Spence tipped my chin up, touching his mouth to mine in a chaste kiss. “Baby, I do know you, and I understand that you need to be sure about us. We can go as slow as you need. Because I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere. Never doubt that.”
Allowing myself to give in to my feelings was a huge risk. The pieces of my life had been held together by shreds of tape and thin threads of fabric for so long. Yet, with every passing day, a small part of me healed. A lot of that had to do with Spence. And even though the fear was there, I knew one thing for sure …
I don’t want to let this go.
A couple weeks later
“Hey, babe.”
There was something about Aunt Vicki’s voice that always calmed my nerves. I couldn’t help but smile as I bent to hug her before taking my seat across from her. “Hi. Sorry I’m late.”
My last meeting had lasted longer than expected. Mostly because the seller wanted to review every line item on the purchase agreement. And because he commanded me to hop on his dick. Which was why Spence was my favorite client.
“You’re fine,” she assured.
Glancing around the restaurant, I asked, “Is Uncle Linc coming?”
She tipped her head toward the back of the place. “He’ll be right back. Went to the restroom.” She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I’m a little surprised you wanted him to join us today.”
Honestly, I was, too. Typically, our lunch dates were reserved for me and her. But things had changed so drastically in a matter of months, I felt the need to touch base with two of the most important people in my life. “I just wanted to spend some time with both of you.”
She seemed to accept that answer because she smiled. “That’s nice.”
Uncle Linc joined us. “Hey, niece.” He kissed my brow and slid into the booth next to me.
We spent a few minutes catching up, mostly talking about the upcoming wedding. It was good to see Uncle Linc excited about something. He’d always been pretty stoic, and I knew it was because he’d been through so much. My uncle had the distinction of being the only member of my family that survived his battle against addiction. It took him losing hiswife and kids for a time, but he’d fought for the life he wanted and won. I admired him so much.
I sighed wistfully. “I’m happy for Sloane and Maddox. And you, Uncle Linc.”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and squeezed tightly. “Thanks, Laiya. I told Sloane she might have to hold me up while we’re walking down the aisle.”
Aunt Vicki patted his hand. “You’ll be fine, Linc. Just remember … married or not, she’ll still need you. And she’ll steal your food when she visits, call at all times of the night to ask questions about random stuff, and drop her babies off and run out before you can catch her.”
Uncle Linc raised a brow. “Babies?”
Laughing, I asked, “Let me guess … Dallas?”
“Chile, yes,” Aunt Vicki confirmed.
“I thought you knew something I didn’t.” Uncle Linc chuckled, sipping his coffee.
My aunt shook her head. “As far as I know, Sloane isn’t pregnant. But Blake? She might be.”
I slapped my hand on the table. “I knew it.”
“She still hasn’t said anything yet,” she said. “But I have a feeling somebody is pregnant.”
The waitress returned with our food. After a few minutes, I announced, “I’m seeing someone.” My aunt and uncle paused, forks midair. “I know it’s soon after the divorce, but I just wanted you to know.”
“Babe, we already know about you and Spencer.”
I gaped.I’ma slap Sloane. “Who told you?”
My uncle snickered. “You and Spencer. When y’all walked out of the engagement party forty minutes after you arrived … three hours late.”
A blush worked its way up my neck, and I ducked my head, pushing my salad around my plate. “Point taken.”
“You know I’m not surprised,” Aunt Vicki said. “But I’m glad you’re finally letting yourself explore it.”
