Page 69 of The Pilot

Maine was nearing the end of winter, and while they didn’t get any massive snowstorms this season, one could still blow in at any time.

He could remember growing up thirty years ago, when they’d get snow in November and it would stay on the ground until April . . . even on the coast. The water in Lobster Cove would freeze, and if they were very lucky, he and his brothers would get to go out and play on the ice. Now it was rare for the cove to freeze over at all, and they certainly didn’t have snow on the ground for nearly as long.

“I don’t mind,” Harper said with a shrug. “Better than snow. Trying to get to work before the plows do their thing sucks. And snow makes work so much crazier. People have to go out and stock up on toilet paper, bread, and milk. I’d much rather it be ten degrees outside. It makes people stay home where it’s warm.”

“Spoken like a true Mainer,” Linc joked.

“Well, I am a true Mainer,” Harper said, pretending to be offended.

“So you are. It just took you a hot second to remember that and get your butt back here.”

She laughed. “True. Linc?”

“Yeah, sweetheart?”

“I love you. It was really nice to come home to you waiting for us tonight instead of an empty house, or my dad, who was usually scowling and demanding to know why it took so long for me to get home.”

“I worried about you the entire time you were gone. I can’t wait to go with you guys next time.”

“Kash would love that.”

“He was texting me most of the time you were gone.”

“I know. He say anything interesting?”

“Well, I know the name of every nebula he saw, and the name of the fancy telescope, and how much it costs, and I think he has a crush on the guide you guys had.”

Harper giggled. “He did hang on her every word, but I thought it was because she was so smart.”

“Why do you think he has a crush on her?” Linc asked.

“Today was a good day. A great day. The only thing that would’ve made it better was if you were there to share it with us.”

“You needed the time with your son. You haven’t had one-on-one time with him in months.”

“I know, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t miss you.”

“And that feels amazing. Thank you. I missed you too. It wasn’t the same puttering around here without you.”

Harper smiled. “You ready for bed? Think you can sleep?”

“Welllll,” Linc drawled. “Maybe not immediately. Can you think of anything that might tire me out?”

Harper grinned, her nipples already tightening at the naughty thoughts running through her head. “I might have an idea or two.”

“I thought so. By the way, I talked to my doctor today. I have an appointment next week for a checkup and to discuss my vasectomy.”

“So soon?” Harper asked with a small frown.

Linc had dropped his hands from her face and clasped them at the small of her back. “I see no reason to wait. I’m ready to ditch the condoms, and it’s not as if I’m going to change my mind about children in the future.”

“I just don’t want you to regret it.”

“I won’t. Unless you’ve changed your mind.”

“No,” she said immediately.

“And you should know, you’re it for me. I want to make you mine officially. And be yours officially. Not today, not tomorrow. But when you and Kash are ready. If that’s this year, great. If it’s in five years, no problem. But I need you to know where I stand. I’m not making any rash decisions here, Harper. I’m old enough to know what I want, and I know when I’ve found it. And you’re it. You and Kash.