Page 76 of Sterling Clay

Guilt slams into me and I swipe a hand down my face.

“If you’d still like to go out without me, I’m still going to let Dutton go with Violet. He’s been looking forward to it. They might pick up Winnie and go get pizza.”

Fuck. “No, I do not want to go out without you. I only said that because—” Because I want to spend all my time with her. I want her here where I know she’s safe. She’s home.

Mavis nods and turns for the door, but I catch her elbow. Glancing up at me, over her shoulder, our eyes lock. “We’ll talk. Once Violet and Dutton are gone.”

I definitely need a do-over for this night.

+ + +

With extra hugs for Dutton from Mavis, and a hug from me as well reassuring him everything is well, Violet and Dutton leave.

Mavis shuts the front door once they pull down the drive and leans her back against it.

“I messed up,” I admit.

Mavis stares at me a long minute. “I’m not sure if I should be upset that you raised your voice or that you asked me to live with you during what felt like a fight.”

Swiping a hand over my head again, I huff. “We weren’t fighting.” We just were not agreeing. “You’re here. I don’t want you to leave.” Maybe I just assumed she’d stay.

“Then tell me that.” Her voice is still hard.

“Look, butterfly. I’m not professing to be perfect. We’re gonna fight. Voices might rise. But I never ever want you to feel threatened by me. I want you to feel safe. I want my home to be our home. And I want to feel confident that you’ll stay for the long haul, just like I want you to feel confident that I’m returning home to you each and every night.”

“Like when you tell me you’re going out. You’re promising you’ll be back.”

Fuck. Did that trigger her? I step closer to her, wishing she’d come away from the front door.

“I’m promising. I just . . . I just said that before. I didn’t want to leave. I’ve been waiting all day to be home. With you. With Dutton.” I sigh, glancing around my living room. “And I ruined your surprise for me.”

Mavis purses her lips and lowers her gaze.

“Tell me what you had planned.”

She shrugs. A tear trickles along her nose and she quickly swipes at it. “I just wanted to celebrate being paid. It’s been a while and it felt good to make money again. Make my own money. First steps and all that.”

“First steps for what, baby?”

“Regaining some independence. Feeling like I can do something. A future will happen for Dutton and me.”

I close the distance between us, cupping her shoulders. “Of course a future will happen for you and Dutton. You’re employed and that sounds important to you. You’re making your own money. And you’re safe here.”

Mavis nods and a tear slips from her eye, one I kiss away.

“I’m sorry I raised my voice. And I’m sorry if I scared Dutton.” The kid was definitely concerned about leaving Mavis. With a deep exhale, I slide my hands down her arms to capture her fingers. “We’re good, Mavis. If you want to move out, move. Whatever you want to do. I’d never pin those wings of yours, butterfly. But I want you to stay. Forever.”

I swallow around the word certain I’ve never said it before to anyone.

“I’m falling for you, and that might scare you. It scares me. But I’m here and if you need to leave for a while, I’ll be waiting. That’s my promise.” I squeeze her hands. “Whatever you need.”

Mavis lifts her head. Her eyes glistening. “I’m falling for you, too, honey. And it scares me as well. So many what ifs constantly running through my head.”

“Tell me what they are so I can cancel them out for you.”

“What if you get bored with us. What if you decide you do want us to leave. What if you think we’re taking advantage of you. What if I don’t need saving and you’re no longer interested because I—”

I cover her mouth with my fingers, shaking my head.