Page 58 of Taking The Shot

She gawked at him, utterly floored. The sheer depth of his understanding, the way he saw her, sawthem—it left her momentarily speechless.He reached for her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles.

“I never thought I’d have a wife or a family, so asking for more than that just feels strange—like I’m ungrateful when I’m already beyond blessed,” he finished, his deep eyes searching hers. “Does that make sense?”

“And if I wanted another baby someday?” she asked, the words slipping out before she could second-guess them.

“Done,” he replied immediately, shrugging like it was as simple as ordering takeout.

“And if I’m finished having children?”

“Still happy. Still madly in love with you,” he whispered, his gaze holding hers with a certainty that made her breath hitch.

“Awww,” came a voice from the doorway.

Constance was startled, whipping her head around to find Kayla beaming at them while Paige stood beside her, dramatically rolling her eyes and stomping her foot.

“They’re gonna get all kissy again, and LeMieux wants out of the carrier, Daddy,” Paige declared with a huff, her little arms crossed.

Keith chuckled and leaned in, brushing a kiss to the tip of Constance’s nose. “I’m at your disposal, gorgeous,” he murmured, his voice dipping into something intimate and teasing. “Whatever you choose—use me and justkeepusing me.”

Constance snorted, laughing as she pushed him toward the door. “Go,” she ordered, shaking her head.

He chuckled, stepping into the house with a dramatic flourish. “All right, ladies—andmeowies!” he called out, making the kids giggle. “First things first, we’ve got to set up the litter boxes. So let’s put one back here in the laundry room?—”

Paige shot off like a cannon, seizing the plastic tray and bolting away with the determination of a kid on a sugar high.

Kayla hesitated only long enough to watch her sister disappear before grabbing the second box, bouncing on her heels. “Where does this one go?”

Keith nodded toward the hallway. “Let’s put one in your bathroom?—”

Before he could finish, Kayla took off like a tiny Olympian, leaving them in her dust.Constance eyed the last box, then looked at Keith, who had an oddly pained expression.

“Where do you want the other one?” she asked cautiously… and he grimaced.

“Wherever those furballs poop first.”

“Oh.”

“Yup.”

From down the hall, Kayla’s excited voice rang out. “I’m ready, Daddy!”

Paige chimed in just as quickly.

“I’m ready, too!”

Keith exhaled, rolling his shoulders like a man preparing for battle. “Guess it’s time for the litter,” he muttered. With a dramatic groan, he hefted the heavy bag onto his shoulder and started down the hallway. “Do you want to bring the carrier so we can put them in the litter right away?”

Constance lifted an eyebrow. “You think that’ll work?”

“I can hope and pray,” he said with a chuckle.

Two minutes later, they set the last litter box near the garage door. Keith sighed in relief—until a very distinct sound of scratching and a squeal of laughter pierced the air.

“Oh no,” Constance murmured.

“Lemieux just went potty, Daddy!” Paige shrieked, bouncing on her feet.Keith pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning.

“Well. That settles that. I’m going to order a steam cleaner online.”

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