Page 186 of Contentious

“Is it bad that I’m happy we don’t have to see him anymore?”

“No, sweetie. It’s totally normal to feel that way when someone disappoints you.”

“Will you guys stay with me until I fall asleep?”

“We will,” Carson said as he sat on the bed, next to Cresley. “We’re right here.”

Cresley doled out a series of kisses that looked to be a familiar routine for them.

Ty giggled when she kissed his neck.

“He’s very ticklish on his neck, Carson.”

“That’s good to know for when I’m back to wrestling strength.”

“Why’d you tell him that, Mom? Now he’ll use it against me.”

“That’s right, I will.”

“You’ll have to figure out where he’s ticklish,” Cresley said.

Ty smiled. “That’s a good idea. I love you guys.”

“Love you, too,” Carson said gruffly.

“Love you more than the whole world, buddy,” Cresley said when she kissed him.

“Love you more than the whole universe.”

“He always has to get the last word,” Cresley said, laughing.

Ty was smiling when he turned on his side.

Cresley rubbed his back.

Carson took hold of her free hand and gave it a squeeze that she returned.

He saw tears sliding down her face, every one of them gutting him.

At some point in the past couple of weeks, these two people had become his whole world, and he couldn’t wait to talk to her about what was next for the three of them. She’d be rattled after the incident with Ty, so tonight wasn’t the time, but hopefully soon.

“He’s asleep,” Cresley whispered a few minutes later.

“Will he be scared if he wakes up alone?”

“He won’t wake up. Swimming wears him out like nothing else, and he’ll be out cold until the morning.”

They each gave him another kiss before they tiptoed from the room.

In the hallway, she turned and wrapped her arms around him, moving carefully so she wouldn’t hurt him. “I just want to say that if I hadn’t already been in love with you, I would be after the way you cared for my baby. You said all the things he needed to hear, and I can never thank you enough.”

“Oh… I… You’re in love with me?” Did his voice sound squeaky?

She laughed. “Did you hear anything else I said?”

“Not really. Say the good part one more time so I can make sure I heard you correctly.”

“I am completely and totally and helplessly in love with you, Carson. I know it’s not what you wanted, and I’ll understand if it’s too much, but⁠—”