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“I’m not leaving again.”
Both Slade and Dex have dark hair and trim builds. But Dex wears his hair longer, almost shaggy, and he has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen. When he stands back to look at Slade, I notice the long lashes veiling his eyes, the kind of lashes that are wasted on a man.
He’s a looker, all right. He’s also a man on a mission. Once he greets Slade, he immediately turns back to Joss. It’s obvious he’s here for her.
I know what’s happening. I know, because I experienced it myself. He’s learned to deal with his emotional trauma. He’s ready to face the world again.
Dex just unpaused his life.
chapter thirty-five
six months later
SLADE GIVES MEa lingering kiss as he greets me.
“I made breakfast,” I announce with pride.
Slade studies the purple blobs perfectly displayed on a serving tray. “You sure did. Thanks, Marin. I’m starving.” He sits down at the table. “Are these…blueberry?”
“Yep. I forgot to rinse the canned blueberries before mixing them into the batter, so they’re a little…colorful.” I can’t even get a package mix right. “I tried one, though, and they taste delicious.”
“They’ll be fine.” Slade takes a big bite. “Mmm. So good.”
He always compliments the food I make. It’s the only time I’ve known him to lie. But he’s trying to make me feel good, so I let it slide. I really am trying my best. I’ve taken over cooking for the time being. So far, no one has said, “Let me show you how.” They’re too busy. When dealing with a disaster, everyone has to do their part.
The dark circles under Slade’s eyes tell me how tired he is. Otherwise, I’d never know the extent of his exhaustion and stress. He’s always so happy, so upbeat, even in the midst of a disaster. He takes time to pay attention to me, even though I know he’s swamped.
I got it right this time. I’m so in love, I’d fall down on my knees and worship him if he asked. Of course, he never would. He’s not that kind of man. That’s why I love him.
A pipe burst in one of the second-floor bathrooms at Sheridan House three weeks, two days, and six hours ago (who’s counting?), causing major flood damage. Right during the Christmas season. The ensuing repairs have been costly and time consuming. The damage has to be taken care of before business can resume as usual. Slade’s losing money by the day.
This issue could cause him to lose his business if he doesn’t act fast. Slade has hired out, but there’s still hundreds of tasks to do each day. He tries to save money by doing as many of them as possible himself. He’s working too hard, wearing himself thin.
Dex and Joss join us at the breakfast table, looking happy and relaxed.
“Are we having purple for breakfast?” Dex asks.
I did place purple grapes in a bowl on the table. My bad.
My face must register distress because Dex quickly backtracks. “It looks amazing, don’t get me wrong.”
I add a plate of partially charred bacon, as well as sliced cantaloupe. There. Now we’re not just eating purple. “Don’t eat with your eyes today and everything will be fine.”
“Purple tastes good.” Joss bestows one of her smiles on me. “Did you know burnt pieces are good for the digestion?”
Everyone tries to hide their laughter, but it’s no use. Even I can’t hold it in. “I’m trying.”
“That’s right, and we appreciate it. Isn’t that so? Dex? Joss?” Slade sends them a death stare.
Dex wraps an arm around Joss. “We do. We really do. Thanks, Marin.”
“I love your cooking. It’s amazing.” There you have it, Joss is a liar too.
Dex kisses her cheek and I melt a little inside.
They’re so cute together. They got married two months after Dex’s return in a small and sweet ceremony on the beach. Dex carried her the entire time. During their wedding dance to “The Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh, I bawled like a baby—tears of happiness for Joss. Especially after Dex announced that Joss had been wearing red when he met her. Witnessing her dreams come true was a tender moment. I’m over the moon for them.
Watching them constantly cuddle in their marital bliss is sometimes hard, though. I’m so ready to be married. Slade and I haven’t talked about it in a while. We’re still giving ourselvestime. I’m beginning to hate that word. Then the pipe broke and, well, now is not the righttime.
