Page 76 of Tell Me Lies

Holding his hand up, he waves, and they all wave and clap for Amelia. To some, it might just look like a group of dumb hockey players. To me, it’s one of the most heartfelt moments I’ve ever seen. And I know right away … this moment is going into my book, somehow, someway.

Itake a seat on the edge of my daughter’s bed, and Clyde flops himself right on the floor next to us. Even though Amelia is feeling much better, the past week has still taken a lot out of her little body. We got home a few hours ago, and after playing with her toys on the floor for a while, she’s ready for bed.

“What book tonight, babe?” I pick through the stack of her favorites. “What aboutDragons Love Tacos? I think Clyde likes that one. Because, you know, he loves tacos, and he’s the size of a dragon.” I look down at Clyde. “Your breath smells like a dragon’s probably does, too, big fella.”

“Daddy?” she says, not answering my question. “Do you love Maci?”

She catches me off guard, and I have no idea what the hell to even say. For being three and a half years old, she’s incredibly smart. But she doesn’t really know how relationships and things work, and I don’t have the slightest clue where to take this conversation.

I open my mouth, and she hugs her stuffie a little tighter.

“Because I do.”

My chest warms, and my heart squeezes as her beautiful little face looks up at me.

“Y-you do?” I whisper.

“Yes,” she says matter-of-factly. “And her loves me too. And her loves you too, Daddy. I can tell.” She pauses, taking a littlebreath. “Uncle Walker and Poppy love each other. And you and Maci love each other. Right?”

“Would you be okay with it if we did?” I ask softly, feeling incredibly nervous that I’m about to say the wrong thing and fuck up this conversation.

Her head bobs up and down quickly. “Yes. I want …” She stops, running her fingers through the fur on her stuffed animal. “I want Maci to be in our family.” Her eyes peek over the edge of her bed. “And Clyde too.”

In this moment, there is no right thing to say, and I know that. Maci and I only just came clean about our feelings. We’re far from a place where Amelia is going to call her mom or understand the past that has haunted Maci for so long.

But I know one thing … I’m not letting Maci get away because I’m not the only one who loves and needs her.

After calling my mom and sister to check in and let them know Amelia made it home, I sit in the kitchen and open my author Instagram. I smile when I see the excitement around the title reveal of my newest book. I sent it to Holly yesterday, and let’s just say … she wasted no time plastering it all over my socials to stir up some buzz.

“There’s that pretty smile I love so much,” Logan drawls sweetly, walking into the kitchen and kissing my cheek. “What’sgot you so happy? I haven’t even shown you my wiener yet since we got home.”

Home.It’s just a four-letter word, but it makes my heart skip a beat. I know he doesn’t mean it, as in this place isourhome, but I still can’t stop myself from feeling all warm and gooey inside over it.

Setting my phone down, I exhale slowly. “I released the title and blurb of my next book. And I guess I’m just overwhelmed—in the best way—by the responses I’ve received from my readers.” My heart feels all tingly. “They never cease to amaze me.”

“Please, babe, do tell me this title.” He takes the seat next to mine. “Since I’m, you know, the hot inspiration and all that.”

“Take a guess,” I say, raising an eyebrow. “Hints. It’s a single dad, hockey romance. Forced proximity. All the good stuff.”

He taps his finger along the stubble of his chin thoughtfully. “Sexy Hockey Daddy?”

I shake my head, so he rattles off another. “Pucking the Hockey Hottie?”

“Hell no.” I snort.

“Daddy Sterns?” he guesses.

“Nope. Although that sounds kind of hot.”

“All right,” he sighs. “I give up. Tell me the name of your newest book.”

Suddenly, I grow bashful. Obviously, the story isn’t exactly ours. The names are changed, as are other details. But this story that I’m so proud of … so much of it was inspired by our own story and what it took to get here, to this moment where we’re sitting in this kitchen with absolutely no secrets between us.

“With You, I Am,” my voice barely squeaks.

I feel the energy shift.

“And what made you choose that?” his deep voice whispers.

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