Page 96 of Perfect Imperfections

“Do you like it?” Charlotte asked, bouncing up and down with excitement.

She smiled down at the sweet girl. “I love it and I love you.”

“I love you too, Ellie.”

“And I love both of you,” Sullivan said, pulling both of them into his arms.

A flash blinded her for a moment, and she glanced over to see Cam, phone in hand, tears shining in her eyes.

“Now that’s a picture-perfect moment.”

No. There were no perfect moments, no perfect people, but if you were really, really lucky, then you could find the other imperfect people in your life to help make it beautiful. And Ellie was very lucky because she’d found two.

EPILOGUE

Ellie woke with a smile. It could have been because for the past three months she and Sullivan had been spending as much free time as they could together, with the bonus of her getting to hang with Charlotte loads. Maybe it was because Cam and Gavin had started dating and Ellie was finding she adored couple dates. Or because her brother had moved next door and started working for the Sunlight Fire Department and she got to see him regularly now. Her mother had been slowly coming around to accept her daughter as she was—she had a sneaking suspicion Sullivan had something to do with that development.

But if she had to put her finger on it, she’d say it was the hard, thick morning erection currently pressing against her backside. She thanked her lucky stars Charlotte was gone at a sleepover this weekend. Instead of going home to her apartment after their date last night, Sullivan had invited her to stay the night. The man had begged, on his knees, with his tongue in interesting places. Judging by the hardness pressing against her, he was ready for a repeat performance.

“Good morning.”

The deep rumble vibrated against her back, sending a wake-up call to all her good places.

“How did you know I was awake?”

The arm around her waist tightened as his hand slipped up to cup her breasts. She let out a low, loud moan. No one was home but them. They could be as noisy as they wanted.

“You make this adorable little sigh the moment you wake up.”

She snorted. “I do not.”

“Do too.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but his lips found that sweet spot on the back of her neck, the one that made her eyes cross, and she lost all train of thought. Since they’d fallen asleep after a marathon bout of lovemaking, they hadn’t had the energy or desire to put on any pajamas. A fact for which she was now grateful, as Sullivan’s hand slipped down between her bare legs to rub her just where she needed it. He worked her into a frenzy with his hand and mouth until she couldn’t stand it anymore.

“Now, Sullivan. I need you now.”

He shifted, rising above her to place himself at her entrance. For the millionth time, she reveled in her decision to get on the pill three months ago. Being a doctor, Sullivan was all about safety. They’d both gotten physicals, discussed health, and decided together that relying on one form of birth control was the best option for them.

Bright green eyes gazed into hers. “I love you, Ellie.”

Her heart skipped a beat, as it always did when he said those words. And he said them often. During sex, in the morning, at night, when they said goodbye and hello. Any chance he got, really. And she loved saying them back.

“I love you too.”

Then he pressed inside. Filling her, making her feel whole and complete. An astounding sensation she knew she’d never tire of. They moved as one, setting a familiar pace that both excited and comforted. It wasn’t long before her breath quickened. Sullivan’s muscles tensed above her. The sharp ball of pressure begging to be released coiled low in her belly.

“Sullivan!”

He knew exactly what to do at her cry. His hand reached down between their bodies, finding her clit, stroking, rubbing in small circles. In less than a minute, she was crying out with her release as it crashed over her like a waterfall of pure heavenly bliss. Sullivan followed soon after, shouting out her name as his body tensed, muscles pulling tight against her.

He collapsed, falling to the side of the bed so as not to land on top of her. His arm reached over to pull her onto his chest, where he played with her hair.

“Good morning indeed.”

He chuckled. “I miss Charlotte when she’s away, but I gotta say, it’s nice not having to shout my release into a pillow.”

She laughed along with him. Sullivan could be…noisy with their nighttime activities. But she didn’t care if they had to be quiet. Honestly, they rarely engaged in anything when Charlotte was in the house. She still had her apartment, where they spent most of their intimate moments. One day she might give it up. If she and Sullivan decided to make a real go at this family thing, that was. She was game—was she ever! Ellie had no idea if she’d make a good mother for Charlotte, but she loved the little girl and her father. Wanted what was best for both of them. Wasn’t that all you needed to be a good parent?

---