Page 126 of Sterling Heat

“How was I wrong?” Her eyes fill with concern, but I never want her to have doubts again. I don’t want her to question me or my intentions with her. With us.

“A woman didn’t trip before my bakery. An angel fell from heaven in that rainstorm. I took one look at her, and I knew I’d never be the same. I’d never want to let her go.”

“Then why were you always pushing me away?”

I lick my lips, the truth salty and thick on them. “I was scared. I was afraid I’d lose you like I’ve lost everyone else.” My mom. Clint’s mom. My dad. Even Stone to his disappointment in me.

“I didn’t think I was good enough,” I admit. “Fuck, I didn’t think I’d ever be a dad or a man in love. But there you were, telling me you were pregnant. And that first kiss. Then you came back, and Adara came along. And I just wanted it all. Her. You. Us. But I didn’t trust myself.”

Enya stares at me, hands on my chest, certainly feeling my heart hammering. “Then I’ll trust you for the both of us.”

I nod, the movement growing heavier and heavier until I pull her to me again, holding the back of her head and the base of her spine, breathing her in. Grounding myself in her.

I turn only my head in the direction of Vale who has given us space and walked with Adara toward the front window. Outside, red and blue lights whirl, and the roar of a car engine comes to life.

“He’s gone,” Vale calls out. She twists to face where Enya and I embrace. “It’s over.”

I stare at my sister, holding Adara. She gives me a wink before lifting Adara and pressing a kiss to her head. My sister loves babies. But more importantly, she already loves this little one as much as me.

I release Enya from my arms but cup her shoulders. “I can’t promise there won’t be more trouble. Someday.” My past is still there, lingering behind me.

Enya is already shaking her head, offering a tender smile but one full of promise. “Then, we’ll face it together.”

How did I get so fortunate? “Why? Why are you so good to me?”

“Because I love you.” Her hand slides to my jaw, tugging at the sharp edge of my face. The strength of her words is in her touch, in her gaze.

“I love you,” I say again, the words easier this time.

Her smile grows stronger. Heat warms her eyes. She’s everything I denied and all that I ever wanted.

“Say it again,” I whisper, lowering my forehead to hers.

“I love you. You’re mine. You’re ours.”

“I’m yours,” I whisper before brushing my lips against hers, like that first kiss. When I wanted more and took a risk to sip at such sweetness.

True to her, Enya meets my mouth, and strikes the match, igniting this kiss until only heat and hearts exist.

Love flames between us.

I’m never going to deny her again.

+ + +

Hours later, official statements are made, and the floor is mysteriously cleaned. I want to have the entire house sanitized from that man’s presence. But first, I need to shower myself. I want to wash off the grime of a motorcycle ride and the stench of that man on my hands.

Vale explained how she drove down the highway, calling me after she called 9-1-1 immediately upon leaving Enya’s. She parked out of sight up the road and waited, knowing I’d appear like a vigilante, but also hopeful Stone would be right behind me. Which he was. My oldest brother is always there for me. My younger sister always looking out for me.

As I stand in Enya’s shower, I face the spray and let the water pummel my face, hopeful the pressure washing will cleanse my thoughts.

Who knows what Rodger Neil would have done to either of my flames? I shiver at the thought of both of them being extinguished. Fear consumes me again.

Fear means you care, Vale once told me. If you weren’t scared, you’ve lost feeling.

I’d been scared. For all my denials of fatherhood and family, when both options stared me in the face, I couldn’t walk away. I wanted them with a fierceness I hadn’t recognized yet.

Love. I cannot live without it. Enya and Adara are love.