Page 75 of Callahan

“Do you not understand how secrets work? Weren’t you, like, in an elite squad in the Marines? Surely you had to keep secrets there. Or at least have taken Super-Secret-Keeping 101 in officer school.”

That made me laugh out loud.

“Yes, Super-Secret-Keeping 101 was required training in officer school, and yes, I know how secrets work. But I guarantee everyone in town either knows, or will know by the end of this week, why I came to Haven Springs. Of course I’m going to be protective over you. It would be weird if I wasn’t. Especially if I’m staying with you to keep you safe.”

She switched breasts, and my dick twitched at the sight. Because I’m a fucking perv.

Lainey noticed where my attention was drawn and rolled her eyes as a tiny smirk escaped her when she pointed to her face.

“Eyes up here, jarhead.”

I refused to even be apologetic.

“Sorry baby, you’re just so damn sexy.”

“I’m the human version of a dairy cow.”

I squatted beside the glider and looked up at her as I ran my thumb along her bare knee.

“You are a fucking goddess. You’re giving your son sustenance and keeping him alive. That’s like a damn super power.”

She stared at me for a beat, then whispered, “How are you able to take my biggest insecurities and make me feel like they’re strengths?”

“Because they are, baby. You’re the only one who doesn’t see it. You are truly incredible, and it’s now my goal in life to make you realize it. Well, that, and keep you and Conor safe from the whack-a-doodle running around leaving you crazy letters and jumping me.”

“I haven’t thanked you for that.”

“You don’t have to thank me—”

“Yes, I do. I was able to sleep so soundly last night, knowing you were here to protect us. I didn’t feel an ounce of anxiety, and that’s because of you.”

“Well…” I couldn’t disguise my grin. “I think there were other factors in play that helped you sleep soundly.”

“No doubt, I appreciated the O’s, too.”

“I told you the right man would step up and handle those for you.”

It was the other O’s in her life that were a bit more complicated. And I wasn’t so sure I was the right man for that job.

****

Lainey

I snapped a picture of Adam feeding Conor with a bottle and sent it to Brian.

He responded seconds later.

Brian: Yes! Success!

Me: Adam seems to have the right touch.

Brian: I love that he’s helping you. Make sure you let the O’Briens know, too. They’re going to be thrilled.

Me: I will.

Actually, I probably should pay them a visit. I tried to take the baby to visit them at least once or twice a week, and it’d been almost a week since I saw them last.

A lot had changed since then.

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