Page 142 of Endgame

I’m only playing around. Seeing him reward me with heart eyes at the notion of me voicing my love for him is adorable.

He quickly kisses my lips, seemingly satisfied by my promise, and gives me his full attention. “You are doing the best thing foryou. I think that is what’s important.”

Okay, I’m good now.

I needed to hear from someone else I wasn’t entirely crazy for needing closure from people I don’t know.

No matter how connected they will be to the home I was raised in.

Ultimately, a house is only a house without the people you love to fill it.

“You’re right. This is for me. I feel better now.”

He teases me, “You gonna speak darkness into them, my little minx?”

I would never...

“Nope. I’ve turned over a new leaf, remember? Dark and twisty be gone—roll out the welcome mat for light and happy.”

“Sounds boring.” I can’t help but laugh.

“Are you sure you still want me? I’m all fixed and new now.”

I’m kidding.

His hands reach out to my soft stomach as tickles erupt from his fingertips again. I’m wiggling and squirming, secretly loving when he shows his playfulness to me when I least expect it— although I thought we settled the tickling, it seems to be back.

I think I love any and all the things he will give me.

“That’s still up for discussion. Will you still love me when I ask you to marry me one day?”

Say what!

My eyes must be as large as saucers; thankfully, he’s at my back and can’t see my reaction.

Not one part of me is hesitant about a future with him.

The intention of marrying him sounds sublime, like everything I never knew I wanted or needed. There’s no hesitation in his question, and we’re past the point of questioning our feelings, like I know I’m past the point of feeling fearful of the unknown.

Callaway is my future. My forever.

“My answer will always be yes.”

51

CALLAWAY

Damage control is underfoot.

Dakotawoulddo what I least expected her to do.

I have no one else to call but the woman I trust more than anything, at least one who knows more about women than me.

I’m pacing around my room, waiting for her to answer.

“Callaway? Hey, honey, what’s going on?”

“Mom. There is no time to waste. I need your advice.”

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