Page 28 of Life After

Jen turned her watch towards herself. “I have two hours left. That’ll be over before we know it.” She pressed her forehead to Suzanne’s and sighed. “But I feel the same way.”

“Tonight, you’re all mine, okay?”

Every inch of Jen ached at that. Just weeks ago, she didn’t imagine she would be anyone’s ever again. But now, here she stood, feeling incredibly blessed. “Perfectly okay.”

After her unexpectedactivities with Jen earlier, Suzanne couldn’t wait until she was back here this evening. Thursday had become their day, and it was something Suzanne didn’t plan to change at any point in the near future. Although, knowing Jen wanted to spend more evenings with her only had Suzanne wishing that was already a plan in motion. Perhaps they could discuss it with one another this evening.

Depends if you can keep your hands to yourself for long enough.

As that thought floated through her mind, the doorbell rang. It would be Jen, and as usual, she was right on time. Suzanne approached the hallway, anticipating where this evening could go. She pulled the front door open and grinned back at Jen. “Hi.”

“Hi, gorgeous.” Jen stepped inside, placing a kiss on Suzanne’s lips before she strolled off down the hallway. Shoes removed, the door locked, and Suzanne was joining Jen in the dining area. “Have you eaten yet?”

Suzanne shook her head. “I wasn’t sure what you felt like, and I’m fresh out of ideas. It’s been a long day.”

“So, takeout? My treat?”

Suzanne smiled. “Yes. Let’s do takeout and eat it at the coffee table. Slouch, you know?”

Jen drew Suzanne in with an arm around the waist. “All Iwantis to slouch with you. I swear I had double the number of packages today.”

“Then I want you to rest and relax.” Suzanne cupped her cheek as Jen rested back against the edge of the dining table. “Get comfortable, take a nap, whatever you want to do.”

“Nap? When I have the opportunity to be with you all night? Oh, I don’t think so.”

Suzanne grinned as her cheeks reddened. “You’re such a charmer.”

“I have a gorgeous woman in my life. Napping is for when I’m lonely and miserable.” Jen pulled Suzanne in a little closer. She stood between Jen’s legs, her heart fluttering when she gazed into those hazel eyes. “I’m really hoping that’s not going to be something I have to deal with, though.”

“Crazy. I was hoping the very same thing.” Suzanne touched her forehead to Jen’s, enjoying those strong arms around her waist. “I wanted to ask you something. I won’t be offended by your response.”

Jen frowned. “What is it?”

“You know I mentioned my niece? That she would be visiting…”

“Mmhmm.”

Suzanne cleared her throat. She didn’t know why she felt so nervous all of a sudden. This was Jen she was speaking to. “Well, she’s coming over tomorrow.”

Jen held up her hands. “Say no more. I know Friday is my day off, and we’ve been spending it together for the last few weeks, but I understand. Elsie means so much to you, and I’d never expect you to choose me over her. No way.”

While Suzanne appreciated that, it wasn’t what she was trying to say. “I… No. It’s just that I wondered if you’d like to meet her?”

Jen’s brows rose. “You wantmeto meet your niece?”

“I realise it’s probably too soon. I know it’s only been a few weeks for us, but you’re firmly in my life now, Jen. I don’t want you to leave when I have Elsie coming over to visit. I want us all to enjoy spending time with one another.”

“You’re sure about this?” Jen asked as she took Suzanne’s hand. “I mean, you’re sure enough about me and us to the point that you’re happy to bring me into Elsie’s life?”

Suzanne brought Jen’s hand up to her chest and held it there. “I’m so sure about us, Jen. I love spending time with you—you mean a lot to me. I want people to know that I’m finally finding my new happiness.”

“Well…” Jen cleared her throat. “I don’t really know what to say to that.”

“Say you’ll think about it. That’s all I ask.” Suzanne knew Jen would never lead her on or do anything for the sake of it. If Jen chose to meet Elsie, then she was serious about it. “And if it doesn’t happen this time around—I know it’s short notice—then I ask that you consider it for next time.”

“I don’t need to consider it, babe. I’d love to meet your niece.” Suzanne’s heart settled when Jen said that. “And I’d offer to introduce you to my nephew, but he just babbles and drools all over you at this point.”

“I think he would hold anexcellentconversation.”

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