Page 83 of Moonlit Kisses

I nod because I agree with every word. “Thank you for understanding and for gently reminding me of the person I am.” My throat is tight, and the back of my eyes are stinging with tears that want to burst free.

“I think your mom would want you to connect with him. I don’t think she would want you to be without family. And I know how important family is to you.” He kisses my temple and the tears I’ve been choking back escape, dropping over my lashes. Max wraps his arms around me and pulls me into his warm body, which now feels like home. I bury my head in his chest and quietly release my pain.

I catch my breath and wipe my tears as I pull away. “Thank you. Would you mind coming with me tomorrow night?”

“Anywhere you are is exactly where I want to be. Of course, I’ll come with you.” He kisses my temple with tenderness.

“Thank you.” I give him a watery smile.

“Why don’t you message him now? I bet he’s stressing out that you’re gonna say no.”

I nod and pull out my phone.

Me:Hi Martin, Thank you for your invitation. Max and I would love to come to dinner tomorrow night

Within seconds, my phone lights up. It’s like he had it in his hand and I suspect Max may have been right.

Martin:Thank you

Me:What time would you like us to come?

Martin:Seven?

Me:Okay. Can we bring anything?

Martin:Just yourselves. Thank you so much. You don’t know how much this means to me

“Well, there ya go. I bet he’s been pacing, waiting for your reply.” Max glides his hand along my spine.

I blow out a breath and turn to him. “Hedoesseem to want to build a relationship with me.”

“Of course he does. Anyone who meets you falls in love with you.” He presses his lips to mine and butterflies erupt in my tummy.

CHAPTER42

–molly–

Standingon Martin’s front porch, my hand shakes as I reach for the doorbell. Max grasps my hand and turns me to face him. With his hands gently cupping my cheeks, he peers into my eyes, mossy green to steel. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”

“What if I’m not the daughter he was expecting to have? I mean, look at Holly. She’s doing really well in school, wants to be a fashion designer. I did okay in school, but I’m not super smart or talented like she is. I don’t even know what Noah’s like. What if I’m not up to–”

He presses forward, stealing my words with his kiss. “Stop it. He should count himself lucky that he can call you his daughter. Youarefucking talented, and youaresmart. You picked up my system at the workshop without any guidance. Your sketches are incredible. You’re a kind and generous person. He’ll be proud of you. I promise.”

The front door flies open, breaking the moment and both of our heads swivel toward the intrusion. Martin’s standing in the doorway, glancing between the two of us. “Would you like to come in?”

Max chuckles. “That’s why we’re here.”

I smooth down my dress and take the first step over the threshold into my father’s home. “Uhm, hi.” The three of us stand in silence, peering at each other.

Beth steps out from a room down the hallway, her face lighting up when she sees us in the entry. “Hi. I’m so happy you could join us for dinner.” She comes toward us. “Martin, let them inside.” She swipes at his arm, and he finally makes the move to guide us further into their home.

Their beautiful home.

The only other homes I’ve been to as nice as this was Emma and Theo’s home and his parents’ house. Max’s house has the potential to be lovely, but it’s still a bit of a bachelor pad.

“You have a beautiful home.”

They glance around the space as if they don’t realize they live in a gorgeous house. “Thank you. It wasn’t much when we bought it, but we’ve renovated it over the years. Made it our own.” Martin holds out his hand. “Come through. Would you like a drink?”

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