Page 132 of Keep This Promise
“Holden,” Sophie’s voice trembles. “I love you.”
“I love you more than I knew was possible,” I tell her, rubbing her cheek. “I will love you for the rest of my life. I will love you beyond that.”
I will love her until the end of time.
* * *
I roll over and am met with cool sheets. Sitting up, wondering where Sophie—my wife—has gone. She’s wrapped in a robe, staring out at the Vegas strip.
I get out of bed and wrap myself in the matching robe and then pull her to my chest. “What are you looking at?”
“The sun.”
“It’s been known to show its face in the morning.”
“I know. It just means we head home today.”
“I wish we could stay another day.”
She turns to face me, hands resting on my chest. “Me too, but I miss Eden, and I’m sure Mama James is exhausted after caring for her.”
“It keeps her young.”
Sophie smiles. “We’re going to have to get a cat once she returns home.”
My aunt is moving back home when we get back, thank the fucking gods for that. Her help has been immeasurable, but Sophie is healed, Eden is doing much better, and we need time and privacy to become a family again.
However, what we are not doing is getting a cat.
“No.”
“Holden,” she chides.
“No. We’re not getting a cat. I have yet to meet a cat that likes me.”
Sophie snickers. “Maybe it’s you then.”
“Or maybe they’re all insane.”
“Yes, all the cats in the world are crazy.”
It’s possible. “We’ll get a fish or something low maintenance.”
“You’re quite ridiculous.”
I shrug. “You married me, babe.”
“That I did.” She lifts onto her toes and presses a kiss to my lips. “But your daughter wants a cat, and I can’t imagine you will deny her.”
“Imagine it.”
This is all false bravado because I am really fucking bad at telling that kid no. I have a feeling that, in a few days, I’ll be going to the shelter and getting a freaking cat. I really need to work on my issues here.
“If you say so.” Even Sophie doesn’t believe me.
“Am I that predictable?”
“Maybe a little.”
