Page 90 of Love for a Lifetime

“He’s not going to think anything bad. Come on, Liv. He knows both of us. It’s not like we’re hooking up in my truck.”

The wrinkle between her brows smoothed, and she looked at him like he was the source of her happiness. The darkness had hidden everything last night, and seeing that smile drove all his doubts away.

“We’re in this together,” he reminded her. It didn’t really matter what problems came their way. He’d stand beside her through anything. This woman could drive him to the edge and make him jump, and he’d do it all with a smile on his face.

She snuggled back into his lap, burrowing her face in the crook of his neck. It was a moment he’d imagined millions of times, but no dream could ever touch this reality.

Olivia was in his arms, and he was never letting her go.

Beau’s truck pulled up beside Dawson’s, and Olivia crawled out of his lap. “Time to face the other wolf,” she announced.

Her brother didn’t really fit the description of a wolf, but he was snarly a lot of the time. Still, he’d face any predator if necessary.

Dawson stretched his aching muscles as he followed Olivia out of the truck. So it hadn’t been the most comfortable sleep of his life the way he’d imagined a few minutes ago. His right leg was numb, and his back was protesting all movement.

“What are you doing here so early?” Olivia asked Beau as she stretched her back from side to side.

“Delivering the mattresses. I thought I was going to have to walk to camp to get some extra hands, but I guess the two of you will work.”

Olivia held up a hand. “I’m all yours, but I need to use the ladies’ room first.”

Dawson spread his arms out. “The forest is yours.”

She chuckled and pointed to a spot behind the other trucks. “I’ll be that way.”

Dawson slid an arm around her as she walked past and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Morning.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed. “Morning.”

Man, he could get used to this.

“Open the hood, lover boy,” Beau said.

Dawson walked around and popped the hood of his truck.

“So, I take it things changed?” Beau asked.

Dawson clicked behind his teeth. “I never took you for the girl talk type.”

Beau grumbled. “Is this an official thing?”

“Yes, it’s official. As official as it can get without a ring.”

Beau stopped, and his eyes widened.

“Okay. Not that official. Though, I wouldn’t be against it.”

“Liv isn’t as impulsive as you are,” Beau reminded him.

“I know. I know. I’m not asking her to marry me tomorrow, but let’s be real. That’s where this is heading if I have anything to say about it.”

“Liv isn’t–”

“I know what you’re saying,” Dawson interrupted. “I know her. I know her better than I know anyone in this world, including you. I’ve been patient, and I’ll continue to be patient. I’ve got this.”

Beau had no way of knowing, but Dawson had gone over every scenario of how things could go when he finally got the nerve to lay it all on the line for Olivia. He’d predicted at least a little of her freak-out, and they’d come through that with flying colors. Gold stars for both of them.

Dawson had been taking Olivia’s thoughts and feelings into consideration for longer than he’d been legally driving, so he kinda had a handle on it by now.

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