Page 65 of Steadfast

“They gave you time off?” I asked cautiously.

“They weren’t happy about it.”

I grimaced.

“I can get a job anywhere, Aoife.”

“You love where you work.”

“Maybe I’ll love the next place just as much.”

I wanted to argue, but as I sat there looking at him, I couldn’t find the words. My life was complete when he was with me. I could raise the kids and be content with that—I’d had years to envision that life, and I could no longer imagine anything else—but Richie made me happy in a way that nothing else ever would. I could breathe when he was there. I felt lighter.

“Your timing could’ve been a little better,” I said apologetically after a few minutes.

He frowned, his hands gripping my hips.

“We’re actually heading back on Monday.”

“You are?”

“I have a lot to tell you,” I murmured nervously.

“Things you could’ve been telling me for the last week if you hadn’t ditched your phone,” he said flatly.

I nodded.

We spent the next hour going over all the things Aunt Ashley had been helping me with, interrupted only by small touches and long kisses that he seemed to have missed as much as I had.

“So, you might get guardianship,” he said after I’d spilled my guts. “And if you don’t, then we’ll be moving out here so your aunt can pretend that she’s raising them, but it’ll still be you.”

“In a nutshell,” I said, laying my head on his shoulder.

“Your mom had a million dollars, and you didn’t know about it?”

“It wasn’t like we ever had any money,” I grumbled.

“What a bitch,” he breathed. “I’m sorry, butfucking Mandy.”

“Yeah.” I inhaled the scent of his skin, letting my body relax into him further. “I know she’s gone, and I should forgive her, but I’m not there yet.”

“With good reason,” he replied. His hand rubbed slowly up and down my back. “Your aunt looks just like her. She’s like the clean version of your mom.”

“I know.”

“You’re going to age well,” he said with satisfaction, making me giggle.

“Ash and Ro are climbing the walls,” Cian called, poking his head out the front door. “So, if you could wrap this up so they could get some Richie time, that would be great.”

He disappeared again.

“They missed you,” I said, leaning up so I could smile at him.

“I missed them,” he replied seriously.

“I’m so sorry.” My eyes began to water.

“I know,” he murmured back, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears that leaked out of the corners of my eyes. “Stop crying.”

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