Turning in the driver’s seat, I face her. “Of course we can. This place doesn’t have a bed either, remember? We just need to take the four-wheeler.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I just had this really overwhelming feeling that I never want to see the inside of that house again.”
“And you don’t have to. Come on, let’s go home.”
Giving her hand one last squeeze, I pull the door open and wait for her.
Looking back at the house, I can only see the bad memories that happened here. I can’t imagine how she’s feeling. And I won’t ever make her do anything she isn’t ready for, including moving all their things on my own to our house.
“I think this is the last of it.” Cooper says breathlessly dropping a box on the kitchen table.
He has tirelessly packed and moved everything out of the old house next to Aggie and Tommy. Wyatt is still hiding away in his house and ignoring everyone. He only goes to work and comes home. And I feel like things won’t ever get back to normal for us. Like I’m never going to stop looking over my shoulder.
It took me nearly a month to even let Cooper go in and pack stuff up to bring it here. He’s been going over to get things as we need them, but this was the official move out.
Sophia comes tomorrow and she’ll move into Wyatt’s cabin. I’m not sure how that’s going to go with his current attitude. But I guess we’ll see if the real Sophia is still in there with her sassy attitude.
“Thank you for doing that. I appreciate you.” I slide my arms around his middle.
“Is that so? Maybe we can show each other a little appreciation later?” He winks.
“Can’t wait.” I wink at him.
“Mommy! Done wif my baf!”
I kiss Cooper, too quickly for my liking. “Duty calls. Meet me in our room in thirty?”
“You know I’ll be there. Tell my princess I’ll come read her a story in just a few.”
He winks at me before walking into the kitchen to finish washing the dishes.
Sexiest thing he does, hands down.
A little more than half an hour and we’re finally alone in our room, laying together, tangled in each other and naked.
Cooper is tracing circles around my nipples and breasts.
“You know, I don’t think I’ve ever told you that I love you,” he says into the dark.
“We haven’t said it. But I know you love me. It’s in everything you do, like how you love my daughter and read her stories with voices.” I shift to look up at him. “You’ve told me, and I hope that I’ve told you.”
“Everyday. I feel it everyday. I’ve felt it before in another lifetime, and the day I saw you I knew my heart was finally home.” His lips take mine, soft and hot.
“You’re my home.” I repeat.
“Forever.”
10 months later
“Miss Peterson, we have some news.” My lawyer says, calling my attention.
When I got a letter from the life insurance company that I owe all the money back, I hired a lawyer that Wyatt recommended.
“Hi.” Cooper and I stand and walk over. “What time will I be testifying?”
“Well, that’s the good news. You aren’t going to have to. Both defendants have taken plea deals.”
My mouth falls open. “But, that was my deal with the company. I wouldn’t have to owe the money if I testified. I can’t pay that money back! I don’t have it and I won’t be able to make it.”
