Page 105 of Things Left Unsaid

When she busses my temple and makes to leave, I murmur, “Where are you going?”

“I told Callan we’d go pick up some of that ice cream he likes from Saskatoon so I’ll be collecting him from school.”

I hide a smile behind my teacup. “Drive safely.”

“Will do, son.” She squeezes my shoulder. “You deserve to be happy, Colton. Maybe she isn’t that for you. Maybe she is. But this ranch won’t keep you warm in bed at night. It won’t give you children that’ll fill your heart. It won’t give you comfort when the world is knocking at your door, demanding entry.

“She’s close and accessible. Don’t settle for her because you had a… strange relationship when you were younger. Equally, make her yours if that’s what you decide is right for you. Just be happy, son. For me.”

With those parting words, she leaves me to my thoughts.

But I soon realize that my problem stems from not knowing what happiness is.

Contentment, yes. Happiness, no.

Could the Zee-shaped hole in my life be the reason for that?

Or was I just born this way?

Zee

“Hey, do you have a minute?”

Twirling on my office chair to face the door, I find my husband standing there.

It’s still very surreal. Not only to think about Colton Korhonen beingthat—my husband—but how I’m here in this house.

What doesn’t help?

The fact he’s leaning against the doorjamb in a plaid shirt and jeans that do things to those thighs of his which should be beyond my attention.

It also doesn’t help that Parker and Tee have been driving me crazy about how hot he is and telling me to be a proper cowgirl and to jump on his?—

“Zee?”

I clear my throat when I realize I was sitting there.

Staring at him.

He knows it too.

His smile’s…

Pained?

Ugh.

“What did you want?”

His gaze drops to my jersey. At least, I think it does.

He couldn’t possibly be checking out my?—

“Since when are you a hockey fan? You hated it when you were younger.”

I need to not be disappointed that he wasn’t checking me out.

Why would I be disappointed?

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