“I’ll go clean up,” I whisper against his lips. “Don’t let them talk you into a read-a-thon.”
He smiles. “I won’t. I’ll be right out.”
I pick up the living room, listening to Wes’ low hum as he reads, his voice lowering into a low rumble at times when he mimics a troll, then an ear-piercing squeal when he’s the princess in distress. The kids laugh, then beg Wes for another story, and I groan internally when he relents and reads one more.
I find Kitty under our bed and manage to coax her out. She’s white and fluffy with piercing yellow eyes. I cradle her against my chest and bury my face in her soft fur. I never thought I’d be a pet person, but I guess there are a lot of things I didn’t think I’d be. Happy, content, in love. Living with my boyfriend. Having a job I love. I don’t know if I’ll ever be completely at peace with my past, but at this point, I’m okay with that. Wes has become my rock. He pulls me out of my head with his easy smiles and generous touches. He drags me out of bed for a run on the days when I don’t feel like facing the world. He reminds me thatthere’s a whole world out there and that it’s wonderful for the most part.
I put Kitty on the bed, then get ready to turn in. I lie down, and as I wait for Wes, I check my phone and notice I’ve got a text from Mike.
Mike:Look what Dennis and I caught!
There’s a picture of a beaming Dennis, holding up two large halibuts.
Mike:We’re saving them for when you guys come down, and then we’ll grill them.
Mike and I have become pretty good friends. His personality is similar to mine, and in many ways, he gets me. He lost his dad when he was thirteen, and although it’s not the same, I’ve lost my dad too. I haven’t heard from him since that day at my sister’s place when I finally stood up to him. My mom has called a couple of times, trying to smooth things over with her ‘boys will be boys’ approach, but I’m done. I’m not saying I wouldn’t forgive my dad if he were truly genuine and wanted to change, but at this point, I’m not holding my breath.
I shoot back a text.
Me:Looks good! Can’t wait.
Mike:How’s the sleepover going?
Me:Wes is in his true element.
Mike:Of course he is.
Me:Any news from the agency?
Mike:Not yet, but I have a good feeling about this summer.
I smile. I can’t wait to see Mike and Dennis as parents, and I hope it’ll happen soon.
Me:Me too. Say hi to Dennis for me.
Mike:Will do. Talk soon.
I yawn, stretching in bed, and Kitty jumps at my feet. I wiggle my toes, and she digs her claws into my socks. I play with her for a little while, then I go look for my man.
The living room is quiet. Too quiet. I crouch in front of the tent, then climb inside. Wes is in the middle, Mia on one side, her arm slung over his chest, Mason is glued to his other side, Tigger in his arms. They’re all snoring softly, the book resting on Wes’ chest.
A slow smile spreads across my face as I take them in. Wes’ face is relaxed, his lips curled into a cute pout. He’s so beautiful. My heart tightens at how grateful I am for this man who turned my life upside down. I fought him so hard in the beginning, but every morning I wake up so fucking grateful he didn’t give up on me. That he persisted and insisted that we belong together, because we do. He makes me wish for things I didn’t think I could have, like marriage and a family of my own one day. I hope that together we’ll be the kind of fathers that neither of us had growing up. Present, caring, selfless.
I grab a blanket and place it over Wes and the kids, tucking them in. Then I lie down next to Mia. I reach over her sleeping form and find Wes’ hand on top of his chest, still holding the book. I carefully take it from his hold, and he mumbles something unintelligible in his sleep. I place the book behind me, then link my fingers with his. He’s so warm and soft. His fingers squeeze around mine, but he doesn’t wake.
“I love you,” I whisper, then close my eyes. My body grows heavy, and the stillness surrounds me, the occasional snore breaking through the quiet. Then I drift off to sleep, everything I need, love, and could ever want tucked safely inside a small tipi.
Chapter 33
Wes - Epilogue
Twoyearslater
I blink my eyes open as soon as there’s some pressure on my chest, finding a pair of yellow eyes staring down at me, giving me a death glare that says,Where’s my food, hu-mon?Or I pretend Kitty’s saying it because she does it every morning.
I glance at the clock, and it’s just before seven. “Couldn’t give me ten more minutes, huh?” I reach for the other side of the bed to find it cold.
Meow.
