Page 84 of Love Song, Take Two

Emery nodded and quickly swiped at her fresh tears. Then with a soft laugh, she pushed herself to her feet. “So, since music is not my future, maybe we should wrap up today?”

He got up as well and took a moment to catch his breath as she put everything away, humming softly under her breath. How had they gone from talking about Emery’s music skills—or lack thereof—to diving into the emotional aspect of him being in their lives? Fletcher was glad that they’d talked about it, because he knew that the only way he and Micah were going to have a solid relationship was if Emery was also on board.

Once everything was straightened up, Emery climbed into his truck and Fletcher drove them home. Home. He was still living in Uncle Hank’s house, but every night of the last week had been spent at the George house. They hadn’t talked about the future in big terms or said anything more than what they were right then, but after this conversation with Emery, it was clear they needed to have a more serious discussion. He pulled into the driveway and Emery was out of the truck before he’d even parked fully. Smiling, Fletcher checked to make sure his Santa gear was in the back, then followed the teenager into the house.

Emery was hugging Micah so tight, she was staring at him with wide eyes. When she pulled away, Emery kissed her mother and mumbled something before rushing off. Micah turned to him as he closed the door and arched an eyebrow.

“What the hell happened?”

“Hi, love bug,” he said and kissed her softly, wrapping both arms around her. “Your offspring and I had a heart-to-heart today.”

“About what?”

He pulled back and walked into the kitchen to fill a glass of water. Leaning against the counter as he sipped, he smiled at her staring at him, arms crossed over her chest. All she was missing was the tapping of her feet.

“We discussed how maybe music wasn’t for her. Had a bit of a breakthrough.”

“Oh god, how did she take it?”

“Pretty well. There was crying, but we talked it out.” He pushed off the counter and moved to stand in front of her, hands framing Micah’s face. “We also talked about you and me.”

“Fletch…”

“She was making sure I wasn’t going to up and leave one day.”

“What?”

He smiled at her wide eyes and brushed her hair back. “She wants you to be happy and she also wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to hurt you.”

“Did she bring up her dad?”

“Yeah. The guy really pulled a number on her, didn’t he?”

Micah groaned and pressed her forehead against his chest. “He broke her heart over and over again, so now she’s obviously scarred for life.”

“She told me. If I ever meet him, I might stab him with a drumstick.” Micah laughed softly, arms winding around his waist. He took a minute to gather himself before saying, “She also asked if I would stay forever.”

She pulled back to stare at him. “What?”

“Yup. So I guess you’re stuck with me forever.”

Her eyes searched his and Fletcher smiled, thumb stroking back and forth across her jaw. “You promise?”

“Well, I told your kid I wouldn’t make promises…”

“Fletcher.”

He saw the tears well in her eyes, so he nodded, dropping his forehead to hers. “I promise, Mick. For as long as you want me, if that’s forever, then yes.”

“Forever, Fletch. You and me.”

“You, me and Emery,” he added before her mouth crashed into his, her arms winding around his neck. He tightened his grip on her sides and sank into the kiss, letting her know how much he wanted forever with her.

“I love you, Fletch.”

“Love you too, Mick.”

Micah

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