Page 44 of Only One I Ever Wanted

Cash and Ripley leaned against the railing behind Nora, deceptively at ease, but they didn’t take their eyes off of Mindy.

My parents gravitated to Nora, creating a wall around Danny.

Mindy took off down the stairs and ran to her car. She threw one last furious glare at me before getting into her car and backing out with a squeal of tires.

I didn’t realize how tense I was until her brake lights disappeared and I let out a breath.

Danny broke away from Nora and ran to me. I caught him tight against me and kissed the top of his head.

He looked up at me, so much trust in his eyes. “She won’t be back, will she?”

“I’m going to make sure she never will.” I locked eyes with Nora, and she came over to wrap her arms around us once again. “I love you both so much.”

“I love you, Dad.”

My knees nearly buckled. I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear that again. “I love you too, buddy.”

“Okay, all you boys and Nora come inside. I’ve got ribs in the oven.”

“Oh, nowthat’swhat I missed about home.” Cash slapped me on the back. “Little drama while I was gone, huh?”

I laughed. “A little bit. Glad you’re home, Cash.” I nodded toward my older brother. “Thanks for coming too, Rip. Mom must have called in the cavalry, huh?”

Rip grinned. “Family group chat for the win.” He relaxed his smile as he lowered his gaze to Danny. “We got you, kiddo. Murdocks are always there for each other.” He held out a fist and Danny bumped it with his. “That’s right. I’ll see you inside.”

I hugged Danny. “Mind if I talk to Nora for a second?”

He wrinkled his nose. “Kissing stuff?”

Nora laughed. “Probably.”

My mom waved him over. Her eyes were still a little misty, but they were full of happiness as she urged him inside. The usual sounds of my brothers insulting one another added another layer of relief. I always knew they had my back but seeing it in action today meant a lot.

“So, that was a lot.” Nora settled her hands on my chest.

“I come with a lot of baggage. I don’t think Mindy will be back, but she might.”

She went on her toes and covered my mouth.

I sighed and pulled her closer, breaking the kiss to press my forehead to hers. “I know it’s fast, Nora. I do love you, though. I’ve had feelings for you for a long time. Even before you came back to Indigo Valley.”

“Really?”

“One of the reasons I let things fade with Booker. It was hard to see you two together.”

“Oh, Sully. I’m so sorry.”

“It worked out. Just took a little longer to make you see me.”

“I saw you. And I sometimes wonder if things would have been different if I didn’t marry Booker, but then maybe I never would have come back here. Maybe then I’d never have found you again.”

“You were worth the wait, Nora Baker.” I cupped her face and kissed her lightly.

I heard Danny’s laugh inside and everything settled exactly right inside of me.

“I think Danny might love you just as much as I do.”

“I love him too. I’m pretty stoked about the two-for-one deal.”

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