Page 131 of Sugarloaf Ridge Lies

“Yeah, it will.” It’ll be here before we know it the way the weeks are flying by.

“A babe will bring so much life to this house.”

I run my finger along her jaw. “You bring life to it. And seriously, it’s never smelt so damn good.” Those candles she has lit in different rooms make it feel more like a home. Whatever she does to our sheets, I swear sometimes I wake up as if I’ve slept on a bed of rose petals.

“Ha, thanks. So where do you put your tree? I need to get a visual.”

“I don’t put one up. Never have.”

She clears her throat. “Um, excuse me? Why not?”

I shrug. “It’s just me and Pirate, and I’m sure he couldn’t care less. Christmas Day’s always at Banridge. And anyway, you’re a dream come true. Everythin’ I could’ve hoped for. That’s all I need for Christmas.”

Liv bats her long lashes. “That’s so sweet.” She glances over at the space beside the fireplace then back at me.

“You’re still thinkin’ about the tree, aren’t ya?”

Liv bites down on her lower lip. “Maybe.”

How did I get so lucky, having this beautiful soul in my life and by my side?

“Liv, I...” My throat grows thick as I remember how lost I was without her.

A crease forms between her brows. “Jerry?”

“I was just thinkin’ how glad I am we found our way back to each other.”

Her chin quivers. “Me too.”

“There were times, low times, that...” I trail off. I shouldn’t tell her how dark my thoughts were when we were apart. How each day the weight of my worries compounded. When each sunrise should’ve renewed my efforts, instead it chipped away at my spirit and will to fight another day.

She stiffens in my arms. “That what?”

“Never mind.” I shake my head.

Liv slides her fingers down the side of my face. “No, tell me. Please,” she whispers.

My vision blurs with tears as she kisses my lips and pleads with me once more.

“I couldn’t see a way out.” The admission stings. “I was ready to give up, on everything.”

Liv wraps her arms around my shoulders and grips me so tight I can barely breathe. “You don’t ever have to feel that way again.”

“I know,” I choke out.

“We have each other to lean on now.”

---