Page 61 of 40 and (So Over) Fixing It
“I guess it’s time,” she said.
Carter stood, his hands firm on Thad’s shoulders, his smile sympathetic. “We’ll find a way to get back to see you,” he said.
Thad dropped his bear stuffed animal and threw his arms around Erin’s hips. “It feels like we just got here.”
And in that space of time, her life had changed. Cuddling Thad to her, she knew it had changed for the better. She could already see herself being part of this little family. But letting go now, especially with things so new, was going to be hard.
“I guess you’ve got to return to school,” she reminded Thad. “But you’ll be back in December for the wedding, right?”
The words wobbled the slightest bit, and she prayed Thad didn’t notice. When she glanced up, she knew Carter had.
“He can’t miss the wedding,” Carter said. “He’s the ring bearer.”
Erin sagged in relief.
“But you can always come see us in New York,” he said quietly.
The thought sent her heart into her throat. Go to New York? Could she survive New York? She’d never been farther north than North Carolina. But scared or not, she’d do it for them.
Them.Not just Carter. How had this ten-year-old boy managed to worm his way so deep into her heart?
“Buddy”—Carter picked up the bear and dusted him off—“we’ve got to get a move on so we don’t miss our flight.”
Thad sniffled. Erin didn’t mention it, but she did squeeze him tighter before letting go. “I’ll see you soon, Thad.”
He nodded, head down. “Okay. Bye, Erin.”
“Bye.”
Carter put Thad in the SUV, the bear in his lap, then closed the door firmly. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he urged her toward the back, giving them a degree of privacy. His kiss was hot, intense, and flavored with her tears.
When Carter released her mouth, he brought his thumb up to caress her wet bottom lip. “We’ll figure this out, Erin, okay? Don’t worry.”
“I’m not going to worry.” She tried to smile through the emotions churning in her belly. “If I matter to you, you’ll make the effort. And I will too.”
“Then we’ll succeed.” He swooped in for one more kiss, two, then stepped back. “I’ll see you soon.”
He continued around the SUV and got into the driver’s seat. Erin stood back, watching, as the trio took off. She watched as they drove through the gate, and listened to the sound of the engine all the way down the mountain.
Carter’s words came back to her.We’ll succeed.
God, she hoped he was right.
ChapterTwenty-Five
Erin: Guess we better get used to this, huh?
Carter: As long as text doesn’t become an excuse not to call. I don’t want to go days without hearing your sexy voice.
Erin: I don’t think anyone has ever called my *voice* sexy.
Carter: Get used to it. I think all of you is sexy.
Carter: How do you feel about sexting?
* * *
Carter: At a family dinner but wishing I was talking to you instead.
