Page 57 of Kissing Her Rescuer

“I did, too. But Eliza loves this house. She's mentioned that she wants Carrie to grow up here.”

Hugh crossed his arms. “What happens if the two of you go your separate ways? What happens to my daughter and Carrie? If you own the house—”

“I'll put it in some other name. One that I can't take away from Eliza or Carrie. That no one can take away, no matter what happens. I’ll buy it for them.”

“You'd do that for my daughter?”

Dewey nodded, hanging out in midair without a safety net now. Scary, but it was the right move. For Eliza and Carrie.

“I expect to get whatever the appraiser comes back with.”

“I figured as much.” He could afford the house. But could he afford to risk everything again for Eliza?

Hugh held out his hand. “You have a deal. I won't tell her until you do.”

“Great.” God, how would he tell her without sending her running? He held up the envelope from the photography contest. “I'm going to take this to her.”

Dewey left, texting Eliza to find out where she was. He’d try to make her understand how much he loved her before dropping the bomb of the house. Maybe he could try to stay over again tonight. Give her a different view of how well they work together.

Ms. Iris might help get Hugh out of the house.

He drove to theDispatch, finding her waiting for him on the front steps. “Hi,” he said, kissing her quick and light. He held out the envelope.

“What's this?” She looked at the return label. “The contest?” She slipped her finger into the fold of the envelope and opened it in a fluid motion.

He moved to stand behind her, reading over her shoulder. His eyes landed on the words the same time hers did.

“You won.”

“I won,” she whispered in complete disbelief. Turning the page, she held up the check attached to the back of the paper. “I won a thousand dollars.”

She looked up at him, her green eyes beautiful in the sunlight. “Someone paid me a thousand dollars for a picture?”

He hugged her tight. “Because your pictures are beautiful.”

She bounced up and down on her toes. “Do you know what this means? I could keep entering them. I've been trying to figure out a way to save up enough to buy the house from my dad. He has an appraiser coming out there today. I know he can't afford to keep me there while he moves in with Ms. Iris, but if he could give me another year.” Her voice growing stronger with her excitement. “Even nine months. I bet I could get some money...” She watched Dewey, wanting his agreement as he struggled not to spill the truth. “What's wrong? You don't look like that's a good idea.”

He set his hand on top of hers, holding the check. “It's wonderful. Really. I'm proud of your pictures. I don't want you killing yourself, basically getting a third job, trying to win contests.”

“What else would I do with my pictures? They aren't making any money sitting on my shelf.” She waved a check his direction. “Nothing like this.”

“What about taking more pictures of people in town?”

“What do you mean?”

Dewey shrugged, scrambling for ideas. “I don't know. You're taking those engagement pictures of Ms. Iris and Hugh. Maybe some people would pay you to take them. And I've seen all the pictures of Carrie. I know a ton of people around the county would pay for you to take pictures of their kids.” He smiled as he saw the idea bloom in her eyes. “If you took enough, you could even quit the diner. I know you don't like it.” He tapped on the certificate. “You have some credibility now.”

The idea looked to intrigue her, but she wouldn't commit.

“I'll be your first client.”

“You?” She folded the check and slipped it into her back pocket. “What would you hire me for?” She smiled and pinched his cheek. “Do you need a new headshot?”

He took advantage of her position and kissed her, loving how it surprised her.

“I want pictures with Carrie.”

She leaned away. “Really?”

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