Page 131 of After the Rain

Grady shook his head. “Nope. She’s out.” He pulled me close, brushing his lips over mine. “Why? Whatever could be on your mind?”

“I was just thinking about some promises you made back in Texas that involved christening all the rooms in the house.”

Even though it was dark, I could see the glint of mischief in Grady’s eyes. “I did say that, didn’t I?”

“You sure did.”

He looked around, gaze settling on the end of a long hallway. “The kitchen will have to wait, but,” he paused, grabbing my head and tugging me down the darkened space, “we could always make use of our new bedroom.”

I laughed as he kissed me deeply and passionately, my body relaxing in his arms as he trailed his mouth down my jaw to my neck. “Wait, there’s something I need to do first,” I said, stepping away and pulling my phone up. Pulling up the family text thread, I checked the time. 11:11 p.m. Then, I glanced at Grady before typing the words I had always longed to say.

Cleo

I’m home.