Page 32 of Hot Lovin'

“Especially braver than Batman,” I confirm with a nod, smiling as his chest puffs out in pride.

“Can we make him a superhero cape too?” Aiden bounces on his toes, excitement bubbling over.

“Sure thing. But remember, capes are optional when you’ve got a heart as courageous as yours.”

“Yours too, Lollie,” he says seriously.

His words would have knocked me off my feet if I weren't already kneeling. “Thanks, kiddo.” My voice is thick with emotion, my eyes suspiciously moist. “Now, come on. Let’s finish these cookies before Quinn arrives. We’ve got a sunset to catch, and I don’t want to miss it. Not a single second.”

“Me neither,” Aiden agrees, a cookie in each hand and a future filled with promise stretching out ahead of him.

A half-hour later, the scent of chocolate chip cookies hangs heavy in the air as I slide the last batch onto the cooling rack. Aiden’s already bouncing around, pretending his makeshift cape gives him the power to fly.

The doorbell rings, and his eyes light up like twin beacons. “It’s Quinn! Superhero time!”

“Go let him in,” I say, dusting my hands on the apron. “But walk, okay? No flying indoors.”

“Okay!” He zooms off, definitely not walking, and I follow with a laugh.

“Hey there, superhero!” Quinn’s voice booms from the entryway, followed by Aiden’s gleeful shout.

I round the corner to see them, Aiden leaping into Quinn’s arms, nearly knocking over the big man with his enthusiasm.

“Be careful, you two,” I chide playfully. “We’ve got enough excitement without a trip to the emergency room.”

“Sorry, Lollie.” Aiden grins sheepishly, sliding back to the ground.

“Hey, Lottie.” Quinn’s gaze locks onto mine, the softness in his silver eyes contradicting his gruff exterior.

“Hi, Quinn.” I can’t stop the flutter in my chest when he looks at me like that.

“Did I miss cookie time?” he asks, peeking into the kitchen.

“Almost,” I say, leading the way. “They’re just cooling.”

Quinn follows, and Aiden runs ahead to point out each perfectly rounded treat. My heart swells watching them together. They’re an unlikely duo. Aiden is a tiny ball of energy, and Quinn is the stoic sheriff who has seen too much darkness in his life. Together, they look… perfect.

“Lollie made them with extra love today,” Aiden announces proudly.

“Is that so?” Quinn raises an eyebrow, looking at me with a hint of amusement.

“Special ingredient,” I confirm, playing along.

Quinn steps closer, the space between us charged with the connection that pulled us together from the moment we met. He reaches out, tucking a stray hair behind my ear. “Maybe I could get a taste?”

“Of the cookie?” I tease, my heart pounding against my ribs.

“Obviously.” He smirks, but then his lips are on mine, and it’s anything but playful. It’s deep and meaningful, a promise of things to come.

“Yuck!” Aiden exclaims, but we barely hear him.

“Speaking of promises,” Quinn murmurs against my mouth as we part. He takes a step back, and suddenly, he’s down on one knee. “Lottie, will you marry me?”

My breath catches. I’m speechless, which is a rare state for me. Quinn’s usually the silent type, but here he is, making grand gestures that speak louder than any words could.

“Isn’t this too fast?” I finally manage, although my heart screams otherwise.

“Maybe,” he admits, “but I know what I want. I want you and all the laughter and sunshine you bring into my life.”

---