Page 111 of Salvaged Hearts

Max

He’s stupid too.

Alice

Rude.

Max

Took him two years to make a move. I don’t have two years.

I ignoredthe pang of bitterness that if we hadn’t been cornered, he wouldn’t have even made a move now.

Alice

Your ovaries are shriveling?

Max

Har har har. I’m just…

…

Ready to settle down.

Alice

*gasping gif*

Did you just…

Max

I just.

Chip wiggledhis way up onto my lap, licking my chin as he stared up into my eyes expectantly. “Weird times, Chip,” I muttered, encasing his entire head in my palm and giving him a little ruffle before stroking each ear, much to his tail-wagging delight. “Weirdtimes.” Returning my focus to the screen, I tapped out a response.

Alice

I’m in love with Greyson Hart, and my Maximus is all grown up and ready to plant roots. Hell really did freeze over. Okay, so let’s look at the stats. What are you looking for?

Max

My soul mate.

Alice

Yes. I got that part.

What qualities are you hoping he’ll possess?

Max

Oh. That. Please hold. The bar has lowered, and I need to evaluate.

I watchedthe three dots appear and vanish twice before tossing my phone down on the blanket I’d laid out. Much to Chip’s pleasure, it freed up my other hand to commence obligatory pets, squishes, and tiny belly rubs. The blue gloom of approaching night made it hard to spot much beyond the white froth of the surf, but the sound lulled me into a sense of peace for the first time all week.

Quiet.

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