Page 79 of Make You Stay

“You’re knocking now? How unlike you.” She opens the door, allowing me inside.

“Figured I’d try it and see how it felt. I much prefer barging in.” I hold out the package. “I apologize. This came for you, and Emily opened it, although I’m not entirelysurewhy she did.”

“It’s fine. I have no secrets from Emily. Besides, she’s too smart for me to even try.” Chloe grasps the package, a soft smile coloring her features. “It’s from Henry and Jeff. I saw them in New York, and they said they wanted to write to me, but I never thought they would.”

“You saw your ex?” Yes, my jealousy is making an appearance. Sue me.

She nods, her focus on the package contents. “I ran into them in a coffee shop. Totally random occurrence.”

“I’m surprised he didn’t try to win you back, realizing what he lost.”

She bites her lower lip, but this time it holds only sadness, not sexiness. “He invited me to dinner, but I declined. Seems my heart belonged to someone else.”

A smile stretches my face as I swoop in to steal a soft kiss. “I like hearing that.”

“You would,” she snaps, but I hear the sarcasm underlying her tone.

Despite everything, the woman hasn’t wholly shot down the idea of reconciliation, even if she’d sooner die than admit it.

“You made quite the impression on them.”

“I was with those boys every day for five years. They made quite the impression on me, too.” Her fingers trace over one of the handmade drawings, and I’m struck by her gentle nature.

For a woman who has spent her life consistently getting the short end of the stick—everyone from her mother to the men she dated—Chloe neveroncefaltered in giving her love. That same soft energy I see on her face now is ever-present around my girls. Around Enid. Hell, even around me, and we all know I’ve made a mess of things.

Something in that moment solidifies my intentions. Whether it’s the look in her eyes, that beautiful energy, or just my unabashed love for her, I can’t be sure, but I’ve made my decision.

If anyone deserves to be a mother, it’s Chloe, and I’m going to be the man to make her one.

* * *

There’s quitea crowd in the pub, and so far, Mother Nature is cooperating. The storm is hung up west of here, but she’s crawling steadily in our direction.

Let me woo the woman I love, and it can snow for the next three weeks.

The only hiccup so far? Barbara is here, and she’s none too pleased to learn Chloe is back in town. I think she surmised the New Yorker was gone for good when it passed the two-week mark, but if I have anything to do with it, Chloe will become a permanent resident.

“Hi.”

I glance up, smiling at Chloe. “Hey, sweets. How are the roads?”

“Not too bad. I came with Enid.”

“I’m glad. She needs to get out more. Is Jeff watching the girls?”

“Yes, even though Natalie volunteered. I think that idea freaked Jeff out, and he surmised she wanted to throw a party in the condo, so he’s staying with them.”

“Smart move. Emily has been known to throw some raucous parties.”

“I figured Mia was the one to watch out for.”

With a chuckle, I nod in agreement. “That’s an understatement. I’ll be going on in about ten minutes. Any requests?”

Chloe considers my question. “You have to play Enid’s favorite song, obviously, and for me? Sing me something pretty, cowboy.”

Leaning in, I steal a kiss from her gorgeous mouth. “That I can do. Something pretty, just for you.”

So, I do. We perform several love songs, including a few we haven’t played in years. The women seem to love the crooning melodies, but I’m aiming each one at the petite brunette in the back booth.

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