Page 61 of Don't Look Back

My hand clutches my chest as I watch the man I love. He’s perfect for me. More perfect than I could ever imagine someone being. I love Sophia to death, but when she’s uncomfortable, she tends to be difficult to deal with. Yet, Colt knows how to handle her like a pro.

More than anything, Colt doesn’t seem bothered to have her here even when it messes up his plans. That says a lot about who he is.

“No. I’ll get the stupid cookies,” she huffs before stomping into the kitchen.

“By the way, you look beautiful!” He calls after her retreating back.

“Shut up, Colt!” She calls back.

I waste no time going to him and wrapping my arms around his waist. I rest my head on his chest and close my eyes.

“Thank you for being so amazing, even when she’s being a brat.”

“She’s twenty. She’s supposed to be a brat.” Colt rubs a soothing hand up and down my back. “Plus, a lot happened this week and I'm not sure where her head is at.”

“You’re an amazing man. I'm lucky to have you.”

“And I'm lucky to have you.” He lifts my chin and presses a searing kiss to my lips.

“I believe you’ve all met Zoey.” Colt stares down at me with the biggest smile lighting up his face.

“Hold on, little boy. I thought her name was Leslie.” Gran wags a finger in his direction.

“First off, I'm not a little boy, Gran. I'm the sheriff. Second, her real name is Zoey and now that she doesn’t need to hide from anyone, she wants to go by Zoey.”

“Well, I’ll try my hardest, but I'm old. When I slip up, try not to hold it against me.” Gran winks at me before stepping past me and over to Sophia. “Now, I hear you’re the baker and I need to teach you all of my secrets. Come sit with me and I’ll spill the beans… but don’t tell Judith because she’s been trying to outdo me for years.” Gran takes Sophia’s hand and pats it lovingly as she leads her over tothe couch. She glares at Judith, Colt’s grandma as she goes. The old woman flips off Gran and rolls her eyes.

“You’ve officially lost Sophia for the night.” Skylar chuckles. “Gran’s going to talk her ear off.”

“Gran’s so happy right now. Look at how her face is lighting up.” Willow smiles before turning her attention to me. “So, now that you’re safe, are you staying in Maple Springs, or moving back home?”

“Wow, Ma, way to go straight for the jugular, huh? Don’t feel like easing into it on Christmas?” Tucker rolls his eyes.

“I'm sorry, Zoey. You can tell me to mind my own business.” Willow waves a hand through the air like she’s erasing her question from existence.

“No, it’s ok. I know I'm going to get asked this a lot when school starts back up.” I let out a long breath and shake my head. “The short answer is I don’t know.”

“What’s the long answer?” Tucker asks. He’s so much like Willow, it’s kind of entertaining.

“I don’t know.” I chuckle. “I never thought Jimmy would actually get caught. I thought I’d be living the rest of my life peeking over my shoulder and expecting him to pop out. I'm not sure it’s even hit me yet. This is the first time I’ve been safe in a long time.”

“I'm going to need a one-year notice for you to quit your job,” Skylar says firmly with a nod of her head.

“One year? Didn’t you just up and leave one morning without telling a soul. Then didn’t return for ten years. I had to become a freaking sheriff just to make sure you were still alive!” Colton glares at her.

He tries to act like he’s over her disappearing for an entire decade, but it still hurts him. He’s forgiven her and he understands her reasoning, but it’s still difficult.

“Let’s leave the past in the past. I'm back in Maple Springs, married to Tucker, and popping out his babies. It’s like I never left.” She rolls her eyes.

“Wait… babies?” I arch a brow and watch as Skylar’s cheeks pinken.

“Fine! I'm pregnant. I wasn’t going to tell anyone until dessert, but clearly Zoey should be a detective.”

“How old is Duke?” Colt raises a brow.

“Oh, you know exactly how old Duke is! He’s almost six months old. I got pregnant the first time we…” She widens her eyes as her sentence trails off. “It’s not my fault this man doesn’t know how to keep his hands to himself.” She motions towards Tucker.

“I guess you’re just trying to make up for lost time. Hey, didn’t I get yelled at and punched a week ago for asking ifyou were pregnant?” Colt folds his arms over his chest and glares at the two of them.

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