Page 138 of Stolen Voices
He loves me?
“You do?”
“I do. For longer than I probably realized.”
His admission brings tears to my eyes. I wrap my arms around his neck and hug him tight.
He wraps me in his thick arms and hushes me. “Don’t cry, princess.”
“I’m sorry,” I sob. “These are happy tears. I swear.”
He loves me. Elijiah Miller, the man I have had secret feelings for, loves me back. It doesn’t feel real.
Eli chuckles. “I hope so.”
I sit back and cup his cheeks again, peppering his lips with soft kisses. “No one has ever made me feel as happy, as safe, as seen, and as loved as you do.”
“You are kind of taking away from date night here, Cal.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I’m not. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.” He grips the back of my neck and crushes his lips to mine, kissing me until my ride shows up and rings the doorbell.
I float out the door on cloud nine as Eli promises to pick me up from Rylann’s house for our dinner date tonight.
thirty
Eli
Itakeonelastlook around, and the tension in my shoulders eases. At the instruction of my sister-in-law, Emery, who is a party planner and marketing genius, and with the help of my brothers, Jace and Mason, we have turned the backyard into a private dinner space.
It looks amazing. A tent, which I never would have thought to use, covers the deck, keeping the space private and intimate. Various shades and styles of purple fabrics drape from side to side, making the space feel warm and welcoming. Battery-operated votive candles of various sizes cover the deck railings, covered hot tub, tables, and floor, brightening the space.
“And we’re done.” Mason hangs the last line of Edison lights in the far corner of the tent before climbing down the ladder.
“Thanks, Mase.” I adjust the white and purple flower centerpiece on the patio table. It’s covered in lavender linens, white plates, silverware, crystal water, and champagne glasses, bringing Emery’s vision to life. It cost a pretty penny, but I owe her one. She had everything delivered and planned out in a couple of hours.
Emery wanted to help, but Mason made her go to Jace and Rylann’s place to help Callie get ready, aka rest her pregnant feet. He’s an overprotective soon-to-be poppa. I love seeing him like that. He’s changed so much this past year, and it makes me so damn proud to see him come out of his shell.
The ice from the bucket crunches as Jace places a bottle of apple cider inside, since Callie doesn’t drink while she’s working. “It looks good, E.”
“I think so too. What do you think?” I look over my shoulder toward my nephew Rhys, who is sitting in the corner playing the guitar Callie bought him.
When I told her to use my card, I didn’t realize that meant buying my nephew a new instrument and all the accessories that come with it.
Rhys pops his head up mid-strum. “Looks good, Uncle E.” He doesn’t bother looking around before returning to playing the guitar, moving his fingers like Callie showed him.
“I don’t know whether to thank your girl or reprimand her for being another person in this family who panders to the little punk’s every desire,” Jace grumbles. I laugh at his fake ire.
He pretends to be bothered by our spoiling Rhys, but we all know he fucking loves it. Rhys wasn’t always around, and I think in some ways we all want the kiddo to know how much we love him and never want to miss another moment of his life.
“Give her a break. She needs something to do while she’s here, and Rhys can’t help being cute as fuck. He’s a Miller man. Ladies love us.”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of.”
Mason joins us, watching Rhys play. “He’s a quick learner.”
“He is. I don’t know what I’m going to do when Callie leaves. Rhys is going to be heartbroken.” Jace sighs. I can hear the concern in his voice.
