Page 66 of Everlasting Vows

I sigh as I wipe my fingers on a napkin. “We should make this a regular thing again.”

I catch Nix nodding out of the corner of my eye. “I’d like that.”

Relaxing into the seat, I drop my hand on Nix’s firm thigh. He covers it, linking our fingers together. “Are you looking forward to Prue starting with you next week?”

“I am. Once she’s familiar with the installation process, I’ll employ another electrician to support her so she’s not going into homes alone as a solo woman. I think I’ll build a team around her, so we can expand that side of the business.”

I grin at him. Trust him to think of our daughter’s safety.

“I know she always worked in pairs at her last job, and it makes sense. It’ll be nice to have her as part of the Steele Security team, and she’ll bring a sense of fun to the office.” He exhales a long, heavy breath. “I’m also in the process of finding five more security specialists to add to the team. That way I can concentrate on scheduling and chasing contracts … growing the business while ensuring I reduce my working hours.”

I’m not surprised, but I am. Since that dreadful day, he’s made significant changes. He’s made the effort to be more available. More present. I guess I didn’t trust that it would be permanent, but with these changes, they will be. I twist my body and lean over the console to kiss him—a sweet kiss to show my gratitude—then pull away a little and capture his eyes. “Thank you.” I shake my head a little. “Those two words don’t seem enough to convey how much I appreciate you for choosing me … choosing us.”

He slides his fingers into my hair, cupping my cheek. “I should have always chosen you. You shouldn’t have to thank me for that,” he grumbles, then captures my mouth in a bruising kiss.

I finish rubbing the moisturizing cream into my arms, then drop my butt onto the mattress. My heart feels full to bursting with hope and happiness. Everything’s going so well and I think Nix and I are on the right track to staying married. Heat rises from my chest as I replay dry humping my husband in a public place. My fingers stray to my cheeks without instruction, and a chuckle bubbles up, quickly growing into a full-on belly laugh. Gosh, it felt great. The whole night was incredible. The intimacy, the laughter, the talking. I want to do it again and again.

I grab my phone to text Callie because I need to share with someone, and she’s always asking for updates.

Abbi

I just came home from the best date night

It doesn’t take long before my phone lights up with her reply.

Callie

Ahhhh, tell me all about it

Abbi

He took me to one of our old make-out spots because it’s where he first told me he loved me

Callie

Awwww, so sweet!

Abbi

We laughed together

I can’t remember the last time we really let go like that

Callie

I remember you guys always laughing at anything and everything

That reminder is like a punch to the gut. We did. We always had so much fun together.

Abbi

I know

And we talked

So much

Callie