Page 98 of That One Heartbreak

He smiled. “Okay. Want me to be there?”

“No, but I’d like you to come over afterward. Addy’s six. She doesn’t really get concepts without seeing them in action.” She shook her head. “Before we left she asked James if he was going to die at camp because firefighters die.”

Marley winced. “Ouch.”

“She just… she’s kind of fascinated by things but doesn’t understand them. And I’d like her to understand that you’re going to be around a lot more.”

A smile pulled at his lips. “I’m all for that. I’m happy to come over. Or I can take you all out. Whatever you want.”

“You’re sure about this?” Kate asked him, turning his hand over to trace his palm.

“About what? Us? Yes, I’m sure. I’ve been sure about this for a long time, sweetheart.” Probably longer than he should have been, truth be told. All those runs past her house, all those attempts to make her life easier.

The way he’d told himself it was just about protecting her and the kids. But it had felt like so much more.

She lifted his palm to her lips, kissing it. “James said he’s fine with it, too.”

Weird how much that made him relax.

“And I think Ethan and Addy will be as well. They both like you a lot.”

“That’s good. Because they’re gonna be seeing a lot of me.” He leaned over to kiss her lips. “I like them a lot, too.” Heck, he loved them, and not just because they were part of her. But because of who they were. He would do whatever it took to make sure they were safe and happy.

He cupped her face with his hands, kissing her softly. “How the hell did I get this lucky?”

“I’m the lucky one.” She was smiling softly at him. And damn if he didn’t feel it down to the tips of his toes. This woman was everything he dreamed he’d ever get. Strong yet soft. Determined and caring.

He’d move mountains for her. All she had to do was say the word.

Kate couldn’t stop smiling. There was a warmth in her heart that hadn’t been there for the longest time. Maybe it came from watching Marley cook dinner on the grill for them both, handling a huge ass steak like he was a caveman searing a mammoth leg for his woman.

Every time she tried to help him – she could make a salad, for goodness’ sake – he’d insisted on her sitting back down. She’d spent the last thirteen years cooking and cleaning and taking care of her kids. A night off felt like a gift.

“I can’t believe how quiet it is out here,” she said, sitting on the porch swing, watching Marley plate the steaks. “Do you think there are bears?”

“Here? No.” He grinned at her. “Do you think I’d be cooking meat with all this gorgeous aroma outside if there were bears?”

“Don’t you fancy your chances against them?” she teased.

He gave her a ‘what the hell do you think?’ kind of look. “There’s a saying; if there are two of you, you don’t need to be faster than the bear. You just need to be faster than the other person. And I’m pretty sure I could outrun you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” She was laughing because she knew he’d be the first person to throw himself at the bear. Especially if it meant protecting her.

“Well, there are no bears here, so we’ll never find out.” He winked at her.

“You saved me from a snake,” she pointed out. “Even if it wasn’t poisonous.”

“It was poisonous.” Suddenly, he looked awkward. “Damn, forget I said that.”

“The snake you found was poisonous?” Her mouth dropped open. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to scare you.” He carried the plates over, putting one on the table in front of her.

“But I’m scared now,” she pointed out.

“No you’re not. The snake’s long gone. And your house is snake proof, remember?”

“I mean, I checked it but…”

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