Page 61 of Where We Call Home

“What was what?” I replied, feigning innocence.

“Theo pulling you away. The hug? Did I see you kiss?”

I glanced toward the fire. Theo was laughing, her smile brighter than the flames rising from fire.

“She had a good talk with Aspen and Penny. I helped her work through some stuff, that’s all,” I said casually, though Boone’s skeptical look told me he wasn’t buying it.

“Oh yeah? A little bird, also known as Aspen, told me you two are living together.”

“Since when are you a gossip?” I shot back, taking a long sip of my beer.

Boone grinned, unbothered. “The girls are right; it is kinda fun.”

Sighing, I adjusted the cowboy hat Boone had loaned me for the night. I wasn’t going to admit it out loud, but I was starting to like the damn thing.

“She needed a place to stay, and I had the room. That’s it. Things could’ve been different, now it’s...” My voice trailed off.

I owed Boone the truth. A few months ago, I’d given him endless grief over Aspen. I couldn’t be the pot calling the kettle black.

“I saw the way you looked at her,” Boone said, his voice quieter now. “That wasn’t very roommate-like.”

“Do I like her? Yeah, absolutely. She’s the first woman to make me feel something since Jess. But things are complicated,” I admitted, the words tasting heavier than I expected.

“Because she’s pregnant?” Boone crossed his arms, his tone sharp, like he’d fight me if that were my problem.

“Jesus, no. Because she’s my roommate.”

Boone smirked. “I don’t see the issue.”

“Of course you don’t. You got with your neighborandyour employee,” I retorted, rolling my eyes.

“Coworker,” Boone corrected, holding up a finger like he was giving a lecture.

“Whatever. The point is, it’s not that simple.”

Boone’s grin softened into something more sincere. “Look, if you feel something, you should explore it. Your shot at love wasn’t like the rest of ours, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy. I’m not gonna judge you for seeing where it goes.”

His words settled the storm in my chest, even if just a little. Truth was, I did like spending time with Theo. I looked forward to coming home to her. I couldn’t help but wonder—what would it be like to come home to her and the baby?

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” I confessed.

“Win her over. Do cute shit. They love cute shit,” Boone said, chuckling.

I laughed, shaking my head. Though, he wasn’t wrong—Theowouldlike cute shit. I’d just need to figure out what would make her smile.

“Take it slow,” Boone added, clapping me on the shoulder. “See what happens. But don’t put your happiness on hold just because you’re living together. Do what feels right.”

It was worth a shot. If things didn’t work out, we could be adults about it... right?

By the fire pit, only Aspen and Logan remained. Theo was lounging in her chair, her eyes half-closed. After living with her, I’d learned the signs that meant she was ready for bed: droopy eyes, slackened mouth, and uncontrollable yawns. Watching her now, I saw the trifecta.

“I think we’re gonna head out,” I told Boone, nodding toward the fire pit. He gave me an understanding look and motioned for me to go.

When I reached Theo, her sleepy smile tugged at something deep inside me.

Leaning down, I whispered softly, “Come on, Honey. It’s time to go.”

She groaned, her eyes fluttering open just enough to see me. She stumbled slightly as she stood, but I steadied her with a hand on her elbow.

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