Page 79 of Found in Wild Sage

“Probably so.”

I tug my clothes back into place after regretfully sliding my hands from his shirt. He helps me up, then quickly zips and rolls up the sleeping bag. There’s no time to second-guess now because he takes my hand and leads me back along the trail. He opens the camper door, and we go inside together.

Charlie’s still sleeping soundly, so I slip into the tiny bathroom, then trade so Dec can take his turn. We brush teeth at the kitchenette sink and I change into my pajamas behind a strategically located curtain. I narrowly talk myself out of just getting naked right there. The man is my husband after all, and we just about had our way with each other out with the raccoons and rattlesnakes, so why not now?

Except I don’t love the idea of being literally surrounded on all sides by his family, let alone the prospect of Charlie being a mere piece of fabric away from the action.

Yeah, no.

That said, this is the first time we’ll sleep together. Even just sleeping next to him makes my heart flutter.

“I can take the floor over here.”

I turn to see him standing in boxers that show even more of his legs than his running shorts do, and a soft-looking T-shirt perfectly draped over his beautiful shoulders. But it’s the glasses that do me in.

He points to the tiny rectangle of space between the entrance to the camper and another wall. How this six-foot-something man thinks he’s going to curl up into that space is beyond me. But he’s not going to.

“Not a chance.” I grab his hand and pull him with me.

We crawl into the tiny space, not quite nested spoons, but after a moment, we both relax. He leans over and kisses my cheek.

“Night, Evie.”

“See you in the morning.” I smile to myself, hoping I can relax enough to sleep.

With Dec right behind me, it happens faster than ever.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Declan

Waking up with Evie is my new favorite thing.

Well, one of. Because kissing and touching Evie is absolutely my favorite thing, too.

And, though a very different category, even Charlie’s little voice jabbering away as we wake is. Then his, “Mama?”

Evie stirs, but I kiss her neck, take a moment to relish her scent and the sleepy warmth of her, then whisper that I’ll get him.

“Dec!” Charlie greets me with claps and smiles, and I hoist him into the air.

“Did you have a good sleep?”

We chat quietly while I change him, then get him a cup of milk. Soon, Evie crawls out of bed and comes to see Charlie, kissing his round cheek and giving us both a big hug.

This, right here, is the dream.

Finn was right. And I’m determined now, too. I won’t waste it.

And based on last night, there’s reasonable hope it might be at least a version of a dream for her, too.

As much as I want declarations and promises and plans, I will not push any more than I already have. We’ve changed things between us. There’s new intimacy, yes, but there’s also acknowledgement. But it’s not complete. Me saying “you’re my favorite” isn’t the same as “I love you.”

But tonight, we’ll be at home. Our home. Alone. And we can talk there.

Da and Eirinn are nearly finished with breakfast for everyone by the time Evie, Charlie, and I emerge from the camper.

The morning is cool, but it’s too early to have the crisp bite of fall. Some years in my childhood it was already frigid, but not yet this season. I’m wishing I had more of an excuse to hold Evie and Charlie close to keep them warm, but not today.