Page 72 of Hope and Country

“It’s okay,” Devon said. “I love hearing all about you. And I agree with Robin. Your heart is at the right place, Riley. And I’m lucky I’m the woman you opened it to.”

I lifted my ass from the sofa and kissed her lips.

Because hours without being able to touch her the way I craved felt like torture.

My father raised his tumbler. “Devon, this is your official welcome into the family.” He moved to his feet and hugged her, dropping a kiss on her cheek. “And I couldn’t agree more. You two look perfect for each other. Riley is lucky he found you.”

A waterfall blurred my vision. No, dad. She found me. My father’s words once again went straight to my heart, and I realized that, for the first time in my life, I had everything I ever wished for.

Hope made a yapping sound, and everyone burst out laughing, chasing away my emotional overload.

Maybe she agreed too.

27

DEVON

“My parents loved you,” Riley said, holding my hand in his on the drive back. “Again, I’m sorry for my mother. She was out of line and a tad too assertive.”

I grinned at Riley’s perplexed expression, and I squeezed his upper arm.

“It’s fine. She’s your mom. She cares about ya. I would give anything for my mother to be here and begging me for grandkids.”

A tiny tremor shook my heart at the mention of my own mother.

“I’m sorry, Dev. I would have loved to meet her. I’m sure she was as amazing as you are. She still lives in you, though.”

I closed my eyes to calm the emotions battling inside me.

“I know. I’m sure she helped me escape that night. Gave me the courage to put a stop to the violence. To not end up like she did. And for what it’s worth, she would have loved you. When I was little, I was into fairy tales. Big time. Obsessed would be the correct word. My mom would read me stories about knights in shining armor every night before bed. And told me I looked like a princess.” I paused, to settle the flutters firing inside me. “And you, Riley Burns, you made my little girl’s wishes come true. You saved me. In more ways than you can imagine. You put pink and glitter in my gray existence. You showed me what true love is all about. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.”

We rode home in silence.

“Do you think you’ll be ready to meet my friends next week?” my handsome man asked after he pulled the car into the garage. “Adam and Brooklyn will be in town on Friday night. They don’t live around here, but every few weeks, we meet and catch up. This time they are flying here.”

I looked at him. “I’d like that. But I won’t intrude on your boys’ night.”

“You won’t. You’re in my life. I love ya. I want my friends to get to know you.”

Needy and missing the feel of his body, I moved to straddle him, playing with his hair strands. A loud groan left Riley’s mouth. I knew how he enjoyed my fingers massaging his scalp.

“You sure?”

We watched each other. The air thickened around us. My breast swelled at the heat searing in his gaze.

“Affirmative. And next month we’re going to that fundraiser Carter and April are throwing to benefit their charity. It’s their new project, and I’m sure it will be a success. Everything Carter touches turns to gold. Well, almost. I’ll tell you stories some other time. Everyone I care about will be there. You’ll fit right in. I know you will.” Riley stole a kiss. “About Friday night, do you need to think about it?”

I shook my head.

“No. I’ll go wherever you go, Riley. Because I love you. And trust you. And it was a big leap of faith for me to trust someone, and you exceeded every expectation. I’d like you to meet my best friend too.”

“The one from the rooftop bar who never showed up?”

“Yeah.”

Riley cradled my face.

“Baby, I’m so sorry.”