Page 81 of Foster

Mazzy opens her mouth to argue, but I roll over her. “Now, I don’t know what’s going to happen with Sandra or between Sandra and Bowie Jane, but what I do know is that she has a healthy, whole unit right here in this house between me and you. She is seeing what a good relationship looks like and we are providing stability. I’m not about to let you go shake things up because you’re getting a little spooked.”

“I’m not spooked—”

“But the most important thing on my mind and what I probably should’ve led with is that I love you and I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you toss me aside because you’ve got a few unfounded worries.”

“They’re not unfounded,” she snaps angrily. “If you just—” Mazzy stops midsentence, brow furrowing in confusion. “Wait… did you just say you love me?”

“I did,” I reply, my refusal to clarify anything more an invitation for her to figure things out on her own. Mazzy’s got a lot of muddied thoughts circulating in that noggin of hers.

“But…” She pauses again, chews on her bottom lip.

And remains silent.

With a sigh, I dip down to kiss her and then place my forehead on hers. “Let’s go over this one more time. There is no one I trust more with my daughter than you. She loves you and you love her. If I trust you with my daughter, I sure as fuck feel secure in trusting you with my heart, so I’m offering it to you, Mazzy.” I lift my head and stare deep into those green eyes. “I love you. I want a life with you. There’s no way in hell you’re ever just going to be the nanny, and I’m not about to let you run scared. So, process if you need to, but eventually—”

“I love you too,” she exclaims, throwing her arms around me and burying her face in my neck. “So much.”

Chuckling, I squeeze her. “That’s what I like to hear.”

Mazzy tips her head back and kisses me. “I knew I had all these feelings inside me, and they were deep, but they were also getting mixed up. I was afraid I was amplifying or something, and I didn’t want to give them any credence because I wanted my focus and loyalty to be to Bowie Jane.”

“And I love you more for that,” I assure her. “But just as I have room for you, you have room for me. Together, we both have the care of an amazing kid who will thrive within all that love.”

“And stability. She needs stability.”

“As of right now, she has it. It will only get stronger as she sees you and me getting stronger together.”

“But we still have the issue of Sandra,” she bemoans, sounding dejected. “That poor child can’t handle anymore.”

“She can,” I say, and Mazzy blinks in surprise, then glares at me. I hold up a hand. “She can handle it with our protection and guidance. Sandra is going to be whatever Sandra will be, but Bowie Jane will feel safe, secure, loved and cherished, and that’s all we can hope for. But you and I already know what an amazing kid she is. She’s going to be just fine, I’m sure of it.”

Mazzy’s eyes cut back and forth between my own as she contemplates something. “You know… it’s who you are as a dad that made me fall for you. You are so devoted to Bowie Jane and you are so wise in how you always know what your child needs that I knew you were a very special person. It wasn’t hard to fall for you, Foster.”

I’ve always thought myself a good dad, but hearing that affirmation from a woman who walks on water when it comes to children is beyond touching. I bend to kiss her, ever so gently, a smile on my face. I’m not sure our future could be any brighter.

Jack Kingston is new to the Titans, but certainly not new to the game of hockey. So when he’s at the rink getting in some extra practice time and notices a peewee hockey coach struggling, he can’t help but offer his expertise. The fact that she’s gorgeous is just an added bonus. Will she be open to his offer to assist or will she skate circles around this hockey hunk’sheart?

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