AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You want to live together?”
Unable to speak, I simply nod and wait.
“I’d like that. Let’s do it.”
“Really?”
“Love doesn’t operate on a set timeline. What we have is real. I know a good thing when I see it. And you, sir, are the best damn thing I’ve ever seen. I love you.”
Like we’re made of magnets, unable to resist the pull, our lips collide once more. We don’t rush our kiss, simply settling into it and allowing love to flow between us.
Sometimes it’s the hardest challenges in life that give us the biggest reward. Forgiving her wasn’t easy, but it was the best damn decision I’ve ever made.
All this time, she thought she was earning me. But in truth? I had to earn her with my forgiveness. And she’s so damn worth it.
She’s the sweetest reward.
Epilogue
A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER
KLEIN
Caroline elbows me in the ribs so hard I nearly double over.
“Oof.Dammit, sis. What the hell was that for?”
Instead of answering, she gestures to the dining table where Mia and my mom work together on a puzzle. We’re creeping on them from the edge of the kitchen.
“Just wondering how you landed her. She’swayout of your league.”
I nudge her back, but with less force because I’m a gentleman. “Excuse me, but I am a catch. If not for the baking alone, have you seen these biceps?” I flex just to rile her up.
She rolls her eyes and makes a gagging motion.
“Don’t be fooled by Mia’s brilliant mind, vivacious personality, gorgeous hair, smokin’ body, radiant smile, selflessness, heart of gold, quick wit, and horrible laugh. She has one fatal flaw. And it’s a doozie.”
My sister quirks her head at me and pinches her brows so fiercely you can almost hear them creak under the pressure. “By all means, look your beautiful gift horse in the mouth.”
“She may seem perfect, and I admit, she’s damn close to it. But…” I pause for dramatic effect. “Despite loving every pie I’ve made for her, she insists that cake is superior.” To sell my disappointment, I add a tsk and wag of my head.
Caroline grumbles, “Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
She blows me off to join them at the table, and I saunter behind, having already put the finishing touches on dessert. It’s Italian night, and I made my orgasmic cannoli pie to accompany Mia’s chicken parmigiana.
My sister came to town this morning, despite concerns over her safety, given the heightened threat against Redleg. Caroline isn’t one to shy away from anything. And she promised to stay close to me and follow all my safety instructions. She wouldn’t let us delay making a decision about our mother any longer.
Personally, I think she wanted a few days away from her kids and husband. Not that anyone would blame her for that.
Tomorrow, I’m supposed to take Caroline to visit various memory care facilities in the area. But if all goes well, that won’t be necessary.
Seated at the table with the smell of garlic wafting through the house from the oven, I take a moment to study my family. My mother is perfectly content tonight, and Mia and Caroline are hitting it off, which doesn’t surprise me. I can’t imagine anyone not liking either of them, least of all each other.
Mia’s hair is tied in a low braid, and she’s got on the cutest green romper. I can’t wait to peel it off her later.
She’s been nervous these last few days. First, about meeting Caroline, but also because she has a three-way video call scheduled tonight with her sisters.
Mia and Portia have talked on the phone several times during the last few weeks. They’re slowly rebuilding their relationship. Apparently, Claire needed some warming to the idea of speaking to Mia. Portia finally convinced her, and tonight’s the night.
