Page 107 of Everlasting Love

Shane picks up a roller. “There’s not much left. If we both work on it, we’ll get it done.”

While I finish painting around the window trim, he rolls the paint on the wall which means we’ll be able to give it a second coat tomorrow. When we’re finished, we both step back and inspect our work. Since buying the house from Mom, we’ve been gradually working through each room to renovate. Our bedroom is the last room to be done, and I’ll be so glad to have it finished. It’s been a huge task to renovate the place but I’m so happy with the result. Mom and Cass can’t believe how different our family home looks and feels.

He wraps his arm around my shoulder and tugs me into his side. “It’s looking really good, Blue. We should be finished by the end of the weekend, then we can bring in the new furniture from the garage, and you can work your magic with the finishing touches.”

I grin up at him. “I’m really happy with how everything’s coming together.” I press up on my toes and kiss his cheek. “We’d better get cleaned up so we can get Jas.”

“I can clean up if you want to head out,” he offers.

“I was hoping we’d all stop for ice cream. It’s been a while, and I think we deserve a treat.”

“Jas will love that.” He smacks my ass. “Alright, let’s get moving.”

We work together, cleaning up the brushes and rollers, sealing the paint tin, and washing the paint from our faces—thankfully we’re using water-based paint. I quickly tidy my hair and change into a fresh pair of shorts and top, then meet Shane downstairs who’s also wearing fresh clothes. I wrap my arms around my husband and look up at his handsome face, still amazed that he’s mine. “Thank you.”

His eyebrows dip over his dark eyes. “What are you thanking me for?”

I shrug. “Just wanted to say thank you. I don’t ever want you to think I take you for granted. And we’ve been so busy with the house and Jasmine and work that I worry I forget about you among everything else.”

He leans down and gently swipes his lips across mine. “I know that, Vi. You don’t need to worry that you’re neglecting me because you never do, and I’m not a child that needs your undivided attention twenty-four seven. Iknowyou appreciate me in the way you show me with the little things you do for me every day. The way you put our family first and the way you love and care for our daughter as well as the work you’ve put in to make our home as warm and beautiful as you have.” He nuzzles into my neck. “I should be thanking you. Every.” Kiss. “Single.” Kiss. “Day.” Kiss. “That you were brave enough to kiss me beneath the moonlight. And strong enough to battle my demons.” Kiss. “Honestly, Vi, I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you and Jas, but I’m always thankful for both of you.”

My heart does that squishy thing it does whenever he says such beautiful things to me. “You say you’re not great with words, butthatwas beautiful, Mr. Sutton.”

He gives me a boyish grin. “I do my best, Mrs. Sutton. Now, shall we get Jas and surprise her with ice cream?”

“Absolutely.” We climb into the car and make the drive to Jas’s school. Sometimes we also pick up Poppy but she’s away at camp until Sunday afternoon, so it’ll only be the three of us today. Now that Jas is six, she likes to exert her independence, so we’ve been forbidden from picking her up at her classroom. We have to wait at the front of the school with the other parents. Shane suddenly stiffens beside me and I push up onto my toes in an attempt to see whatever’s grabbed his attention. “What’s happening?” He doesn’t answer because he’s too focused. Sometimes I hate not being tall. I return my gaze in the same direction as his and I don’t have to wait long to see what has him on alert. My lips tip up when I spot Jas walking next to Jason. I rub my hand up and down Shane’s back. “Calm down, big guy. Remember, he’s only six.”

He momentarily drops his gaze to me and then returns it to the kids. “He’s the kid who told our girl she was ugly.”

When Jas spots us, she runs the rest of the way, leaping at Shane who catches her easily and lands a smacking kiss on her cheek. “How was your day, Angel?”

She wraps one arm around his neck and perches her little butt on his forearm. “It was so good. Jason was upset today, and I hugged him and made him feel all better, and now he’s my friend.” She turns to me. “Isn’t that great, Mommy?”

I chuckle as Shane gives Jason the evil eye, and I’m surprised the boy hasn’t combusted on the spot. “Good for you. You can never have too many friends.”

“I know!” She wriggles in Shane’s hold and he places her on her feet, taking her backpack and tossing it into the back of ourcar. She grabs Jason’s hand and drags him closer to us. Shane stands to his full height and folds his arms across his broad chest but Jason doesn’t seem bothered by his posturing which makes me giggle. “Mommy and Daddy, this is my friend, Jason.”

“Hi, Jason. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Uh, you too, Mrs. Sutton.” Well, at least the boy has manners. I glance at Shane and smile at his narrowed eyes. He doesn’t make a move to say hello, so I nudge him.

His eyes cut to mine and then he softens his posture a little and tips his chin. “Jason.”

The boy returns the gesture. “Mr. Sutton.”

Shane’s eyebrows almost hit his hairline with the attitude coming from the boy, and I can’t hold in my snicker, so I turn my back and pretend to cough into my hand. Shane’s onto me, though, and glares at me. Once I have myself under control, I turn back around. “Well, it was nice to meet you, Jason. We really must be going. We have a surprise planned for Jasmine.”

Jas’s eyes widen and her lips tip up. “A surprise. Is it ice cream? Please tell me it’s ice cream. Can Jason come too?”

“No.” I think it’s the first time Shane’s ever saidnoto Jas, and her head snaps up toward him in shock.

“Do you meannoit’s not ice cream? Or do you meanno, Jason can’t come?” she asks him sweetly.

He throws another glare Jason’s way, then softens when he looks at our daughter. “We can’t tell you what the surprise is, Angel, or we’ll ruin it. And Jason needs to get home.”

Jas claps her hands together. “I love surprises.” She turns to Jason. “See ya next week.” Without another glance at the boy, she climbs into the car and Shane smirks at the six-year-old who’s been quickly forgotten in favor of a surprise. Shane reaches inside and ensures she’s safely buckled in and I say goodbye to Jason, then we climb in the car and head toBrain Freeze.

Jas sings along to the music and I pinch Shane’s hard thigh once I’m certain she’s distracted enough. “What was that all about? He’s six.”

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