Page 64 of Clara's Secure Hideaway

“Wait!” Davey cried, hurrying to grab the back of his sister’s shirt and bring her to a halt. “He’s hurt. Be careful.”

Heath dropped Clara’s hand and opened his arms wide. “I’ll never say no to a hug. From either of you. Just don’t squeeze too tightly.”

Avery threw her arms around his legs and held on for dear life.

Davey hesitated, his eyes wide and full of worry.

It’d take time for the boy to stop worrying about upsetting those around him, but Heath was determined to show Davey every day that he never had to fear him. “See,” he said, eyes connecting with the little boy. “A little hug never hurts.”

Davey grinned and attached himself to Heath, crushing his sister in the process.

Mrs. Collins stood to the side and beamed. “So good to see you out and about. Don’t let these two run you ragged. You still need rest.”

“I’ll help!” Davey said.

“Me, too,” Avery chimed in.

Clara smoothed a hand over his jawline. “Looks like you have an entire village looking after you. Can you handle it?”

With the kids wrapped around his legs and the woman he loved by his side, he could handle anything. “I’ve never been so happy. So excited for what tomorrow will bring.”

Avery glanced up with a scrunched-up nose. “Tomorrow? We still have today.”

Laughing, he tapped his finger against the tip of her nose. “You’re right. We have all day today to enjoy, so we better get started. How about we pack up your stuff and head to my place?”

Davey grinned. “Really?”

Heath stared at Clara and matched Davey’s grin with one of his own. His heart was so full it threatened to burst. He’d spent so many years alone, too afraid to open up to anyone about his painful past. Clara and the kids had shown him everything he’d been missing. He’d never take them for granted. He’d show them love and kindness every damn day. “Yes, really. It’s time for all of us to go home.”

EPILOGUE

The warm summer breeze rustled through the trees and sent sparks from the bonfire toward the blue sky. Clara sat in front of the fire and watched the flames dance, enjoying the moment of peace. Heath had poured her a glass of wine to enjoy with her book before he’d taken the kids to the lake to fish.

She was in charge of keeping the blaze burning and ready to cook dinner later.

He was right. Waiting to take the kids camping was a good decision.

She smiled at the silly shrieks and giggles in the distance. The last six months had been filled with more laughter and happiness than her kids had ever experienced—than she’d ever experienced. Moving in with Heath created a beautiful world she’d never imagined possible. For the first time, she truly had a partner in life. A man who loved her with his entire being, as well as adored Davey and Avery.

She’d faced down her demons, attended a whole lot of therapy alone and with her kids, and found herself exactly where she wanted to be.

“Mama!” Davey yelled as he ran down the dirt path toward her. His fishing pole bobbed back and forth and something swung from the line. “I caught a fish!”

She clapped her hands and jumped to her feet. “Wow, buddy! That’s so exciting.” She stopped short of her son as the fish dangled in front of her. Lord help her if she was expected to take this thing off the hook.

Avery and Heath came into view. Avery skipped at his side while Heath carried both their poles along with a white cooler.

If they planned to eat what was caught, she hoped that cooler held more than the one little fish Davey snagged.

“Did you catch anything Avery?” she asked.

Avery shrugged. “Nah, I picked flowers.” She handed over a tiny bouquet of colorful wildflowers.

“These are beautiful.” Clara took the offering and placed a kiss on Avery’s brow. Nothing was sweeter than her children giving gifts they both were proud of. “Sounds like a productive outing. Fish and flowers. Who could want anything more?”

“What about forever?” Heath unloaded his arms and hooked his mouth into a sheepish grin before erasing the space between them. He captured one of her hands.

Tilting her head to the side, she narrowed her eyes, amused by the almost shy quality of his voice. “Excuse me?”

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