Page 65 of Rafferty

Once she’s gone, I pull Tempe closer, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “Thanks for being here today. For everything.”

She sighs contentedly, leaning back to look up at me. “Where else would I be? But seriously, I’m just relieved it’s all finally behind us.”

“Yeah, me too,” I admit, feeling the truth of it settle in. “Let’s go home.”

CHAPTER 26

Tempe

Isuppress ayawn because, while I’m tired, I don’t want to be. Rafferty and I are curled up on the couch, a blanket draped over our legs as the gas logs in the fireplace burn merrily. I take a sip from my wineglass, savoring the rich warmth as I lean against Rafferty, feeling the steady beat of his heart through his shirt. He chose a beer, but it’s remained untouched on the table beside him.

“You know,” I say, looking around his condo. “It’s kind of sad you didn’t decorate for Christmas.”

Rafferty also looks around before his eyes land on me. “It wasn’t ever really that important, but I’m sensing it is to you.”

“I do love me some Christmas.”

“Then we’ll decorate next year. You’re in charge, though.”

I’m exhilarated by the prospect as well as warmed by his conviction that we’ll be sitting in this very spot next year, but with the glow of a tree adding to the atmosphere.

“I’ve been thinking,” I start, tracing a pattern with my fingertip across his chest, “I can’t believe everything that’s happened from that first crazy kiss in the grocery store till now.” I lift my head and find his eyes already on me, a tender smile tugging at his lips. “How is this our life?”

“It’s been… an adventure, huh?” he says.

“An incredible one,” I agree, the memories swirling in my mind like a highlight reel. From the intense scrutiny of the false allegations to the quieter moments we’ve stolen for ourselves amid the chaos. “To think, a spur-of-the-moment kiss because you were trying to dodge Tansy led us here.”

Rafferty laughs, the sound rich and comforting. “Farren’s usually the impetuous one, but I’m thinking she’s rubbed off on me a bit.”

“Indeed,” I agree with a chuckle. “As long as you don’t go kissing other random women.”

“Never going to happen,” he assures me, his arm tightening around my waist. “Grabbing you in that aisle was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

I nod, feeling the truth of his words deep in my bones. “And through all the mess, we somehow fell in love.”

He pulls me closer. “Yeah, we did. And nothing else matters as long as we have that, right?”

“Right,” I whisper, my heart full.

There’s a comfortable pause, the silence our friend. Then Rafferty shifts, reaching into his back pocket. I lift up slightly, curious when he pulls out a printed paper. I frown as he unfolds it, holding it between us so I can see it.

“It’s the rest of the season’s schedule,” he explains, pointing to various dates circled in bold red. “I’ve marked the days I’m either off or playing nearby, and some dates I think you could fly out to away games, depending on your class schedule. It’s a little over six hours to drive, but I could have you fly on a private jet for some weekends home.”

I’m taken aback by the thoughtfulness, the clear effort he’s put into planning our time together. I’ve been fretting over leaving him and my mom, a long-distance relationship not ideal so early in our relationship. I shift to a sitting position, lean forward to put my wineglass on the coffee table. “Raff, this… this is amazing. You really thought about all this?”

“Of course,” he says, as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I want to make sure we see each other as much as possible. And I’m planning to go see your mom and Cooper a few times a week too. Keep an eye on them, help out where I can.”

The lump in my throat is unexpected, and my eyes sting with unshed tears. “You’d do that?”

He looks at me, puzzled by my reaction. “I love you, Tempe. Why wouldn’t I do everything I can for the people who are important to you?”

Overwhelmed by his kindness, I lean in and kiss him, my heart swelling. When we part, I ask the question I promised I wouldn’t, even if I’m not sure I want to hear the answer. “Are you… are you helping to pay for my mom’s care?”

He hesitates a moment, then says quietly, “Please don’t ask me that, Tempe.”

I understand. He doesn’t want to have to lie to me even though he’s essentially admitted to my suspicions. The knowledge that he’s been taking care of my family in more ways than one fills me with an indescribable mix of gratitude and love. “Thank you,” I say, overcome with emotion. “For everything.”

“We’re in this together,” he reminds me. “Whatever it takes.”

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