Page 76 of Make You Mine

We lay there, entangled, savoring the intimacy that words could never fully capture.

“I’ve never felt this close to anyone before,” I admitted softly, my fingers tracing patterns on his chest.

“Me neither,” he replied, his voice hushed as if the moment could shatter if spoken too loudly.

“There’s something I need to tell you,” I confessed, my voice trembling slightly. “It’s important to me that you know where I stand. Um, before we go any further.”

Ren’s brow furrowed slightly in concern, but he continued to hold me, his embrace unwavering and warm. “What is it, sweetheart?”

I took a deep breath, summoning the courage to speak. “I don’t want kids, Ren. It’s nothing medical, not trauma, I just don’t want them. I was worried about bringing it up, but I think I have to.”

He smiled warmly, his touch reassuring and gentle. “Then we’re on the same page. No deal breakers here. I don’t either. We can build something just for us.”

The room seemed to cocoon us in a world where time stood still. I felt a profound sense of peace, like all the pieces of my life were finally clicking into place.

“How did we get so lucky?” I whispered.

“Maybe it’s fate,” he answered. “Or maybe we just have too many people in common and it was inevitable.”

I burst out laughing. “God, Paige will definitely be gloating when she finds out how serious we are.”

“Now, it’s my turn to make a confession.”

I tilted my head, curious. “What do you want to confess?”

Ren's eyes twinkled with mischief. “I used to sneak into the neighbor's yard to play with their dog when I was a kid. I wanted one so badly, but we couldn’t afford it. And until now, I haven’t had the time for a pet. So, when I moved into my place, I considered getting a dog, maybe two. How do you feel about that? I mean I’d like to think that someday the two of us?—”

I pressed a finger to his lips. “You’d make a great dog dad. I think you should. Obviously, I’m a fan of dogs. Cats, too. The more the merrier.”

His smile lit up the room. “How about domesticated raccoons? I mean, you have the space…”

“I’d hit you with a pillow for that, but I’m too comfortable to move.”

“Should we put on some pajamas and let the kids in?” he joked.

“Could you be any more perfect?” I kissed his pec, then lifted on an elbow to look at him, tousled, satisfied,mine.

“I mean, I could try,” he teased.

“No, then you’d be too good for me.”

“Hey,” he tipped my face up to his. “There’s no such thing.”

We got out of bed and into our pajamas, then fed Cody. We spent the rest of the night cuddled together.

Chapter24

Piper

When Ren and I arrived at my grandparents’ house behind the Honeybrook Inn, the weenie roast was in full swing. The bonfire crackled heartily, sending sparks dancing into the twilight sky. Chairs had been arranged around it in a semicircle. My sisters were there, and my mother, their laughter bright and infectious as they chatted animatedly by the fire’s glow.

Lucy and her boyfriend Spencer were sitting on a blanket off to the side of the bonfire, engrossed in conversation with her mom, their faces occasionally illuminated by the flickering flames.

Grandma’s pugs scampered about, their playful barks adding a cheerful melody to the evening. They tumbled over each other, their energy boundless, chasing their tails and each other in an adorable frenzy. Cody was at home. I decided that I’d bring him by when it was quiet to introduce him to the puppies.

Ren squeezed my hand, a smile spreading across his face as he took in the scene. “This is amazing,” he murmured.

I grinned, my heart swelling with happiness. “Welcome to my childhood,” I replied.

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