Page 33 of Forbidden Vows

“Home sweet Home,” Blaze says, his voice tinged with pride. “Haze is the real builder for the family, but for now, I’m his sidekick.”

“Apprentice,” I correct, remembering how he used to work for our builder neighbor. He was good at the job even then. “Don’t sell yourself short. It’s going to be gorgeous.”

He gives me a brief look. “You like it?” In his eyes and in his voice I can feel his need for my approval.

And I like that feeling more than a sister should.

Mesmerized by possibilities, I can’t tear my gaze from the beauty and charm. I allow a brief, forbidden flash of imagery to enter my mind, me living here with him, us working side-by-side painting shutters, clearing weeds.

We’re both hard workers. That's one thing we have in common…

My voice sounds almost reverent as I answer him. “Yes. I love it.”

Sharon speaks up. “It’s nice, but a bit run down.” She also thinks ketchup is a vegetable.

I give Blaze a pointed look to convey that she’s wrong.

“Sorry,” he apologizes. “The exterior is still a mess, and the east side needs love. But the main rooms are finished, as well as three bedrooms and bathrooms in the west wing.”

“We could stay at Haze’s,” Sharon offers. “Speaking of that handsome devil, why hasn’t he come to greet us yet?”

“He’ll be having dinner with us tomorrow,” Blaze explains. “Work’s been a bit… busy.”

Dad offers, “I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but I was a roofer when I was younger. I’ve done some renovations myself. I’m happy to lend a hand with the roof when you’re ready. I’d love to find a way to repay your generosity.”

“I’d love to have you look at some tricky spots by the gables if you have time,” Blaze says. We all gaze up at the damaged white trim at the bottom of the quaint gable windows.

“Looks like water damage,” Sharon adds helpfully. “Is there mold?”

“No mold, Ma. You’ll be comfortable here, I promise. It’s much bigger than Haze and Ophelia’s place, and the side you’re staying on is totally renovated. We’ll share the common space in the center, kitchen, and dining room for meals.”

I force a smile on my lips, trying to be patient with my stepmother. “I’m sure it’s fine.”

“We’ll be fine,” Sharon leans in to place a motherly kiss on Blaze’s cheek. “Thanks, hon.”

“Thanks again for having us. We’re over the moon to be here.” Dad gives me a side squeeze and shakes Blaze’s hand. “Your mother and my second wedding was planned so quickly we didn’t even talk about a honeymoon.”

“Howdidyou two meet again?” I ask.

“We bumped into one another paying speeding tickets at the courthouse where we first wed. We always did love to drive fast.” Sharon stares up at Dad, beaming. “Isn’t that romantic?”

“Kismet,” I offer.

“I couldn’t let her slip through my fingers again,” Dad gushes. “So, we rushed the wedding and didn’t consider the honeymoon. I’d say this whole fiasco is working in our favor.” He grips Blaze’s hand in his meaty butcher’s one. “Thanks again for setting us up with this vacation.” Dad waggles his brows in a way I can’t unsee. “We’re looking forward to it.”

“Need a tour of the West Wing?” Blaze asks hopefully.

This place really is his baby. It’s sweet and cute, in a hot way.

Sharon stands halfway up the stairs, her purse clutched to her side. “We’ll find our way around.” She holds out a hand, waggling her fingers in a final goodbye. Dad hurriesbehind her. The door opens, the sound of giggles echoing, then ending as the heavy door quickly closes behind them.

Ick.

“Can’t slow down those two kids,” Blaze chuckles. “They seem excited to consummate the marriage.”

Double ick.

“At least there will be a main living space between the two-bedroom quarters,” he says.

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