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“Are you really not able to make it?”
Making sure he had his keys, he shoved his feet into his flip-flops. “Make what?”
“Mom’s birthday.”
He smacked himself with the door. “What?” Eyes watering, he rubbed the spot and tried again.
“I asked her if you were coming tonight but she said you were busy. I wanted you to be with us.”
He looked at his watch. Six at night.
“I’m just on my way. Does anyone need anything?”
“It’s just Mama and me.”
His heart broke for the woman who had quickly come to hold the key for it. She gave so much and yet asked for nothing for herself. Emma wouldn’t do anything for herself even if it was offered for free. Her single-minded determination was all for her daughter.
“I’m on my way.”
“Okay.” She hung up and he ran for his truck. What kind of guy was he that he didn’t even know his fiancée was celebrating her birthday? After swinging up into the cab, he drove away, moving swiftly through Rock Falls.
At Emma’s he noticed the Acadia was gone, so most likely Dawson was off somewhere. Part of him thought he should have gotten some flowers before he arrived, but he hadn’t wanted to stop. He took a moment before knocking on the door to gather himself.
Once he’d knocked, he leaned against the door and waited. Then it opened and he promptly lost his breath. Emma’s thick brown locks were tossed up in a bun at the top of her head. Some wisps had escaped, framing her features like he longed to do with his hands.
“Linc? What are you doing here?”
He dragged his gaze over her. A black shirt dotted with stars hung off one shoulder, baring that smooth creamy skin he longed to taste. Spearmint-green shorts peeked out from beneath the bottom of the shirt. Her toes were painted a new color—a vibrant blend of pink and purple with a shimmery finish. The hand she had on the door glinted and he was thrilled she still wore his ring.
Cupping the nape of her neck, he drew her close to him and kissed her, slanting his mouth over hers and dragging his tongue along the seam of her lips. When she parted them on a gasp, he delved inside. She tasted like lime and mint, even though she still filled his nose with the perfect combination of crisp apples and warm caramel.
He stroked through her mouth, touching all he could even as he brought her closer to him, craving her curves tight against his. When she curled her fingers into his shirt, he nearly backed her into the nearest wall to indulge.
“Mama? Linc?”
Cockblocked by a child.
He ended the kiss yet kept her close. “Happy birthday,” he murmured against her lips.
Something indescribable moved across her eyes. The smile she gave wasn’t the one he wanted to see from her. This was the practiced smile, the one the Stevensons got.
“Linc! You came!” Greer inserted herself between them. “See what I gave Mama.”
Her small hand settled in his and she pulled him into the living room. Going with her, he stole a glance over his shoulder at Emma who stood where he’d left her, fingers dancing along her lips like she still felt his kiss.
Good, because he sure as fuck still did.
Greer stopped by a quilted throw and tipped her head up to him, her grin blinding. “I made that for Mama.”
He reached for it only to stop and look at her. “May I touch it?”
She nodded and sat on the sofa by him as he took his time looking at the gift this little girl had made for her mother. The fabric was made up of blues, purples, silvers, and grays.
“This is incredible, Greer. I bet your mama loves it.”
“I do.” Emma stood by Greer. “I’m so proud of her for doing this. And I didn’t even know she was working on it.”
Greer grinned and tipped her head up to scrunch her nose at Emma. That move got the unreserved smile he coveted. Skimming his gaze over Greer, he noticed the scar on her head was almost fully healed.
“I kept it at Dawson’s.”
Emma cupped her daughter’s face. “I love it, Greer. Thank you. Could you do me a favor and check on the timer for dinner?”
“Okay.” She vanished into the kitchen.
“What are you doing here, Linc? Did she call you? You didn’t have to come. You shouldn’t have come.”
“Why didn’t you tell me it’s your birthday? I would have taken you out for dinner.”
“Almost ready, Mama. I’m setting another place for Linc.”
She flattened her lips and he knew she was pissed. “Thank you, Greer.” Her sharp gaze never left his.
He swiped his thumb along her lower lip. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“How do you plan on doing that?”
Linc moved closer. “How would you like me to?” Another pass with his thumb. “On my knees? Back? We both know I wasn’t lying when I said I was yours to command.”
