best thing for all of us.

I waited as long as I could the next morning before driving back to my mom’s.
I found Maddison on a chair next to my mom, mixing the batter for pancakes. Alex had her back to

me as she stood at the stove. Cute pink pajama pants covered her lower half, and a snug t-shirt
conformed to her upper.

I had not realized that I was being watched until I turned back to look at my mother. She had the I

know what you’re thinking look on her face. I grinned, and she winked in return. Walking slowly
toward the stove, I snuck up behind Alex. Placing my hands on her hips, I brought my body flush with
hers. Nuzzling her neck I kissed her shoulder, causing her to giggle.

Her ass wiggling against me had an unwanted affect on me. I was standing in my mother’s kitchen,

and her pressing back against my growing erection was only making it harder to control myself.

“Good morning, beautiful,” I whispered against her neck. “I slept like shit last night. Couldn’t stop

thinking about you, wished you were there with me.”

Alex turned just enough to look back at me, smiling. “I missed you too,” she confessed.
I took the opportunity to place a kiss against her sweet lips. I wanted so much more but knew it

wasn’t the time. It was harder than hell to pull away, but I managed.

“We could fix this problem real easy. You know that, right?” I asked.
Her eyes averted as she looked past my shoulder. My mother and Maddison were still busy

working on breakfast.

She started to speak but I stopped her quickly. “Listen to me. I know it’s quick and I know you

don’t want to confuse Maddi, but I want you two with me.” I turned her to face me and no longer

cared who heard me.

“I want you and Maddison not just today, not just tomorrow, but forever. I’m ready to show you

girls what love feels like. I have so much inside of me, and I’m ready to shower you both with it. I
want to wake up to you in our kitchen, or to you in our bed. I’m ready to hear Maddison’s laughter
every day when I walk into our home.” Alex looked up at me with glistening eyes. “I love you two so
much, and I’m ready to start building our life together. Just think about it, promise me.”

All that Alex could do was to nod her head as she swallowed hard.
“That was the sweetest thing, big brother, I’m super-impressed.” I spun around to find Maria

standing in the doorway, holding Garrett close. Mikey, our little hero, stood beside her holding a
diaper bag.

“Yeah, yeah, I hear ya.” I laughed and kissed Alex on the forehead before stepping back.
I leaned on the counter next to Maddison, who smiled over at me. “Can we stay with you tonight?”

She surprised me with her question, and I immediately looked at Alex with questioning eyes.

“Do you want to?” I asked.
She nodded enthusiastically.
“If you want to and your momma wants to, of course you can,” I said.
Alex smiled and stepped up behind Maddi, tipping her head to look down at her. “I think that

would be fun. Maybe we can rent some movies and order some pizza.”

Maddi began bouncing up and down happily. I glanced over to find Mikey watching closely, and

an ache hit me suddenly. I had grown quite close to him, and lately I had not been very good about
spending time with him.

“Hey, bud, you wanna come spend the night too? I’m pretty sure I owe you a zombie fest.” His

eyes locked with mine and a smile spread out over his lips.

He looked up at Maria, who still stood at his side. “Can I?” he asked.
“I don’t see why not,” she replied.
So it was settled. We were having a slumber party in my small loft above my shop. It wasn’t big, it

was full of used furniture and manly shit, but it was going to be perfect.

***

“Let me try it.” Alex sat down on the couch next to me. “It doesn’t look that hard.”
I handed her my remote control and sat back to observe. Maddi crawled up onto my lap, and

Mikey’s smile grew larger as he observed Alex getting ready to play.

The round started, and Alexis began moving with the guy on the television. If she wanted him to go

left, her entire body would lean that way. Every single time she shot the gun, attempting to fight off the
zombies, she would bounce up and down. It was the funniest damn thing I had seen in a long time.

“Ah,” she screeched. Standing up completely, she jumped up and down. “No,” she said. “Ah, no

really, where should I go?” she asked.

“Go left. See the building on the left? Behind the abandoned cars. See it?” Mikey asked her.
“Yeah, I see it,” she answered.
“Go inside and I’ll cover you. If we go out the back, I have a car we can use to get away.” I

continued to watch her body sway from side to side, still bouncing up and down when she got too
excited.

For the next hour, I quietly watched as Alex and Mikey fought their way through each scenario. She

got better and better with time, and by the end, she was whipping some serious zombie ass. I had

never thought watching my girl power through a video game would be something I found sexy, but I
was wrong.

The pizza arrived, and we all gathered around the coffee table in the living room, having our very

own picnic in front of the television. The two kids were excited and a bit hyper. The entire night lit
me up.

I had never had this in my life before, a family of my own with kids. It was something I now

realized I desperately wanted, because I was missing out. I caught Alex watching me with a smile on
her face, and I winked.

They had eventually worn themselves down. Maddi crashed on one end of the couch and Mikey on

the other. Alex and I had been given the small loveseat, and it gave me the chance to hold her close.

With her head resting on my chest I kissed her temple. “You tired?” I asked. Her head nodded

against me as her eyes drooped. “You want me to take you to bed?” I couldn’t fight the smile, because
that idea made my heart race.

“Yes,” she whispered. Tilting her head back, she looked up at me. “I can think of something else I

would rather do than sleep, though.”

Oh yeah, now she was talking. I brought my mouth down to meet hers, tracing her lip with my

tongue. “Mm,” she moaned.

Moving in closer, I took her mouth in a hungry kiss. Her tongue swooping out to meet mine, she

gripped the back of my neck and pulled me even closer.

I pulled her onto my lap and stood, holding her tightly. I walked the short distance to the bedroom

and laid her down on the bed. Wasting no time, I lowered my body over hers.

Alex’s legs wrapped around my waist and held me tight, as she ground herself against me

vigorously. She had my heart racing with animalistic thoughts. I wanted to take her here and now, but
instead I paced myself.

“Colt,” she panted, as I kissed down her neck. Lifting her shirt slowly, I skimmed my thumbs over

her hardened nipples.

“Yes,” she whispered breathlessly.
My body ignited with her neediness. She was a little vixen, completely different when we were

alone. I loved the turned-on Alex; this version was so damn sexy.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Alexis

I felt like I was going to explode. My heart raced, my toes curled, and my insides clenched. Colt

was so gentle and aggressive at the same time. He had the ability to make my heart melt and set me
on fire within seconds.

The emotions he brought out in me were so overwhelming, and it was so hard not to get lost in

them.

I began gathering his shirt and pulled it up and over his head, running my hands over his arms and

feeling them flex beneath my palms.

His bare chest pressed against mine, and my heart raced with anticipation. I wanted more. My

voice sounded so needy; I was begging for him to let loose and take me.

“Shh,” Colt whispered. “I plan on giving you everything, baby.” His comment had so much

meaning. I knew he was not only talking about this moment. He was talking about always.

He took his time kissing every inch of my body. Hooking his fingers in the waistband of my pants,

he began lowering them, kissing along the way until they were in a pile on the floor.

I watched as he unbuckled his pants and let them fall to the floor. I bit down on my lower lip when

my eyes met his. He stood at the end of the bed, naked. Wearing no boxers beneath his jeans, he
grinned confidently.

Walking around the side of the bed, I watched as he pulled a new, unopened box of condoms from

the drawer.

“You were pretty confident, weren’t you?” I said.
“Baby, this is all your fault. You were the one who gave yourself to me, and now I can’t help

myself.” I smiled and he lowered himself to the bed, beside me.

Colt’s hands found their way to the places I needed him most, and I was immediately lost in him.
A deep groan escaped us simultaneously, as he sunk inside me and we began to move.
He was making love to me, there was no mistake. His eyes bore into mine with each rotation of his

hips.

The moment I felt my body building toward release, our eyes locked and I lifted my hips, grinding

against him. Kissing me, he sucked on my lower lip gently. “You are so beautiful, Alex. I love you so
much,” he whispered.

My back arched as I pressed my breasts against him. My body was tensing and clenching, as my

orgasm took over.

Colt began to pump faster as he continued to stare down at me. I loved the look in his eyes right

before he reached his peak and tensed above me.

With his forehead resting against mine, I could feel him twitch inside me.
We lay together silently, allowing ourselves to come back to the present.
I knew he was it for me. I had taken a turn down the wrong path in the last year. But if I hadn’t

taken that path, would I be here with Colt? Would we have met, and would I have ever found this
love? He made me feel safe and secure. In the short time I have known him, he has given me so much.

It’s not about the time we’ve had together, it’s all about what he has given me in those moments.

There is no doubt in my mind that Maddi and I will stay with Colt.

***

“We were so happy to have you accept this position. Gemma has been a friend for years, and she

praised you.” I smiled at Alice, the office manager who had just hired me. I had an offer to work in
the ER at the hospital, but when the position came open at the local pediatric office, it was no contest.

I will be able to work days and not be away from Maddi. I was planning to ask Ann to help out

with Maddi, but Colt insisted he had it covered.

Over the last week, he has managed to kidnap us both and hold us hostage in his loft. He has

spoiled us and made it impossible to think of going back to Ann’s. I was pretty sure it was the plan he
had set into motion the first night we stayed at his place. I was also positive that Maria and Ann were
in on that plan.

He wanted us with him so much, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer. He had us with him now,

and he wasn’t going to let us go. It felt amazing.

I said a quick goodbye to Alice and made my way to Colt’s truck. I still had to get another car;

mine was lucky to start on a good day, so for now he insisted I use his.

I had the weekend to enjoy before I started my first job here in the place I now called home.
I pulled into the spot behind the shop and grabbed the bags for dinner from the passenger seat.
Walking in through the back door, I made my way to the front of the store. The sound of a woman’s

flirty laugh stopped me from running the food upstairs. Instead, I placed the bags on the counter and
walked out from the back.

My stomach tightened as I took in the scene before me. An attractive redhead, wearing very

revealing clothing, was kneeling down next to Colt. He was pointing toward the details on the hutch
before them. She was leaning very far forward, and from the place where I was standing, I was
surprised her tits hadn’t popped out of her low-cut shirt. They were on the verge of playing peek-a-
boo, and I was pretty sure she wanted them to.

“The details on this piece are really beautiful, Colton. You are so talented.” She cooed, and all I

wanted to do was gag.

“I couldn’t be happier with this. You are amazing.” The woman turned her gaze toward Colt and

batted her lashes. It was sickening to watch her drool over him. I was wondering when she would
start dry-humping his leg like a horny dog.

Maddison was just a few feet away from them, coloring at a small desk Colt had made for her. She

spotted me and yelled out. My attention was quickly drawn to her, pulled away from Colt and the
over-the-top redhead.

Maddison barreled into me, wrapping her arms around my legs. “Mommy,” she squealed.
“Hey, sweet pea,” I said, kneeling down before her. “How was your day?”

I was doing everything I could not to look up from her sweet face. An ugly jealousy was filling my

mind, and I didn’t want to be that kind of girl. It was really hard not to want to claw out the hooker’s
eyeballs.

I caught their movements out of the corner of my eye, but chose to ignore them.
“Do you want to help me make dinner?” I asked Maddison. Her eyes brightened and she nodded

her head. “I’ll let you put everything in the pot and stir.”

She looked over her shoulder, smiling. “Bye, Donna. I’m going with my mommy now.” Another

round of heat filled my stomach at the announcement of her name. Apparently she had spent enough
time there to become chummy with my daughter.

“Bye, sweetheart. I had a lot of fun coloring with you. I promise I’ll hang your picture on my

refrigerator the moment I get home.” Her nasally voice made me want to roll my eyes. She was
beyond fake. She was one of those people who pretended to adore something until the moment she
turned around. I had had my fair share of encounters with women like her, and they drove me insane.

I turned toward the stairway and was just about to go up when Colt’s strong arm looped around

me, holding me in place. “Don’t go up just yet,” he said.

“I need to start dinner.” I tried to take a step, but he held me firmly. A soft chuckle escaped him. I

looked at him and arched an eyebrow.

“No need to be jealous, babe. She buys things just to flirt. Hell, if she wants to keep paying my

mortgage so she can attempt to gain my attention, she can. She’s been trying for weeks, but she ain’t
gonna get what she’s looking for here.” He kissed my temple. “Don’t go upstairs yet, let me introduce
you.”

He tugged me backwards and left me no choice but to face the bimbo. She forced a smile, but I

saw the look she held. She was sizing me up and rolling around questions in her mind about why Colt
had chosen me.

“Donna, this is my girlfriend, Alexis, the one I’ve told you about.” Colt had been talking about me

to her, and I wasn’t sure I liked them discussing me. I guess it would depend on what they were
saying.

“It’s really nice to meet you. I’m sorry about your recent events. You must have been so scared.”

My eyes shot to meet Colt’s, and he scrunched his nose in confusion.

I was instantly hurt, angry, and slightly embarrassed. I didn’t like the idea of this strange woman

knowing my business. Who the hell did he think he was, telling her about my life?

“Excuse me. I have things I need to take care of upstairs.” I didn’t take any more time to share

another word with either of them. I took Maddison’s hand in mine and led her toward the stairs.

I didn’t want to be angry at him. I truly didn’t. I couldn’t control it, though. He had taken my

private life and put it on display for some bimbo, who looked at me as a speed bump on her road to
Colt. I was pissed off to a whole new level.

I was pretty sure Colt and I were about to have our first battle.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Colt

“I’ll have this delivered to you on Tuesday,” I assured Donna. I was in a hurry to get her moving

on.

The moment she brought up Alex’s past, my heart sank. How the hell did she know anything about

Alex?

After seeing the look on her face, I know she thought I had told her. I had to reassure her that I had

said nothing to Donna. Alex and her troubles were nobody’s business.

“That sounds great Colton. I look forward to seeing you,” Donna cooed, and I was honestly five

seconds from guiding her fake ass out the door.

The minute she was gone, I locked the front door and charged for the stairway. I took the stairs two

at a time to the top.

Alex and Maddison were at the sink, washing the vegetables that Alexis cut. She looked at me, and

my stomach felt like it had hit the damn floor. The hurt look on her face made me feel sick.

She looked down at her hands, giving me her back. A million things running through my head had

my heart racing. How should I handle this?

Walking up beside her, I leaned against the countertop with my hip. Crossing my arms over my

chest, I waited for her to look at me, but she didn’t.

“Look Colt, I’m making dinner,” Maddison announced proudly.
“I see that, ladybug. I’m sure it’s gonna be real good too.” She smiled a toothy grin and I smiled

back at her.

I waited a few more seconds before I leaned in close to Alex’s ear and whispered, “I never said

anything to her.”

She shook her head from side to side. “Not now, Colt.” Her simple statement set off a panic inside

me.

“What do you mean, not now?” I asked.
Without looking at me, she stated firmly, “Exactly what I said. Not now. I won’t talk about it in

front of Maddison.”

“Why?” There wasn’t really much to talk about. I had never said shit to Donna.
“Because I said so. Because things like that don’t need to be discussed when she’s around.” She

still wouldn’t look at me. I wanted to respect her choice, but I was pissed that she wouldn’t listen to
me.

“But I never…” I tried to explain again.
She cut me off, and this time she turned her head and looked up at me. “I said not now.”
Seconds passed as we stared at one another. A mixture of hurt and anger flooded her eyes.
I shook my head and pushed off the counter. Walking to the bathroom, I flipped on the shower and

tore my clothes off.

I spent the next thirty minutes trying to figure out how the hell Donna could have figured out

anything about Alexis and her past.

***

Dinner was quiet, except for the sweet chatter of Maddison. She was our source of distraction.

Alex continued to avoid eye contact, but I didn’t let it stop me from trying.

“How did everything go today with Alice?” I asked her.
“Good, I start Monday,” she said without looking up from her plate.
“We need to go look at cars for you.” We had continued to put it off, and now she needed one.
“I’ll take care of it.” She was pissed. I had no doubt about it. Her voice was distant and

dismissive.

Maddison jumped up from the table and took her plate to the sink. I waited until I knew she was far

enough away from us, busying herself with some toys in the living room.

I turned back around and leaned forward a little closer to Alex. “How long do you plan on being

pissed off at me for something I didn’t even do?”

Her eyes locked on mine as she narrowed them, glaring back at me. “Well, who else could have

filled in your little friend about my past? I sure as hell didn’t tell some complete stranger my
business, so that leaves you.”

She pushed her chair back and stood from the table. I sat silently watching her clear the table, one

dish at a time. I was hoping she would work off some of her aggression.

“How is that supposed to make me feel, Colton?” she growled. “I walk in to find her drooling over

you. My daughter and she appear to be all chummy, and then she snaps off about how sad my past is.”

Alex was doing everything she could to maintain her composure. I joined her in the kitchen and

forced her to face me. “I never said shit to her about your past. I don’t know where that comment
came from.”

We stood staring at one another, having a silent stand-off. She was mad as hell, and I was

beginning to reach a level of anger myself. For her to think I would offer up her business to random
people was enough to make me want to shake her until she wised up.

“How else would she know, Colt?” she asked.
I let the afternoon’s events run through my mind over and over. Donna had only stayed for a little

over an hour. She waited patiently while I finished up with Mr. and Mrs. Williams, before I took the
time to show her the piece she had ordered.

She sat with Maddison, and they laughed and colored side by side. Then the thought hit me.
“Hey Maddi, can you come in here a minute?” I hollered from the kitchen.
Alex wrinkled up her eyebrows and was about to ask what I was doing, when Maddi rounded the

corner. She was carrying a baby doll and a blanket in her arms.

I knelt down on my knees and pulled her in close. “Did you have a nice afternoon with me down in

the shop today?” I asked. She nodded her head and smiled big. “I like having you there too.”

I paused, watching her wrap her doll a little tighter in the blanket. “You made a few friends today

too, didn’t ya?”

“Yes, they called me your little helper,” she announced with pride.
“That you were, sweetheart.” I ignored Alexis’ questioning expression. “Donna was pretty nice to

you. You even colored together.” Her little head bobbed up and down in agreement. “What else did
you two talk about besides coloring?”

She continued to toy with her blanket and the doll wrapped in it. “Um, we talked about you,” she

stated.

A humph noise came from Alex. I ignored her and pushed a little further for information.
“What else?” I asked Maddi.
“I told her about Nana, and the dollies at her house. I miss those dollies, so maybe Nana will let

me bring them here.” Maddi was slightly side-tracked by the dolls, and I had to redirect her back to
our conversation.

“What else did you talk about?” I asked
She thought it over for a few minutes.
“Donna has never been to California. She asked me where we used to live.” My throat tightened,

but I remained silent. “I’ll never go back there. Seth hurt mommy and he lives there.”

My eyes shot up and my gaze locked on Alexis’. Her glistening stare registered what had

happened.

Donna had used Maddison to get information regarding our relationship. She was sneaky about it,

pretending to be interested in Maddison and what she was doing. The entire thing now made me
angry.

Alex knelt down in front of us. “Maddison, honey, you shouldn’t discuss personal things with

strangers. Donna is a stranger. She doesn’t need to know about Seth or California.”

“She’s not a stranger, Mommy. She is Colton’s friend.” I shook my head and pinched the bridge of

my nose in frustration.

I eased back from the two of them as Alex continued to try to explain privacy to Maddi. But

making a young child understand the concept was pretty impossible. We now knew where Donna’s
information about Alex had come from. Maddison was an easy target and had filled her in easily.

I walked toward the bedroom and slipped on a pair of jeans. I was sitting on the end of the bed,

putting on my boots, when Alex entered the room. Her feet were stepping into view just in front of
me, but I kept my eyes averted to the floor.

“Where are you going?” Alex asked in a low, pained whisper.
“Gonna take a drive.” I replied.
She knelt before me on her knees and scooted in closer. There was no way to avoid her eyes now.

“Don’t leave,” she pleaded. “I’m sorry.”

I held her gaze for a moment before I leaned forward and kissed her forehead lightly. Standing up,

I stepped around her and walked for the door. I just needed a break. The tension between us had built
for hours, and now I just needed a break. I had to clear my head.

I was pissed that she didn’t believe me in the beginning, when I told her I had said nothing, but I

could understand why not.

The best thing for us right now would be for me to distance myself for a while and calm down.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Alexis

Two hours had passed and Colt still had not returned. I was worried and nervous. I was wrong

and I knew it. I should have listened to him. I should have let him explain when he tried. Instead, I had
built up a wall and acted like a bitch. Now everything had fallen apart and I was lying awake in bed,
waiting.

Maddison was already in bed and the loft was silent. It only made me feel that much more alone.
The soft click of the door made my heart race. Colt’s large silhouette filled the bedroom doorway.

He stood staring at me through the light that filtered in from the bathroom.

Slowly he slipped his boots off and undid his pants, entering the room at a cautious pace. He sat on

the edge of the bed and hung his head.

“Tonight really went to shit fast, didn’t it?” he groaned.
“Yeah, I messed up,” I confessed.
Colton turned around to look directly at me. “We both created this mess,” he stated. “So, our first

fight. It was bound to happen, right?”

All I did was nod my head in agreement. I was embarrassed when Donna brought up my past. It

was a surprise to hear her bring up things she shouldn’t have known. The easiest one to blame was
Colt, because it seemed to be the only way she could have known.

“I’m sorry I was too stubborn to listen. If I had stopped long enough to let my anger go, I could

have figured it out with you. Instead, I treated you like the enemy.” My heart literally ached within my
chest. Fighting with Colton was something I couldn’t stomach. It made me weak, and I felt lost.

“You mean the world to me. I wouldn’t hurt you intentionally, ever,” he insisted. “I love you, baby.

I don’t like this shit. Fighting and arguing, ignoring one another. That isn’t gonna fix anything.”

“I know,” I agreed.
Colton laced his fingers with mine as they rested on my outstretched leg.
“Where have you been?” I asked.
“Hanging with Mikey, the hero. That kid has a way of taking my mood and completely flipping it

around. We played video games for over an hour, then vegged out on cold pizza and root beer.” He
smiled at me. “Sorry if I made you worry.”

“I know you needed time. It just really sucked giving it to you. I’ve been planning my apology for

the last two hours,” I told him.

He slid in a little closer and tilted my chin upward with his finger. “Let’s agree that we both

screwed up. We both could have done things differently. Let’s also agree to work harder to get
through shit like this together.”

Before I could answer, he kissed me, making me forget what I had planned to say. Instead of

attempting to remember, I wrapped my arms around the back of his neck and pulled him down over
me.

“Make love to me. I need you to,” I pleaded.
Colton didn’t speak. He just did exactly as I asked and slowly, but very sweetly, lost himself in

our bliss.

***

“What are we doing here?” I asked as I crawled down from Colton’s truck, looking around the

beautiful property at an older farm house set back from the road and surrounded by a wide variety of
flowers. It was in desperate need of some TLC. It appeared to be set on maybe half an acre of land. A
large detached garage sat back from the house, to the left.

“Two reasons, actually.” He whispered from behind me and nudged me forward.
Ann had taken Maddison and Mikey with her to a movie in town, so Colton had convinced me to

go for a drive. I still had no idea what he had up his sleeve.

“Hello there, son. I’m glad you could make it.” A grey-haired older man spoke as he stepped down

from the porch. “This pretty lady must be the girl you’re shopping for.”

I looked up at Colton in confusion. Shopping for?
All he did was chuckle before reaching out and shaking the older man’s hand.
“Which do you want to look at first?” he asked Colt.
“I’ll let you lead the way, Earl. You choose,” Colt replied.
I was so confused by their secret code. Obviously they had created a plan, and I just had to go

along for the ride.

Earl led us to the separate garage and opened the side door. He motioned for us to enter before

him. A light switch was flipped, and there in the garage, was a silver SUV of some kind. It looked
like it was new, clean, and barely driven.

I looked back at Colton and he smiled at me. “So what do you think?” he asked.
“Um, what do I think? About that?” I pointed toward the SUV and waited, confused by what was

going on.

“When my wife was still alive, my daughter insisted we needed a new car,” Earl explained. “It

was a battle neither of us felt like fighting. We caved and bought this Tahoe. It was driven maybe a
dozen times at most before my wife became ill. I have no use for it. I start it and move it around
weekly, but that’s about it.”

Colton stepped closer and nudged me with his shoulder. “I’ve been doing some custom work for

Earl’s daughter, who lives in Savannah. She introduced us.”

“So you brought me here to look at a car?” I asked as I continued to look over the barely used

Tahoe. It was perfect.

“Well, the truck and a few other things,” he clarified.
Arching an eyebrow in confusion, I waited for him to explain. I noticed that Earl had stepped out,

and Colt and I were now alone. “Earl is selling it all—the house, the land, and the Tahoe. His health
is getting worse, and he is moving to Savannah to be closer to his daughter and her family.”

Colt stepped around in front of me and took my hands in his. “I know we talked about this, getting

a bigger place. It needs a lot of work and some updates. Earl understands that too. He is being very
reasonable about what he is asking.”

Colt placed his hand on my cheek and scanned his thumb across my jaw. “Three bedrooms, one

and a half baths. Just under an acre of land. We could make it our own, go room to room and redo
everything.”

My mind was racing and my heart was pounding. A house, a car. He had brought me here to take

our next step. His lips gently touching mine made my heart race faster.

“Can I see the house, at least?” I asked. He smiled and tugged my hand toward the still- open

doorway.

Earl was sitting on a porch swing at the back of the house, waiting with a smile as we approached.

He stood up slowly, bracing himself against the side of the house. “You ready to see your new home,
darlin’?”

My new home. The thought made me feel warm and comforted. The last time I felt like I had a true

home was before Troy was killed, because he himself gave me that feeling. Colt and I followed
behind Earl as he led us inside.

Colt was right. The home was in need of some updates. It still had old wallpaper and golden

brown carpeting. The walls were faded and the colors were aged. But the space was perfect. The
rooms were spacious.

I turned around and took Colt’s hand in mine, smiling up at him. I was sure my excitement was

clear. “You think we could make this place a home for you and Maddison?”

I no longer cared if we were not alone. I closed the distance between us, rose up on my tip toes,

and kissed him. I held his face in my hands and fought back the tears that were so close to spilling
over.

“Our home is anywhere you are, Colton. It is you who provides us with that sense of security. You

make us safe. So these walls will only hold our memories, the ones we all will create together.”

He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into a hug. “I love you,” he whispered.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Colt

Over the last few weeks, things have moved quickly. Earl had found out he has an advanced stage

of colon cancer, which unfortunately left him with limited time. He wanted to get the house sold and
settled as quickly as possible.

Alexis and I are now the proud owners of our first home together. The Tahoe is perfect for Alex,

and I could tell she loved it.

On the days that she worked, Maddison and I would work at the shop. When she came home, we

all would spend the evenings working on the house or crashing at the loft.

I decided to hire Reed and Ben to help with the remodel. It was too hard to do it all on my own. I

wanted to have it done by Christmas, and without their help, it would be impossible.

I found a few magazines lying around the loft—things were circled, or pages folded with ideas

Alex liked. So after I ordered a few extra supplies and all three of us guys had put our heads together,
I was bringing those dreams to life.

Alex would have her balcony off of the upstairs bedroom. She would have her dream kitchen with

the island in the center. I was even extending the kitchen and adding a built-in nook with bench and
table.

She was a little irritated when I told her she had to stay away from the house for a while. I knew in

the end she would be happy, and I would be forgiven. Swearing Maddison to secrecy made me
nervous, but I trusted that she would help me surprise her mommy.

***

“Colt.” Her voice sounded breathless. “Colt, where are you?”
I hollered down from upstairs, where Maddi and I were preparing homemade pizza. “Up here,

babe.”

I heard her feet beating hard against the stairs. When she rounded the corner, her eyes were red

and swollen. I brushed off my hands and rushed for her. “What’s going on, what happened?”

“He didn’t show up for court. Mom called to say he had skipped town. They’re looking for him.”

She buried her face against my chest as I rubbed her back. “He was supposed to be in jail. He wasn’t
supposed to be out walking the streets.”

The idea of Seth out there somewhere made my blood boil. He was charged with a number of

offenses that should have landed him behind bars for years. He also was charged with intent to sell
drugs, because a large amount of drugs had been found in his car, packaged and ready for purchase.

Now he was out roaming the streets, and no one had any idea where he was.
“Shh. I got you, baby. He doesn’t know where you are. You’re safe,” I reassured her.
“No, I’m not. Maddi and I are not safe as long as he is out there.” She pulled back and looked up at

me. She looked lost and terrified, and it broke my heart.

I waited until she fell asleep before slipping from bed and taking her phone with me. I scrolled

through the numbers until I found Jett.

I went downstairs to my shop, so I could talk freely without her hearing.
“Hey, sis, can’t sleep?” Jett yawned into the phone.
“Jett, it’s me, Colt,” I stated.
“Hey, how is she doing?” I could sense he was a little more alert than when he had first answered.
“She’s slowly falling apart. Won’t let Maddi leave her side. She even made her sleep in the bed

with us. She’s terrified he’s gonna show up here.” I slouched back in the chair and squeezed the
bridge of my nose. “Is there any news? Do they have any idea where he is, who he’s with?”

“Dad’s been talking to a detective, who said that Seth was wrapped up with some guys he was

selling drugs for. Apparently they don’t like it when their dealers smoke the shit they’re supposed to
be selling. He’s in pretty deep with them, and I’m pretty sure he’s hanging low, hiding out,” Jett said.

It was silent for a few minutes before he spoke again. “Listen, Colt, she’s got you on her side, man.

You just need to reassure her, daily. She has every reason to be scared, because she went through hell
with that asshole. You’ve got to keep it together for her. They need you.”

“I know, they got me and they always will. I just wish I could reassure her that he would never

find her again.” I wanted to tell her there was no reason to fear Seth any longer, but I couldn’t
honestly say that.

***

“So let me get this straight. They just lost him?” Maria asked from across the table. I just nodded

my head and took a sip of coffee. “How the hell? He should never have been let out on bail. That is
ridiculous.”

“I know Mar, I know.” What else could I say? I completely agreed with her. “Her dad has been

doing everything he can. He spends most of his day on the phone with detectives and investigators.
Hell, he even hired his own investigator to track Seth’s friends and family. She doesn’t know that he
calls me daily to keep me posted.”

Maddison was in my mom’s living room watching cartoons. Momma, Maria, and I sat at the table

as I filled them in on everything.

“She’s scared and jumpy. She doesn’t eat, barely sleeps. I find her staring off at nothing, like she is

lost in her own head. When I try talking to her, she shuts herself down. It’s a repeat cycle every day,
and I feel like I’m losing her.” My chest was tight and my stomach churned with uneasiness.

“It’s been a week, and she just seems more lost every day that passes. I hear her at night, crying

and getting sick from it. She won’t let me in, though. She pushes me away.”

“I’ve tried to soothe her. I’ve tried to kiss her and distract her with touch. Every time I make an

attempt, she finds a way to pretend to be busy. It’s her subtle way of saying she’s not in the mood.”

“Hey, why don’t you let us take Maddison tonight? Give you two some time to talk,” Maria

suggested. It sounded great, but I was sure Alex wouldn’t allow it. She had a hard time leaving her

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Alexis

The idea of Maddison not being with me made me extremely nervous. Knowing, though, that she

would be completely safe with Gavin and Maria, I couldn’t continue to cage her up because it wasn’t
fair to her. What kind of example was I teaching her by instilling fear in her, anyway?

I wasn’t being fair to Colt, either. Things between us have been quiet. I’ve been distant, and I have

to change that. There are things I need to talk to him about, and tonight is my chance.

“Hey you, are ya on break?” Maria spoke through the phone.
“Um, yeah, for just a few minutes. We are in between patients, actually. I’m just calling you back

to say that tonight sounds great. I’m sure Maddison would love a night away from my hovering.” I
laughed lightly, pretending I was joking, but I wasn’t.

“Colton is really worried about you, about your relationship, actually. He was over at Momma’s

this morning. I know I should mind my own business, but it’s hard not to say something. He loves you
like crazy, Alex. Maybe tonight would be a good night for you two to talk.” She was right. I couldn’t
argue with her.

“Thanks, Maria, really. I love him too, very much. We’ll talk, I promise,” I guaranteed.
When I got home after work, I told Maddi about her night out and she was bouncing off the walls.

She loves Mikey. He is like a big brother to her. He treats her with such kindness. Baby Garrett was a
huge bonus, because she loves babies.

My stomach tightened as I thought about her and how she loved to feed him and help dress him.
“Hey, little ladybug, you ready to go?” Colton asked from the doorway. Our eyes connected and he

winked at me.

Maddison jumped up and leaped into his arms, hugging him tightly. “Yes, let’s go.”
I followed behind as we walked outside and gathered at the Tahoe. I looked back from the

passenger seat as he buckled her up and tickled her tummy. Her giggles were bringing a matching
smile to my face.

As he climbed up and placed the truck in drive, Colt took my hand in his and brought it up to his

lips, kissing my knuckles. “I love you,” he said.

“I love you too,” I whispered in reply. His words were hitting me deep. Tonight would change

everything.

I turned and looked back over my shoulder at the empty space next to Maddison and swallowed

hard. Tonight would reroute our lives forever.

***

We stood in Maria and Gavin’s living room, laughing at Mikey and Maddi. He was doing the

worm, making his body roll along the floor. Maddison was right alongside attempting to copy his
movements. It was a weak attempt, but hilarious.

My eyes watered from the laughter, and my ribs ached. I caught Maria watching me with a smile,

and I wiped at the happy tears that had escaped. It felt really great to laugh. I had let fear and worry
overtake me, and now it was time to find myself again. I couldn’t hide behind the what ifs. I had to
remember I had some pretty amazing people on my side.

Colt placed his hand on my back and gently rubbed up and down. “You ready to go, babe?” he

asked.

I nodded my head. After we had said our goodbyes and kissed and hugged Maddi, we made our

way back to the truck.

“Dinner?” he said. “Do you wanna go out and grab something? Or we could grab something and go

back to the loft.”

I turned to face him, and for a moment, just admired his gorgeous smile and strong jaw. Those

caring eyes were so full of love. “I have a better idea.” I smiled and so did he, waiting for me to
continue. “Can we grab something and go back to the house? I know you don’t want me to see some of
the things you have going on until they’re done. I just want to talk, and because of some things I want
to say to you, I want to look back some day and remember it was in our home that I shared those
things.”

“Okay,” he replied.
We stopped at the store and ransacked the deli department, grabbing a sub sandwich and a few

cartons containing different kinds of pasta. “Do you want any wine or…?” he asked.

I shook my head, “No, let’s just grab something here, unless you want some.”
When we pulled up to the house, my mouth fell open in amazement. He wasn’t joking—it was like

a whole new place. The exterior was covered with a gorgeous dark wood siding. A new, updated
porch was on the front.

As we stepped from the car, my eyes filled with tears as I looked up to find the walk-out patio off

the room that would be ours. “You built the patio I saw in the magazine,” I whispered.

He stepped up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. “Yes, you wanted it. I wanted to

give you everything you were hoping for.” He paused and kissed my temple. “There’s more inside.”

I turned in his arms and smiled up at him like a fool. “More,” I squeaked. “Let’s go.” I giggled and

he shook his head, leading me inside.

We went in through the back and entered the kitchen first. I couldn’t stop the happy tears that fell.

“Wow,” I gasped. “It’s beautiful.”

Looking around, I took in every detail--the handmade cabinets, the island in the center, a new sink

and appliances, tiled flooring and a perfect nook with built-in seating in a new addition built off the
kitchen. “It’s almost just like the picture I saw.”

I turned around and stared at the man who had my soul in his hands. He had completely captivated

me and stolen all hope of ever being able to live without him in my life. He was now and forever the
man I was destined to be with.

He took two steps toward me, bringing his body flush with mine. His lips covered mine gently,

lovingly.

He slowly backed me up to the island in the center and lifted me up, placing me on top. I instantly

wrapped my legs around his waist and pulled him in tighter.

His hands rolled along my sides, coming to a rest on my hips. Our lips were moving in a perfect

rhythm, tasting, savoring one another. The bags of food sitting on the floor in the doorway were easily
forgotten. “I’ve missed this,” he groaned against my lips. “I’ve missed us.”

“I’m sorry,” I answered. I pulled back and looked in his eyes. “No more. I’m not letting fear

control me any longer. Fear took over, and I let myself hide out, like I always chose to do before. I’m
so sorry I pushed you away.” With his eyes still locked on mine, I traced the curve of his lower lip
with my thumb. “No more hiding. We’re in this together,” Colt said.

“That’s right. Always together,” I replied. Kissing me once more, he stepped away and looked

back at the bags of food. “We could eat at the table. I have a blanket in the back of the Tahoe. We
could throw it over the top, cover the dust.”

I smiled and agreed. “Will you grab my bag for me too?”
“Sure, babe, I’ll be right back,” he said as he walked outside through the back door.
I was nervous all afternoon about tonight and what I needed to tell him. Now I was just anxious.
I watched as he walked back in with the blanket in one arm and my bag in the other. He closed the

door and twisted the lock. I took my bag as he flipped the blanket out and shook it once, walking
toward the table.

“What about a picnic on the floor?” I stated, just as he was about to lay the blanket on the table.
He smiled and placed it on the floor instead. Taking off his boots, he sat down. Carefully he began

placing the food and drinks on the top. I took the spot next to him and we ate together, stealing kisses
and gentle touches while enjoying the thrown-together dinner that was one of the best I had ever
shared with anyone.

When we were all finished and the garbage had been picked up, Colt grabbed a small container

from a bag behind him. It was from the bakery at the store, and my mouth watered. “When did you get
dessert?”

He held it out and grinned. “It’s for you.”
“Where’s yours?” I asked him.
“This is specially made, just for you. Watching you enjoy it will be all I need,” he stated, still

wearing that perfect grin of his.

He was definitely up to something. I could feel it. He never took his eyes from the container as he

held it out, and I took it from his hands. I was almost afraid to open it, nervous suddenly about its
contents.

The hopeful look on his face gave me no other choice. I slowly and carefully lifted the lid. My

eyes instantly looked up to meet his. He watched me closely, nervously. “What is it?” I asked, looking
back down to the velvet box just inside the container.

“Open it and find out,” he said, scooting in just a little closer.
I pulled the red box out and dropped the container beside me. I had a strong feeling I already knew

what was in the box. The moment I flipped open the lid, I gasped, taking in the gorgeous diamond
inside. “It’s…” There were no words.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking right now. I don’t know if this is the wrong or right time to do

this. I just know that there isn’t anything I want more than to have you both officially as my family.”
Colt reached into the box I held and pulled the ring from its place. As he twisted it between his
fingertips, our eyes both focused on its glimmer in the light.

“I thought I would wait until after we moved in, got settled. The problem with that idea was, once I

had it, I couldn’t wait to ask you. I couldn’t wait to have it placed on your finger.” He lifted his head
and his gaze locked with mine. “I was gonna ask a couple weeks ago but…” he paused. “Things
happened. I’m just hoping that tonight I’m not making a mistake.”

My vision became blurry and my eyes clouded with emotion. “It’s beautiful.”
“A beautiful ring, for my beautiful girl.” His grin was so contagious. “I love you so much. I wasn’t

looking to fall in love, but with you and Maddison, it was inevitable. There was no hope for me, not
with the two of you. You both grabbed a hold of me, and I never want either of you to let me go.”

“We’re not going anywhere.” I smiled up at him. My lip quivered with the intense emotions of the

moment.

“Will you marry me, Alex?”
I rose up onto my knees and crawled toward him, straddling his lap. Staring into his eyes, I brought

my lips closer to his.

Just before I placed mine against his, I whispered. “Yes, Colton. I’ll marry you.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Colt

She spoke the words and everything immediately fell into place. Gripping her hips, I pulled her

closer and kissed her with all the love I felt for her.

Placing the ring on her finger, I had never in my life felt as complete as I did in that moment. Her

lips found their way back to mine, and she began kissing me once again.

I gathered her shirt and slowly slid it upward, over her head. I trailed kisses over her neck, down

to the swell of her breast, and unclasped her bra, allowing it to fall away slowly.

Wrapping my arm around her waist, I turned her around and laid her on to the blanket. She lay

beneath me, her hair fanned out behind her. She was so beautiful she made my chest ache.

The way she looked up at me made me feel like I was the most powerful man in the world. Her

adoring eyes held me with such intense power.

I began to unbuckle her jeans and lower them. She bit her lower lip as she watched my movements.

My clothes quickly joined hers in a pile at our side, I lowered my body over hers.

Sinking inside her body, my heart beat rapidly in my chest. Our desire for one another was taking

over, and we were lost in its depth.

“You’re perfect, Alex. This, us,” I whispered. “I love you, baby.”
Her body arched and her head tilted back. I felt her build, as I continued to thrust my hips.
“Yes,” she moaned. Her fingernails were digging into my shoulders as she shuddered beneath me.

Our bodies were both covered in a glistening layer of sweat. Her eyes closed tightly as she panted
through her release.

Following just behind her, I buried my face in the crook of her neck and held her tightly, gently

pumping my hips and giving her all of me.

We lay in silence, relishing the aftermath of our love.
“I just remembered you had something you needed to tell me.” I turned on my side and propped my

head up with my bent arm. “Sorta got a little off course.” I winked and she smiled up at me.

“The detour was definitely worth it, though,” she sighed as she was trailing her finger down my

chest and circling my stomach in a teasing manner. “In fact, I’ll take that detour any time you offer it.”

My little vixen was back. She had me worried for a while. “What was it you needed to talk

about?” I couldn’t let her off the hook. Earlier it was important to be here and for her to tell me. Now
it was still important, maybe even more so.

“In my bag,” She pointed behind me. “Inside the front pocket, there is something for you.”

I analyzed her expression for a few seconds before rolling over and grabbing her bag. Pulling out a

small brown paper bag, I held it up. “This?” I asked and she nodded, biting down on her lip
nervously.

I sat up and opened the top slowly, peeking in like it was alive. I heard her giggle and she poked

me in the side. “It won’t bite you. Just open it.”

Sliding my hand into the front pocket, I wrapped my hand around the item inside and lifted it. My

head whipped around and she was staring at me, waiting for my reaction. “Seriously?” I asked. Her
head bobbed up and down slowly while she continued to wait for my reaction.

“When? I mean, how?” my stutter continued. “Well, I know how, but…” I looked down at my

hands. “I’m gonna be a father?” I whispered. I was almost scared to accept it, fearing I was imagining
the entire night.

“Yes, I took the test last weekend. Then I confirmed it at work. Alice took my blood and we sent it

off to the lab. They called this morning and confirmed the results of the home test.” She sat up next to
me and our eyes met once more. “We’re pregnant.”

I swallowed past the lump in my throat. “I’m gonna be a father.”
“You’re already a father. Maddison has never had what you give her. But yes, Colt, you’re gonna

be somebody’s daddy.” Her words were only making my emotions run higher.

Crying was not something I was programmed to do. It was never accepted by my father. He taught

us boys that you held your head high and pushed through. No tears would be shed. But in that moment,
hearing her words, I broke.

Dropping the test, I pulled her onto my lap in one quick movement. I wrapped her with my arms

and buried my face in her chest. Tears were filling my eyes and spilling over.

In one night, I had gone from a man who wasn’t sure where we would be tomorrow to the man who

had everything in the palm of his hand. I was engaged to the best person who had ever walked into my
life. I had the sweetest little girl who I would get the chance to help raise. I would have been happy
with those two for the rest of my life, but to know that she was carrying my child broke down the last
wall I had standing.

Alex had brought a grown man figuratively to his knees. She had given me more in one night than I

had ever been given before. “Thank you, baby,” I whispered against her neck. “Thank you for
everything you’ve given me.”

Chapter Thirty

Alexis

Things shifted into overdrive. Colt was working twice as hard to get the house ready for our little

family. We agreed to keep the news of our pregnancy quiet for now. I was still very early, and with
everything still going on with Seth, I didn’t want anything clouding the happiness of our news.

With Maddison’s birthday only three days away, I kept my mind occupied. We would be

celebrating at one of her favorite places, the park just down the road from Colt’s shop. I knew if she
had the chance, she would never leave that place. She was still in the dark about the surprise Colt had
planned. He was designing an amazing play area for her that he couldn’t wait to show her. She would
surely be in heaven over the sight of the slide he had ordered just for her.

I was just pulling the casserole out of the oven when Colt entered the loft. The look on his face

was a sure sign he had something on his mind. He forced a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was
for show, a show I wouldn’t let him play.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.
He pulled off his boots and slipped his dirty shirt over his head. He walked toward Maddison and

me and bent down to give each of us a kiss on the forehead. He paused just beside my ear,
whispering. “We’ll talk about it later. Don’t worry. I just don’t want to talk in front of Maddi.” He
gave me one more kiss on my cheek before he stepped back and walked toward the bedroom.

Telling a woman we’ll talk about something is cruel. How was I supposed to ignore the fact that

he had something on his mind? I had to know. It was eating at me.

I quickly set the table, and just as I was about to go after him, he emerged from the bedroom. He

was freshly showered and making me want to jump him.

With water still glistening on his skin, his hair was tossed and sticking up all over. He wore a pair

of sweats hanging dangerously low on his hips. He cleared his throat, and I knew I had been caught
eye-banging him. My cheeks heated instantly and he chuckled.

“Later, darlin’. It’s dinner time,” he said, and he guided my horny ass to the chair at the small table

in the tiny kitchen.

Our dinner time was full of Maddison once again, chattering about her day. Rarely was there a

quiet moment when we were together. She loved to talk, and telling Colt stories was one of her
favorite things to do. The fact that he fed it with his constant questions made me smile. She loved his
attention, and he always made her feel like she was the most important one in the room. They adored
one another equally and I, in turn, adored these times together.

We spent the evening watching the Disney Channel, and Maddison knew the words to most of the

shows. She had watched the episodes more than once, I’m sure. The kid lives for Disney.

When her eyes began to sag, I tried not to be relieved. I couldn’t help it, though, because it meant I

would finally know what Colt had on his mind.

Once she was securely tucked in her bed, we both kissed her goodnight and stepped out of the

room. The room that was now hers was not really a room at all; it was more like a walk-in closet.
Colt had done his best to make it a room, but most of her toys were in the living room, which was one
of the main reasons we needed a bigger place.

Colt entered the living room ahead of me and leaned against the back of the couch, crossing his

arms over his chest. An impatient feeling was filling my body, and I waited for him to explain.

“I talked to your dad today,” he stated.
“You talked to my dad?” I was a little confused. I didn’t know he and my father had each other’s

numbers.

He cleared his throat and rubbed at the stubble on his chin. “Yeah, actually I’ve been talking to

your dad every day.” He paused, quietly observing my reaction before continuing. “Your dad hired a
private investigator. He felt the police weren’t doing enough, fast enough.”

Another unnerving pause silenced the room. My stomach churned with fear.
“Baby, they found Seth.” His eyes bored into mine. Both relief and an unavoidable fear washed

over me. A million thoughts were running through my mind. He was on his way here. He was
attempting to follow my family. What? Did he hurt someone I love?

“They found him in an old building, along with another guy, just outside of Palm Beach. They were

both dead.”

A nauseous feeling hit me, and I lowered myself into the recliner. “How?” I asked, looking down

at the ground.

“Overdose. They got a hold of some bad shit,” he said as he took a step toward me and knelt on the

floor. “It’s over, babe. He won’t ever bother you again,” he reassured me.

I felt guilty for feeling relieved. I never wished for his death, but I had no control over his

outcome. He had been heading down a path of destruction for a long time and, unfortunately, I think he
was too far gone to be saved.

It was time to let go of the fear I had held for months. I now had another chance to make things

right. I had a chance at happiness with an amazing man. It was time to lower all the walls I had put in
place and let everyone who loves me in. Without reservation, without hesitation, it was time to live.

Chapter Thirty-One

Colt

“I feel like I should go to see her. Even if she doesn’t know me, I wouldn’t feel right being here

this last time without seeing her. She was once such a loving, caring woman. She loved Troy with
every ounce of her being, and I need to say goodbye before that chance is gone,” Alex explained with
pain in her eyes.

We had flown to California to finally get her things. We rented a U-Haul to drive back to Georgia.

I wondered about her relationship with Maddison’s father’s family. When I asked and her eyes filled
with tears, I immediately felt guilty for bringing it up. I think she felt guilty for bringing up her past.
But that was the last emotion I wanted her to feel. Troy and his family were a part of who she is
today.

“Then we’ll go to see her. Even if she doesn’t know who you are, baby, we’ll go.” I took her hand

in mine and brought it to my lips, gently kissing her knuckles.

***

The frail woman sitting in the chair and staring out the window looked empty. I wasn’t sure what

she was actually looking at, because the window faced a small building and there was not much of a
view.

The scene brought back too many emotions. I remembered my father’s last moments, the lost and

depleted look in his eyes as he took those last breaths. He was a shell, an empty man, no longer the
father who had raised me.

My throat tightened as I watched Alexis brush the woman’s hair gently. Her words were hitting me

hard.

“I don’t know if you understand what I’m saying. I just want you to know that Maddison is healthy

and happy. I wish she could have had the chance to know you. I wish more than anything that you
could remember me, remember that I loved your son so much. If only for a moment, I wish you had the
chance to meet Maddison, who is just like Troy.”

Alex swiped away the tear that had escaped her. “I will always love Troy.”
Her eyes were connecting with mine, as she suddenly remembered that I was across the room. I

winked, reassuring her that those feelings were okay. I know she loves me; there is no question of
that.

“We’re safe and happy. We’ll always be taken care of,” she whispered, and my heart raced. Damn

right they would be. I would make sure of that.

When we left the nursing home, Alex looked emotionally drained. We had a long drive ahead of

us, and I just wanted to get her home and finally start our lives together without all of the darkness
hanging over us.

She slept for hours before I pulled into the hotel for the night. We would start again early the next

morning.

Maddison was staying with my mom, because we thought the trip would be easier if we attempted

it alone. I missed her like crazy, and the acknowledgement made me smile. A year ago, who would
have thought I would have a little girl who held my heart, with her momma holding my soul?

For once, things were looking good. I had it all laid out and, damn, my future looked pretty

amazing.

The sound of the shower running pulled my attention away from the television. Knowing she was

only a few feet away, naked and wet, was an invitation I couldn’t let pass me by.

I quickly slipped out of my clothes and entered the bathroom. Her back was to me, and I stood just

inside the shower admiring the view. She still had not noticed me.

The moment she turned around and found me observing her with hungry eyes, she jumped in

surprise. “Oh my god, Colton, you scared the hell out of me.”

“Sorry, just admiring my beautiful fiancée.” I grinned at my own words.
She took a step toward me and ran her soft hands over my chest, intertwining them together behind

my neck. Her slick body pressing against mine, she pulled me down to meet her lips.

I gripped her hips tightly and turned her toward the side of the shower, pressing her against the

wall. Little words were shared as we explored one another. They weren’t needed, because she surely
understood the depth of my love for her.

We were lost in each other. Alex turned away from me and pressed her back against my chest,

wiggling her ass against me and urging me on.

Gripping my hardness, I positioned myself behind her and slowly began to enter her, taking the

time to savor every second.

She had other plans, pushing back against me in one quick movement. I groaned as I gripped her

hips more tightly and held her still.

She looked back over her shoulder and smiled with a devious gleam in her eye. I narrowed my

eyes at her, and her smile grew wider, because she knew exactly what she was doing.

Once I began to move, her movements matched mine and her hips rotated against me. She knew

what I needed and just when I needed it.

We both reached our release quickly. We moaned as I twitched inside her and, in turn, she

quivered from satisfaction.

We dried off and crawled into bed, curling up with one another. I pulled her in tightly and kissed

her lips. “I love you, pretty girl.”

“And I love you,” she whispered. Fatigue was claiming her quickly. I lay awake for a while, just

watching the slight flutter of her breaths and the way her eyelids twitched as she slept. Her arm
draped around my waist held me tightly, as if she needed to know I was going nowhere.

Alex was so strong, and her strength was inspiring. She had been through so much, and all I

wanted was for her pain finally to be over. She deserved to have her dreams come true. It was time
for her happy ending.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Alexis

“When does their flight arrive?” Kori asked.
“In a couple hours,” I said as I pushed the cart through the produce section. “I feel bad that the

house isn’t finished, but at least they have a place to sleep. I mean, could you imagine two more
people in the loft?”

Kori laughed and Maria snorted. “Yeah, I’m sure your brother and sister don’t want to be that

close to you and Colt. Hearing the bed knocking the wall would surely make your brother cringe.”

The thought of Jett overhearing Colt and me made me laugh. “Yeah, I probably wouldn’t want that,

either. Harper, on the other hand, would be standing at the bedroom door, hollering vulgarities.”

“I can’t wait to meet that girl. She sounds like a trip. Colton told me all about their first meeting.”

Maria laughed and Kori smiled.

“Girls, just promise me you won’t take anything she says to heart. She has no filter, I swear.

Sometimes she doesn’t think before she speaks, but she truly is harmless.” I was a little nervous about
Harp. I was terrified she would say something that would offend Kori or Maria.

“No worries. We already warned the boys, and they’re prepared to be undressed by your sister’s

eyes.” Kori’s comment made me laugh. I had been warning them for the last week, doing everything I
could to prepare them for Harper and her personality. She was hard to take if you didn’t know her
very well.

We moved into the house last weekend. It wasn’t finished, but we were outgrowing the loft. Now

that we had all my things as well as Maddison’s toys, the loft just wasn’t big enough. So the guys had
made a weekend of it, painting and laying carpet. They were able complete the two bedrooms.

For the most part, the house was well on its way to happiness. The new fixtures were in the

bathroom, which just needed flooring. Half of the cabinets were up in the kitchen, and the other half
still sat in the garage.

But helping daily to add even the smallest things made me feel useful. I loved being a part of it, as

we pieced our home together as a team.

The third bedroom would be used by Harper, and the family room just off the back of the house

would serve as a place for Jett to stay. They would be visiting for a week. I was more than excited
about their visit. I wanted them to see my life here and meet my new family. I knew they too would
love them like I do.

I told my parents last night about the engagement and the baby. I swore them to secrecy, because I

want to tell Harp and Jett when they arrive. We still have to tell everyone here in Brooklet about the
baby, so my brother and sister will be part of the surprise. They will all find out together. We have
planned a cookout for the arrival of my family.

So after tonight, everyone will know that Colt and I are going to have a baby. I was nervous, but

couldn’t wait to share our excitement with everyone else.

Colt and Maddison were picking the two of them up from the airport, so the girls were gathering

up the goods for our dinner. The guys were on babysitting duty.

We had spent over an hour cutting up things, patting out burgers, and mixing up salads. Now we

were doing our best to stock the refrigerator in the garage, set up the tables, and gather firewood for
the fire.

The sound of tires on the driveway, followed by the slamming of car doors, made my heart race

with excitement.

“Well, where are all the hot cowboys? I’m ready to enjoy the view.” Harper’s voice echoing from

the side of the house made me smile. “Or you could just take off that shirt of yours and flex for me,
Colt. Either way, I’m happy.”

Colt’s chuckle followed by Jett telling her to zip it made the girls smile.
Maddison came running around the side of the house, jumping up and down with excitement.

“Mommy, they’re here, look,” she said, pointing behind her.

The minute Harper saw me, she jogged over to me and hugged me tightly. “You look happy, Al,”

she whispered.

“I am happy, more than you know,” I assured her. She smiled big, and then she noticed Kori and

Maria standing behind me.

“Oh hey, this is Maria, Colt’s sister.” Maria waved and said hi. “And this is Kori, Maria’s best

friend.”

“And a friend of your sister’s,” Kori announced as she smiled at Harper.
“Great to meet you girls. You bring any hot cowboys with you?” Harper asked straight off, and I

let my head fall forward, shaking it from side to side.

“Well, our cowboys aren’t here yet. They’re hot but unfortunately taken,” Maria stated with a big

smile.

“Well, hell, ladies.” Harper winked before scooping up Maddison and spinning her in circles.

“Looks like Aunt Harp strikes out again, baby girl.”

“Girls, this is my brother, Jett.” The moment they looked at Jett, I had to bite my lower lip to keep

from laughing. They both stared in appreciation. I had seen that look a million times. Jett was an
attractive guy who had an effect on most women.

“Nice to meet you, ladies,” Jett cooed and winked. I was glad Gavin and Reed weren’t here yet.

They would be going all macho right about now.

But it didn’t take long for the guys to arrive. They warmed up to Jett pretty quickly. I loved to see

my family intertwined with my new friends. It made my life here even more perfect.

Harper’s loud whistle rang out from the back door as she stepped outside. Maddison had taken her

inside to show off her new bedroom. I knew she was about to start in on Gavin and Reed.

I turned quickly to observe the girls as Harper approached Gavin and Reed. Kori and Maria were

both hiding their laughter behind their hands. I was instantly relieved over the girls’ reactions and
thankful they were not offended by Harper.

“Damn, girls, no wonder you are having babies right and left. These men are hot as hell. I think I

would spend all my time between the sheets too. It should be illegal for country boys to wear jeans

and cowboy boots, because it does things to girls that are kinda dangerous.” Reed’s cheeks reddened,
and Gavin arched an eyebrow toward her.

“I’m feeling a little overheated, slightly feverish.” She looked them up and down while biting her

lower lip. “Seriously, guys, you need to find me a hot man in some tight jeans, with thighs like those,”
she said, pointing at them both.

Kori broke out in laughter, followed immediately by Maria. The entire thing was a great source of

entertainment. The guys noticed the girls laughing and looked a little confused.

“Okay, the joke’s on us,” Reed said. “Is this Lil’ Miss Grabby? Colt, is this the same girl who

assaulted you in Florida?” Harper arched an eyebrow toward Colt.

“Yeah, that’s Harper. Don’t let her get too close, because she has wandering hands.” Colt

chuckled and Harper’s smile grew wider.

Gavin stepped up to Maria. It was funny to see him use her as a shield. “Don’t worry there,

cowboy, you two are safe. I won’t feel ya up.” She winked at them. “At least not when you expect it.”

Colt shook his head and let it hang low. Jett chuckled, and we girls all laughed at the look on

Reed’s and Gavin’s faces. Harper never fails to seriously go all out. She was a riot, and I was so
happy that Maria and Kori did not get offended by her behavior.

The night was so much fun, full of laughter and friendly stories. Jett and Harper were accepted and

fit right in.

Ann stopped by on her way to Gemma’s, per our request, because we wanted to share our news

with her as well. Colt gathered everyone around the fire. They all watched us closely, knowing
something was up.

“Alex and I have some news. Jett and Harper, we wanted to wait until you got here to tell you all

the first part.” He paused and pulled me down onto one knee and Maddison onto the other.

He hugged us sweetly before looking back at my brother and sister. “I asked Alexis to marry me,

and she said yes.”

Jett smiled big, and Harper got up and walked over to hug all three of us. “You better treat her

right, cowboy,” she said before kissing him on the cheek and stepping back.

“You know it. These two girls don’t ever have to worry again.” His embrace was reassuring.
After Harper took her seat alongside Jett, Colt continued.
“We have some more news to share. We spoke with Alex’s parents last night, and we want the rest

of you to know as well. Alex is pregnant.” A surprising squeal escaped Maria, and Ann immediately
began to cry with joy.

The congratulations from around the fire were overwhelming. Jett sat looking at me with a grin on

lips. He still had not said anything, but it was easy to see that he was happy for me.

Once the excitement had died down a bit and I was free of the circle of joyous women, Jett

approached me. He wrapped an arm over my shoulder and pulled me in closer. “I’m happy to see you
like this. I know Colt loves you, and I have no doubt he’ll take care of you. I’m proud of you sis,
really. No one in the world deserves this more than you. It’s time for you to have it all.”

“Your time will come one day too,” I said as I looked up at his smiling face.
“Yeah, maybe one day.” He chuckled, hugging me a little tighter.

***

Later, when Colt and I together tucked Maddison into bed, she still had not said much about the

baby. I was a little worried she might feel jealous. I didn’t want her to feel pushed off, because it had

been just her for so long.

“So, sweetheart, what do you think about mommy having a baby?” I asked. Colt sat on one side of

the bed, with me on the other.

“Will I have to share my room?” she asked.
“Nope,” Colt answered before I could. “The baby will have the room across the hall.” She looked

pleased with that answer. Colt brushed her hair off her face and leaned down a little closer, getting
more on her level. “Princess, you know this baby doesn’t mean we will love you any less. You’ll
always be our princess. You’re gonna have a very special place in my heart always. This baby will
look up to you; you’re gonna be a big sister.”

She smiled big and turned to me. “Can I help you feed the baby and dress ‘em too?” she asked.
“Of course you can. You can help anytime with anything,” I assured her.
Relief washed over me when she began to fall asleep, and just before she dozed off, she

whispered in a sweet sleepy voice, “I’m happy mommy, don’t worry. I love you.”

“I love you too, sweet pea.” My teary eyes locked on Colton’s, and his matched mine. Our sweet

little angel was growing up fast.

Christmas four months later…

Colt

“Babe, you ready? Everyone’s waiting on us.” I hollered up the stairs. Maddison and Alexis

appeared at the top and my face lit up instantly. Slowly they walked down the steps—with each step,
my heart raced faster.

They looked beautiful. Tonight was the kids’ Christmas program at school. Alex had spent the last

hour doing up Maddi’s hair and makeup and putting her in her pretty dress.

Alex herself wore a red dress that hugged her curves perfectly. She looked gorgeous.
Once they reached the bottom step, I grinned down at them. “The two of you are gonna be the

prettiest girls there. You both look beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Maddison replied.
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Are you ready to sing for us?” I asked.
Her face lit up and she giggled. “Yes, I’ve been practicing for weeks.”
Alex took a step to follow behind Maddison, and I stopped her by placing my hand on the small of

her back. Placing my other hand over the small bump at her waist, I kissed her softly. “I love you,
baby. You’re breathtaking.”

“Thank you, handsome. I love you too,” she whispered, kissing me before following behind

Maddison. I stood back, watching them put on their coats and shoes.

They are my world, my life. Those two made me realize life is so much more than I ever thought it

could be. They taught me to love and live. They showed me that feeling isn’t a weakness, that
showing emotion does not make me less of a man.

I would spend the rest of my life giving everything I am to the two of them and our unborn child.

Life now made sense. I had the love that anyone would be lucky to have. I would always hold them
close and protect them, and never again would they worry about feeling unsafe. Their safety was now
in my hands.

***

Alexis

He stood watching us put our coats on, holding that grin that I had seen so often lately. More and

more I would catch him watching us when he didn’t know I was looking. It was almost like a
hypnotized state of admiration. His love for us was something he expressed every chance he got. I
never thought I would be loved again the way he loves me.

The house has been finished for a couple of weeks, and each day it feels more like our home. We

got things moved in and put into place. Now there are Christmas decorations throughout it. Lights are
twinkling and stockings are hanging from the fireplace. This Christmas will be one of the better ones
for Maddison and me, thanks to Colt. He was spoiling us, and it was an amazing feeling.

After we left Maddi in her classroom, we found our seats in the gym. Kori and Reed, Maria and

Gavin, and Gemma, Bud, and Ann were all gathering together. Mikey and Maddi were performing
tonight, and everyone was there to watch. Leann and Ben even came to watch the show.

All the kids began to take their seats, getting ready for the show. Maddison found us in the crowd

and waved as she took her seat. Colt reached out and took my hand in his, smiling proudly as he
looked on at our little angel.

Everything felt right, perfect.
Maddi’s class was first. As the music began flowing from the speakers, Colt and I turned to face

one another with a knowing grin. Maddison had been running around singing this song throughout the
house for weeks. She adored the movie Frozen, and Let it Go was all we heard. Watching her
perform it brought me to tears.

At the moment they reached the chorus, each child tossed a small amount of silver glitter up in the

air, and it fluttered to the ground. Maddison’s face lit up with excitement. It was a moment I will
never forget, one that I will cherish forever.

My angel had safety, security. She was now surrounded by people who loved and adored her. That

meant more to me than anything else. My baby deserved this life.

I looked up at the man who had given both of us this sense of safety. “I love you so much,” I said.
He smiled back at me, leaning in to kiss me softly. “I love you too, baby.”

***

Maria

Seeing my brother so happy made me even happier than I already was. I wanted him to find what I

had. I wanted him to let love in and, now that he has, it is beautiful.

I held my sleeping little boy in a snuggy close to my chest, lightly patting his bottom. I was so glad

he could sleep through almost anything. Mikey would be up shortly, and I wanted to be able to watch
without sneaking out to soothe a crying baby.

“I could have held him, babe,” Gavin whispered against my ear, letting his lips skim over my neck

on purpose.

I turned to face him with our lips only inches apart. “I’m okay,” I whispered.
He placed his lips on mine and nipped at my bottom lip. “Have I told you today how beautiful you

are?” he asked.

“Not today,” I replied.
“I must be slipping.” He trailed his fingers over my cheek. “You are amazing,” he said, looking at

me lovingly.

“Thank you, handsome.” I leaned into his touch. “What’s on your mind, cowboy?”
“Just thinking about how lucky I am. How glad I am that I woke up before it was too late.” He

wrapped an arm around me, pulling Garrett and me closer and placing a kiss on the top of my head
and whispering against me, “I love you.”

“Right back atcha, Mr. Tennison.”
I sat surrounded by my boys, and I couldn’t have been happier. The road to get where we are was

a rocky one, but it had made us stronger. We needed the struggles in life to know that what we have is
real. Gavin is my rock. We fought to make it to the top, but the view from up here is well worth all the
heartache.

***

Gavin

I held Maria close, looking down at my sleeping boy in her arms. I knew what he was feeling,

because his momma made me feel at peace too. She is my solace, my angel who saved me from
darkness.

I was a fool to ever believe I could ignore what I felt for her. All that time wasted, pretending she

didn’t have a hold on me. Never again would I ever waste another moment without her.

Mikey stood along with the rest of his class, and my heart swelled even more. That little man was

my best friend. Without him, today might have been a whole lot different. He had saved Maria and
Garrett, and he would forever be a hero in my eyes. Naming Garrett after Mikey felt like the right
thing to do, after what he had done for his brother.

Garrett Michael Tennison would one day know that his big brother had saved him and his momma.

I would make sure of that. He may not be my blood, but that boy is my son. The love I have for him
and for Garrett is no different. They both are my boys, and Maria feels the same.

My family. I love the sound of that.
My family.

***

Kori

Listening to all the little children sing brought tears to my eyes. Rhett would be out there before I

knew it. I couldn’t believe how big my little man is getting already.

Grace sat on Reed’s lap, playing with his fingers. His knee was bouncing to keep her happy. Rhett

sat between us as he played with my phone. A small ping of sadness lingered in the back of my mind
as I thought about how much Blake had missed out on.

Reed was my first love, the man I was meant to share my life with. I believe that now. Blake was

and would forever be a part of my life, but my heart now belongs to the gorgeous man next to me.

I looked up and our gaze locked. He smiled and winked at me. Damn, my heart still flutters when

he does that. He still makes me feel like he did when I was fifteen and he flirted with me out by the
lake. He could melt me with one look.

“You okay?” he asked, reaching around Rhett. He placed his hand on my back and rubbed gently,

up and down.

“Yeah, I’m good. How could I not be? I have everything I need right here,” I assured him.
“And you always will,” he stated.

***

Reed

I had never felt more complete than I did right now. Everyone I loved sat right here in the same

room, with the exception of my mom and dad.

Dad was at home waiting for Kori and me. We were having dinner at his place tonight. I was

pretty sure Helen would be there too. Helen was a widow friend of his who has been spending a lot
of time with us lately. She was good with the kids and seemed to be able to handle my dad. Not many
people knew how.

My mom’s absence still sat heavy on my chest at times, but I believe she knew how my life turned

out. She knew how I felt about Kori. She knew that I had messed up when I was younger and that I
regretted it more than anything I had ever done. So I had to believe she knew I had found my way back
to the woman who held my heart. No one else ever would.

My kids and Kori are my destiny. I see another little one in there somewhere, but that is a matter

for a later time.

Grace pulled my hand up toward her mouth, and I felt her drool drip down onto my wrist. I shifted

her on my lap and she looked up at me, cooing. My little girl is the perfect miniature version of her
momma. Yeah, she had my eyes, but the rest is Kori. I was in for some trouble when she got old
enough to date. I shivered at the thought.

“What’s wrong with you?” Kori whispered with a grin on her face.
“I just had a thought I didn’t much like,” I whispered back.
“What thought?” she asked curiously.
I looked down at Grace and then back to Kori. “She can’t date, like ever.” Kori giggled, and I

looked at her with a serious expression. “Babe, I ain’t joking. She isn’t allowed to date, not ‘til she is
out of the house. I wouldn’t be able to handle that.”

“What about Rhett?” she asked.
“That’s different,” I replied.
“Not different,” she stated. Before I could reply, she laughed and continued. “It’s a long while

before that time comes, daddy.”

She was right, but I meant what I said. Grace was not dating, at least not if I didn’t go along too.

Acknowledgements

My husband and Children, you three are my world. Thank you for being the most amazing people

in my life. I love you with all my heart and thank you for making it possible for me to accomplish my
goals. For accepting that during my times of writing and editing I may not be all you need but loving
me anyone.

Jillian my PA. Thank you for picking me up when I fall, for motivating me when I need to be and

helping me through my lows. You are without a doubt and angel. You have helped so much in the
short time I have known you. You’re a godsend and I adore you my New York Gal.

Limitless Publishing and everyone behind that name. You are all wonderful. Thank you for all your

help and hard work. You all make this process painless and worth all the energy I put behind my
books.

Mrs. Maria Trojanowski, what would I do without you? You give me a push when I need it most.

If I hit a dull point, I know that in some way you will get me moving again. You are one of the good
ones and I am so thankful that we became friends. Thank you for being there when I need you.

Bloggers thank you all for what you do. Thank you for taking the time to read and review my

Southern Boys series. Without all of you and the hard work you put behind promotional events my
reach would not be as far. You are all amazing.

Thank you to Lydia from HEAbook ShelfBlogger. Have I told you yet how much I love your face?

My late new voxer girl, my laugh so hard I cry partner in crime. Thank you your continuing support
and our midnight emergency reveals. You were a life saver for that one. Don’t forget your pants
love…the garbage man can only take so much leg.

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