Page 64 of Decoded

---

I let his words settle me and I realize I believe him.

“Then let’s take him down. Together.”

Chapter forty-three

Anna

M

y confessions have left me mentally and physically exhausted. I look at Keaton, and he doesn’t seem to be much better off.

“Stay with me,” I say. He looks at me with hope in his eyes and my heart melts. “Please, stay with me tonight.”

He nods. “I can sleep on the couch if that makes you more comfortable.”

It wouldn’t. Being in his arms again has me realizing I don’t want to be apart from this man for another night. “No. Stay with me. Beside me. Please.”

A soft smile has the dimple on his left cheek just barely making an appearance. “I will always be beside you, Baby.”

We get ready for bed in a peaceful silence, and when we climb into bed, he wraps his arms around me and I drift off to sleep knowing that no matter what happens, Keaton will be there beside me.

Anna

So while I was packing things up in the guest house last night, Keaton came over…

Jasmine

And you told him to go to Hell?

Penny

Did he grovel? He better have groveled.

Anna

I did not. And he did. In fact, he said a lot of things that made me want to give him another chance. Give us another chance.

Skyla

Woohoo! More newlywed adventures!!

Anna

Well this next adventure is about to royally suck. I hate to leave you while you’re in town, Sky, but there’s somewhere I need to be today.

Skyla

Don’t you worry about me. I made areallygood friend last night and now he’s following me around like a sweet, little puppy dog. I’m sure he would like to hang out some more.

Penny

Sky, be nice to that boy.

Skyla

Oh, I was very nice to him. And he’s no boy. This guy is all man.

Anna

---