Page 77 of Stolen Moments

“You’re welcome. And to answer your question: sometimes it’s about the thought that makes a birthday special, not the gift.”

The door bursts open, and Rhys comes rushing through.

“Uncle Mills!” He launches himself at me, sending my chair back on two legs at the force of his body as he throws himself in my arms.

“Hey, buddy.” I ruffle his hair and breathe in his sweet orange and syrupy scent, hugging him tight. “You had waffles, didn’t you?”

Rhys gasps. “How’d you know?”

I tap my nose. “I can smell it, and you’re making me hungry.” My stomach rumbles in agreement, so I tickle Rhys’s.

He squeals and the sound hits me soul deep. I love this kid.

“Congratulations, you’re a big brother now,” I tell him, pointing at Sariah.

“Thanks. I love my sassy so much already.” He jumps out of my arms, climbs onto the bed, and cuddles Rylann and his sister.

“Sassy, huh?” I chuckle. Rhys and his nicknames.

“Yup. She’s going to be just like Mom.”

Rylann gasps in mock offense while both Jace and I laugh our asses off. Rylannissassy as hell.

This kid, man. He really makes our family complete.

“I agree, son. Sassy and beautiful, just like your mom,” Jace states, staring at his fiancée.

Rylann’s cheeks pinken, and her eyes water as she stares up at Jace. The look they share is so full of love that it’s impossible to miss.

Instead of jealousy burning my intestines like acid, love warms my stomach and radiates up my torso. Hope blooms in my chest as I get a glimpse of the future I could have.

Emery is the only woman who has urged me to try and reach for something more than work in life. She’s the one I want to share my life with.

I pull the rental car along the curb outside Emery’s house and park. Peering through the passenger window, I look at the quiet little two-bedroom home with white and green shutters.

Double-checking, I spot her car sitting in the driveway. I was a little afraid she wouldn’t be home from work yet. When we texted last, she was busy taking care of the office while her partners were out, and had planned to stay a little late. I gave her an extra couple of hours before heading over here to surprise her.

My heart rate speeds up, and my palms begin to sweat. Fuck, what if she hates surprises?

It’s too late now.

With a calming breath, I open the door and get out of the car. Opening the rear passenger door, I reach into the back seat and with one hand grasp the handles of the bags I packed for Emery’s birthday celebration. With my other hand, I grab the balloons andthe bouquet, and using my butt, I slam the door shut and make my way up the stone path to her door.

I can hear Henry yapping his little head off through the door as I approach. Shaking my head with a smile, I picture the tiny furball bouncing in the air like he has springs on his feet.

“Quiet, Henry,” Emery’s muted voice calls out from somewhere in the house.

I knock on the door and step back as Henry goes absolutely wild at the sound.

“Damn dog.”

I chuckle as Emery curses him out.

Without even checking the peephole—something I’m going to have to talk to her about later—the birthday girl opens the door. Her jaw drops, practically hitting the floor in front of her.

I spread my arms wide. “Happy Birthday, baby doll.”

Emery’s breathing turns ragged, and her eyes start to shine with unshed tears.

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