Page 33 of When Love Comes Home

"Thanks," she says. "You know, I haven't told you this, but it's been nice having you at the office. When Dad isn't there, I know I can count on you for support and to bounce ideas off of. I really appreciate that."

"You're welcome," I say. "I've enjoyed every second of it."

"Me too," she says, and I can almost picture her plucking at the frayed cuffs of her yellow sweater.

"I only have a couple of projects to visit in the morning," I say. "I'll be home before five. Can I take you out to dinner?"

"Is this a date?" she asks, her tone teasing.

"Absolutely!"

***

I ring the doorbell, my nerves just as intense as the first time I saw her again. But this time, instead of the white and yellow roses I brought that day, I’ve chosen red—leaving no question about what this date means.

"Why didn't you let yourself in, silly?" she asks, holding the door open.

"This is a date, remember?” I say, handing her the flowers. "I couldn't just walk in."

She smiles, and I can't help but admire how truly breathtaking she is. Her black hair falls over her shoulders in waves, framing her beautiful face. Her eyes are the deepest shade of green I've ever seen. She's wearing little makeup, allowing her freckles to peek through. Living with her has given me plenty of opportunity to confirm that each one is still accounted for, and tonight, they're taking center stage. She's wearing a teal dress that accentuates her trim figure, and I can't help but let my eyes sweep over her, admiring everything that makes her irresistible, flawless.

"Red roses," she says, before closing her eyes and inhaling their scent. "For me?"

Meeting her gaze, I lean in and whisper into her ear, "I've missed you, Katie."

When I wrap my arms around her and lift her off her feet, she squeals before laughing, wrapping her arms around my neck and melting into me. As I breathe in the light scent of her perfume, it hits me—this is what I've missed most these past few days. I can't stand being away from her.

She pulls back gently and looks at me, her hair falling around us like a veil, surrounding us in an intimacy that is overwhelming—intense and perfect. "I missed you too," she whispers, her words reaching deep into my soul.

***

The night is cool, and as we leave the restaurant, I suggest a stroll down Main Street. The shops are closed for the night, but the street is brightly lit by the lamp posts lining the sidewalk and the glow of the full moon.

"Do you want to sit for a bit?" I ask Katie when we reach the Village Bandstand. We settle on the steps, and I notice how she instinctively shifts closer, her body leaning into mine. As if searching for warmth—or maybe something more. I take her hand, and she lets me, her fingers curling around mine like she’s found exactly what she was looking for.

"Katie," I begin, wanting to get something off my chest while still holding on to the closeness of the moment.

"Hmm," she murmurs, resting her head against my shoulder.

"If everything goes according to plan," I continue, "we should be closing on the condo this coming week."

"Right," she says, her nearness both distracting and exhilarating—reminding me why this decision matters so much.

"I think I should move out," I say, feeling the instant tension in her body. She pulls away slightly, her gaze locking onto mine, but she doesn’t let go of my hand.

I take that as a sign to press on. "Katie," I murmur, her name more of a plea than a word. "You might not know this, but you've become the most important person in my world."

"I know," she says, then rests her head back on my shoulder. "Why do you want to move out?"

The tension melts from her body, and I exhale in relief. She’s not angry or defensive. She trusts me—proof of how far we’ve come.

"Because you're Jon's daughter," I begin. "His opinion, trust, and approval matter to me. Can you understand my dilemma?"

She squeezes my hand, her touch grounding me. "Yes, but Dad trusts you," she says. "He wouldn’t have suggested you move in with me if he didn’t trust you completely. And I trust you too."

I turn to face her fully. "Katie." Her green eyes meet mine, open and trusting. I take a breath and say the words I've been holding in my heart for years. "I love you. I want to do this right."

A slow smile tugs at her lips, but her gaze remains intent. "And what exactly is 'this' you're referring to?" she asks, searching my eyes for the answer.

---