Page 74 of Almost Always

The joy on his son’s face made him chuckle. “Yes. But that’s because I’m taking Daisy to dinner.”

While they hadn’t said ‘we’re dating’, his son was smart enough to know what was happening. After all, she’d had another sleepover and they’d spent the day together. He was also sure that Cal had seen them kiss that day in the park.

“Is she your girlfriend? Do you love her? Because you’re always happy and Indigo says that when someone is in love, that’s what they do.”

“How does Indigo know?”

“I dunno. But Miss Daisy loves you too.”

He turned back to the TV, ending the conversation. The simple way his son said it made him believe the statement. He did love her and he knew she did feel something for him. Enough that her face lit up every time they saw each other.

After dropping Cal and Boots off at the MacArthur house, overnight bag in tow just in case, he drove to Daisy’s. While the bistro didn’t have a dress code, he put some effort into his outfit—dark jeans, light blue shirt and a sports jacket. Mack made sure to tease him about howfancyhe looked, especially since he’d pulled his hair up into a tight knot. He’d even trimmed and groomed his beard.

He wasn’t going out with just anybody, he was going on a date withthe woman. The one that got away, his first real love and all those other cliché things people said. It was all true, though. She’d left her mark on him twenty years ago and the fact that he got a chance to be with her now meant that he was going to do everything perfectly.

When he pulled up in front of her gorgeous green home, he turned off the car and stared at the flowering vines. Was it crazy to know that he wanted to marry her one day? They’d only been back in each other’s lives for a few months and he was already thinking about the distant future. Of building a home with her, that included a bigger greenhouse and enough space for her tiny home in case she ever needed time away from him. He hadn’t voiced any of this to his therapist, because he already knew what she might say—are you worried that if you don’t put a ring on her someone else will? Do you think she’s going to get bored of you suddenly? Does this relationship not feel real to you?Everything felt real and good to him, but wasn’t the worry normal?

Before his thoughts could go down a darker path, the front door opened and she stepped out with an arched eyebrow. His hand flew to his chest as his jaw came unhinged at the sightof her.She is truly the most unreal woman I’ve ever seen. Pocketing his gift, he hopped out of the car and walked towards her. She flipped her hair over a shoulder and disappeared into the house, giving him a few minutes to catch his breath. Once he had the door closed, he leaned against it and stared at her.

She was most certainly trying to send him to an early grave.

Held up by thin straps, black fabric hugged her torso, putting her delicious cleavage on display. The top was tucked into billowing pants that flared around her legs, but cinched at the waist. Her collection of necklaces glowed against her brown skin.

“I changed my mind, let’s stay in. I’ll cook,” he said. His eyes swept over her slowly, memorizing every dip and curve of her body. It didn’t even matter that he’d seen her half-naked, she was sensational right then.

“I didnotput in all this effort to stay at home.”

“I don’t think I’ll be able to behave in public.”

She chuckled and stepped into his space. “You’re going to have to try. Because I want to show you off.”

“I want to keep you for myself more.”

Lavender and sunshine wrapped him in a hug as she said, “Was it not clear that I’m yours?”

“It is very clear.”

“Then you know that no matter how many people are in the room, all I see is you.”

“Daisy…” he said, shaking his head as his heart gave out completely.I don’t need it anyway, it’s hers for the rest of my life.

“You look very handsome tonight,” she said, hands gripping the lapels of his jacket.

“You are…breathtaking.” He held the jewelry box out, smiling as her eyes lit up. “I got you something.”

“I wasn’t being serious, Raff.”

“I know, but I thought you’d like this.”

She opened the box and gasped softly. Nestled against the velvet was a thin gold chain with wildflowers engraved on a medallion pendant. It was small, but the detail was beautiful.

“I love it,” she said, voice tinged in awe.

“Yeah?”

“Yes. The reason I don’t wear a lot of pendants is because I believe they need to mean something,” she explained, one hand touching the necklaces she was wearing. “The tourmaline is from my stepmother, for protection and peace. The moon and star, well…you know what it’s for.”

His eyes widened. “For us?”

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