Page 67 of Home Changes
He moved with purpose, but with a tenderness that churned her feelings into something so intense she didn’t want to name it. And when release came unexpectedly, she cried out his name. Because he owned her heart and soul; heownedher. She’d given him full access, and he’d scooped her up like she was precious. Her heart flooded with emotion that hurt; it was so intense.
Afterward, he didn’t move far. Just pulled hercloser and wrapped himself around her. She felt protected. Possessed. And she reveled in the feeling.
She lay against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His hand repeatedly ran down the length of her hair.
“Seth?”
“Yeah, baby.”
“I don’t want to lose this.”
He kissed her hair. “You’re not going to lose me. You couldn’t pry me away from you with a crowbar. I love you.”
She looked up, her voice fierce. “You better, because I love you, too.”
“You’ll never regret it.” He held her tighter. “That’s my vow to you.”
And in that quiet, perfect moment, she believed him.
EPILOGUE
The Christmas festival was in full swing. Allison and Seth were on the dance floor, as were most couples living around Hollister. Gregg took a sip of the soda in his hand and searched through the crush of people. The music changed, and Seth led Allison off the dance floor. He kissed her, and she went in one direction, while Seth headed his way. “How are you doing, man?” Seth asked as he extended his hand.
“Making it.” Gregg nodded to where Allison disappeared. “You two good?”
“Yep. She’s moved in with me and Chester. Lottie is staying in her apartment.”
“Good.” Gregg’s eyes darted around. “She here?”
Seth chuckled. “Allison went to get her. She’s still a bit shaky about being out at night alone.”
“Can understand that.” Gregg took another sip of his soda. “How’s Chester?”
Seth sighed and shook his head. “That damn disease is taking him away from me faster than the doctor thought it would. Most days now, he just sits and looks out the window. Allison brings out Delbert every afternoon so they can whittle on the back porch. I put in heaters out there. Dad doesn’t whittle anymore. Just holds the block of wood. I think Delbert knows time is slipping by. He talks to Dad about shit that happened a long time ago. Never minds that Dad doesn’t respond much.” Seth swallowed. “It’s hard.”
“What can I do to help?” Gregg would do anything he could for Seth and Allison. They were his friends, and he didn’t have many.
“Nothing. Not anything anyone can do.” Seth shrugged. “Mr. Marshall is working with me on my hours, but you know that. I’m set up good. The nurse is there at nine, and then I go to work. Allison is home by three. The nurse is a cool guy. Dad seems to be okay with him, so we’re treading water.”
“I get it. If you ever need anything, you only need to ask.” He’d never had a good family dynamic. Hisfather had put distance between him and his brother Christian. Distance he was pretty damn sure couldn’t be traveled. He wished it could, but …
“Here she is,” Allison said, pulling Lottie behind her. Gregg smiled. Lottie had curled her hair, and her soft pink sweater matched the color of her cheeks.
“You look beautiful.” Gregg blinked at his own words. “Ah … I mean …”
“Take the win, brother,” Seth said and grabbed Allison. “Dance with me, woman.” Allison laughed as Seth spun her onto the floor.
“Thank you,” Lottie said and stepped closer to him, or farther away from the crowd. He wasn’t sure which.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Gregg asked.
“No, I’m fine.” Lottie shook her head.
“Heard anything about asshat?” That was what they’d been calling her ex.
“Grand Jury indicted him. Ken said he’s got the evidence to make him go away for a long time.”
“Did he get out on bond or bail?”
