Page 121 of Sweet Escape
“Any particular reason?”
I twine my fingers through hers and bring them to my lips, placing a kiss where my ring is going to sit someday. Bending so we’re eye to eye, I say, “It’s where my heart started beating again.”
Epilogue
?Until I Found You - Stephen Sanchez
Wilder
Olivia stridesinto the kitchen in her pink silk sleep shorts and tank, heading straight for the coffee maker like it’s any other day. Her hair is in a matted, messy bun on top of her head, and her cheeks are still flushed from sleep. But it’s not just any other day—it’s her birthday.
I step into her path, blocking her from her goal. “Nuh-uh. Sit. You aren’t lifting a finger today.”
She raises her pinky and wiggles it, one brow lifted defiantly.
“I don’t have time to spank your ass today, Liv.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically. “Wilder, you know I need my coffee if I’m going to be a functioning member of society.”
“That’s why I’m here.” Griff strides through the front door right on time, carrying a tray from Chapters and Brews. It’s loaded with five of Olivia’s favorite drinks and topped with a bag of fresh pastries. Daisy trots in after him, ready to snatch whatever scraps she can find.
We adopted the Australian Shepherd a few months after Gracie was born, and she immediately fell in love with Emmy. That may have something to do with the amount of Cheerios she gets if she stands under Emmy’s highchair.
“Oh my God, that smells amazing,” Olivia says.
Griff leans down and kisses her cheek. “Happy birthday, Little Sully.”
She smiles sweetly. “Thanks, Griff.”
“What are you gonna call her when I finally convince her to take my last name?”I ask.
Griff shrugs. “I’m not convinced she’ll say yes.”
Olivia knows I want to marry her, so this conversation isn’t a shock, but it wouldn’t matter either way because she only has eyes for caffeine and snacks at the moment.
“Which one is mine?” she asks.
“All of ‘em,” Griff says. “Take your pick or work your way through ‘em one at a time. Up to you.”
“Might say yes if Griffin asks to marry me,” she says with a smirk. “What do you think, Daisy girl? You want a new daddy?” She tosses Daisy a treat from the jar she keeps on the island, but her self-satisfied grin is directed at me.
“Careful, Cupcake,” I say. “I know I said I didn’t have time today, but I’ll make time.”
“And that’s my cue to go,” Griff says. “See you later, Liv.”
“See you,” she says around a bite of chocolate croissant. “So good. Where are my girls?”
“Mama has them. I have a surprise for you after breakfast.”
“I hope you aren’t planning to be balls deep inside my bestie at some point today. Worst birthday surprise ever,” she deadpans.
I’m glad we’ve gotten to the point where she can joke about what happened a year ago. It tore her up inside for longer than I think she’s willing to admit to herself, but she’s finally moved on, and I’m the lucky son of a bitch who gets to call her mine.
I wonder if Jake and Amber got my thank-you card.
“Oh, I’ll be balls deep alright,” I say, “but not with your bestie and not until much, much later.”
She moans around another bite of the fresh pastry, and my dick instantly reacts.
