Page 98 of Above All Else

I paused, our breaths heavy and loud. “You should probably go, Mom.”

“What? Why? I’ve barely finished my dessert—“

“Because I’m going to kiss her.”

“Do you hear this, Frank?” she said as she walked away. “He’s a teenage boy all over again.”

A grin slipped over my lips as I bent over her and gave her my all, pouring my heart and soul into the woman I couldn’t get enough of.

Chapter 25

June

“Bye, Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek and gave her a quick hug, then moved on to my father, who struggled to pull his jacket straight over his shoulder, his eyes locked on the photo in the hall. “Do you want some help?”

He stiffened, tearing his gaze away. “I’ve got it. This stupid lapel is tucked...”

“Here.” I scraped my fingers beneath the folded fabric and pulled it free, letting it float around his collar. “There, all better.”

“Thanks, June-bug.”

I cast him a warm smile and wrapped my arms around him, his arms loose around my shoulders, then kissed his cheek. “You guys drive safe. Call me in the morning, and we’ll do coffee. I’ll bring the donuts.”

“Ohhh. I like the sound of that, Junie.”

Shutting the door behind them, I met the rest of the family in the living room, their subdued chatter setting me at ease.

“That was a wonderful evening, Carter. Now that everyone is settled, we can do it more often.” Linda crossed her leg over her knee.

“That’s a great idea.” I plopped down beside Carter, laying my cheek against his damp shoulder.

His arm curled around me, his thumb brushing a soothing circle against my waist. I closed my eyes, breathing in the familiar scent—clean, with a faint hint of the spices from dinner still lingering on his clothes.

“How’s your father, June? He seems a bit... edgy,” Linda said.

I shrugged. “He’s having a rough time assimilating, I guess.”

Frank huffed with a nod. “I know how that feels. It took us—meespecially—a few weeks before we felt any semblance of normalcy.”

Carter perked up, his brows pulling down. “You never said anything.”

“You’d already done so much.” Linda swirled her wine around the glass. “We didn’t want to make you feel like we weren’t grateful.”

“I wouldn’t have felt like that. I know moving is hard.”

My hand found his and threaded my fingers through. “It’s been five weeks, and I’m still trying to find my place here.”

He squeezed my hand. “It’s by my side.”

I grinned and nuzzled into him. “I know. But I was kinda hoping to check out that school by now.”

“Why haven’t you?” Frank ran his hands through his hair, the same way Carter would.

“Um...” I exhaled. “I guess I’ve been afraid they won’t hire a small-town teacher whose ex was found murdered in her home.” Linda’s eyes widened, and I damn near choked on my tongue. “You...” I snapped my eyes to Carter. “You didn’t tell them?”

He shook his head and cleared his throat. “I hadn’t had the chance.” He adjusted his seat and squeezed my hand tighter. “They took care of it.”

“They?” Linda looked from Carter to me, then settled on Carter.

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