Page 88 of Make You Stay

Her eyes bright with tears, she fingers the piece of paper, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “It was always you.” Rising on her knees, she kisses me hard. “It was always us, wasn’t it?”

Suddenly, the less than stellar breakfast is forgotten, as I claim something far and away more valuable.

* * *

We spend the day together,with a majority of it naked in bed. The makeshift floor bed was fun as hell, but a mattress wins. Every time.

But it isn’t just sexy time between the two of us. We laugh, build snowmen, snuggle in front of the fire.

It’s our time, moments that have been too few and far between recently.

On Sunday, I realize the snow will not shovel itself and head out to blow out the walks and driveways. Eventually, we’ll have to return to reality, no matter how much I want to stay like this forever.

I’m halfway through Chloe’s drive when a strange car pulls in and a woman, totally ill-equipped for the weather, steps out.

Hmm. Maybe this is one of her big-city friends, down for a visit. Her outfit screams money, along with a complete lack of common sense.

It would fit.

“Hi, I’m looking for Chloe Strickland.”

Definitely not a friend. She isn’t giving off that vibe.

“You found her. Well, she’s inside. Can I help you with something?”

“I’m her realtor. I know the weather is terrible, but this house is popular. She’s already got offers.”

My heart sinks at the woman’s words.

I knew Chloe was speaking to a realtor, but this is moving at warp speed, and I haven’t talked to Chloe about rearranging our living quarters yet.

Chloe steps onto the porch, her expression curious as she gazes at the woman. “Hi, there.”

“Chloe, you are a popular woman. Well, your house is, at least. Five offers, two over asking price.”

Her big doe eyes hold mine, and I see the hesitation there. The uncertainty of how I’ll respond, if at all.

But the truth is that this isn’t my choice. Chloe has to decide shewantsto stay here in Asheville. I can’t tether her to my side or pull a guilt card regarding Enid’s illness.

Trust me, I’ve considered both, but that’s beyond unfair.

This is a huge decision—life-changing—and even though we have a fantastic connection, she might not want to step in and play full-time mom to my daughters. She might not want to marry me.

“Five offers? That’s… fast,” Chloe replies as she chews her lower lip.

“You priced it right, and this is a desirable house. I’ll email over the offers, but I was in the area and had to tell you the good news personally. Within a week, you can be free of this house if you so choose.”

“Can you give us twenty-four hours, please?” Yes, I’m jumping into a conversation that doesn’t belong to me, but I at least want some breathing room.

Some time to speak to Chloe about her plan.

Our plan.

The realtor shifts her gaze between us before nodding. “Of course. I’ll send over the paperwork for you to peruse. Have a good day.”

She pulls away, leaving me to stare at the woman I love, not sure what to say to make her stay.

“I only just listed it,” she states. “Honestly, I was testing the waters to see if anyone was even interested.”

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