Page 138 of Tangled in Vows

I’ll never get tired of feeling this way, of experiencing this resounding warm sensation deep in my chest every time I look at her. Love and lust will always be center stage where she’sconcerned, but I also savor the contentment and peace she brings me. My affection and devotion to this woman are so strong I’m almost impatient for our future—for the rest of our lives together.

Several times a week, I still wake up with a pounding heart, clammy hands, and this overwhelming sense of fear that is trying to crush my rib cage. But then I open my eyes, and Olivia is right there, the sight allowing oxygen to refill my lungs.

She’ll always be there because she truly is mine. Forever.

She presses her lips against mine and sighs heavily.

“You’ve been working too much,” I chastise her, hating that she’s this depleted.

“I already told Nisha to cut back.”

She snuggles closer, burying her face in the warm hollow above my collarbone, as if that space was made for her alone. A perfect fit. Her breath is soft as she settles there, and her hair spills over my chest.

I press my lips to her hair. “I’m glad you took care of it.”

“I did.”

We still don’t always see eye to eye regarding how much she’s been working in the last few weeks. As she said, I’ve been overprotective, but we’ve been finding a balance that works for us. Mostly, at least.

I move my hands slowly over her frame, gently massaging her exhausted limbs. “How does a bath sound?”

She moans, “Like heaven.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

Footsteps come our way as we leave the office—one set of heavy strides followed by quick paw steps.

The duo rounds the corner.

Stormy snorts happily when she sees us and bounds across the space. Thankfully, the rugs keep her from skidding, but I still step in her way to keep her from colliding with Olivia.

“You’re done with the interview.” Archer smiles widely. “This one was the last one for this week, right?”

Olivia crouches. “Yes, thank goodness. I’m ready for a few days off. This one went on forever.”

Archer rubs his hands. “Sounds like the perfect reason for a celebratory treat to me. What’s it going to be, Buttercup?”

Olivia rubs Stormy’s head, taking extra good care of the spot behind the left ear that Stormy loves before focusing back on Archer. “I’m not sure. Surprise me?”

“A challenge? I like it. Game on.” Archer tilts his head, his eyes glazing over until they widen almost comically. He probably just went through all the delicious options in his mind.

He’s always been enthusiastic about baking, but there’s beena lotof it lately, turning our kitchen into a bakery most days of the week. Apparently, he doesn’t just bake when he’s stressed but also guilty.

“I can’t wait.” She grins at him, fully supporting his particular way of therapy.

Dr. Johnson isn’t concerned about it, so neither am I. Phoenix, Evie, and I have been seeing her for a while, and now that Archer and Olivia have joined, I have started calling Dr. Johnson our family therapist.

The five of us definitely keep her busy, that’s for sure. I unpack everything with the doctor a few days a week, keeping my mind a less depressing place. Archer isn’t the only one carrying around guilt over how things went down with Olivia. And I’ve finally decided to talk about my sister with Dr. Johnson too. It’s good to have someone to talk to who’s not only a professional, but also a person who isn’t part of our inner circle.

We all need the extra help as we try to navigate the shitshow our lives have changed into. If it was a pain to go anywhere unnoticed before, it’s downright impossible now. Now, all eyes aren’t just on her but on me as well.

Since the county “fixed” their clerical errors in my court and prison documents after Lyndsay’s news, everyone knows about my time in prison. Surprisingly, many people have spoken up for me, saying my case should have been ruled self-defense instead of second-degree manslaughter. This was very unexpected but appreciated.

Olivia slips her hand into mine, squeezing it gently. I’m pretty sure she can tell I just went to a different place in my head, which means she isn’t the only one needing a distraction now.

Turning to Archer, I ask, “Do you mind keeping Stormy with you?”

Archer shakes his head. “Not at all. Come on, girl. Let’s have some fun.”

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