Page 105 of A Game Plan for Love

“We want to fix what we broke,” he adds.

She tries to hide it, but those are the words Addie’s been desperate to hear. “Okay.”

Dinner is quiet as we eat our meals, but as we finish, Cora asks in a tiny voice, “What’s she like?”

Addie can’t hide her shock, as if she wasn’t prepared for them to ask the question. Cora waits with a hopeful gaze, and John holds onto his wife’s hand, eyes glistening.

“We’d love to see photos,” he says, “if you’re willing to share.”

She turns to me, and I lift the corner of my lips in a tiny smile. An approval of their request, not that she needs it.

“Nora is…” I search for the right word, “Inquisitive. Smart. Loud.” That pulls a chuckle from Addie. “She loves sticker books and princess movies. We’re actually taking her to Florida next week.”

Addie sucks in a breath and her eyebrows are high on her forehead.

Shit. I didn't mean to give away that secret. “Surprise?”

“I should have known.” Addie shakes her head, pursing her lips, but there’s no real heat in the look.

Cora and John laugh softly.

Addie hesitantly shares photos of Nora, and I offer a few photos of my own. Nora and Addie are in matching aprons. The three of us after the game. The aquarium. Dinner ends with hopeful looks in everyone’s eyes, and as she says goodbye to her parents, Cora sweeps her into a crushing hug.

She melts in her mother's arms, and when they separate, they each wear small, timid smiles. John stands at my side as we watch them.

“I’m sorry for what I said,” he admits quietly, hands slipping into his front pockets. “She shines by your side. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for someone better for her, or Nora. Thank you for doing what we did not.”

“I’ve been exactly where you are,” I say. “Asking for forgiveness after hurting someone I love. I’m living proof that if you put in the effort, you can regain the trust you lost.”

Addie giggles at something her mother says, and my chest bursts with warmth.

“It’s going to be hard, and at times, uncomfortable, but it will be worth it,” I continue. “They’re both worth it.”

He nods once more before they head in the opposite direction, and Addie skips to the car, light as a cloud. She takes my arm and leans her head on my shoulder as we walk side-by-side.

“I’m so proud of you, baby.”

“It’s a start,” she says, tone neutral, but I recognize the hope in her eyes. We walk to the car, hand in hand, and her fruity perfume fills the air around us as her hair sways in the wind.

“When we get home,” Addie says nonchalantly, slipping into the passenger seat of the car, “I’m going to fuck your brains out.”

I slam my foot on the gas pedal and the engine roars, creating a lovely melody with Addie’s boisterous laughter.

CHAPTER 31

Wasteland, baby! – Hozier

Addie

ThefrontdoortoDeclan’s home slams shut, and he prowls toward me with determination, blue eyes swimming with lust, and hunger, andlove. The last one makes my knees wobble. I’m way ahead of him, sliding the sleeves of my sundress off my shoulders, allowing the green fabric to puddle on the floor around me.

I could never hear the three small words from him, and I would know with no uncertainty that he loves me—wholly, deeply, unconditionally.

“Fuck,” he says, pausing in the middle of the hallway.

He drags a hand over his face in a slow, deliberate movement, and then I’m being swept into the air and dropped onto the kitchen counter.

I land with a small squeak.

---