Page 88 of Stroke of Fate

She gives me a long look.

“What? It’s the truth.” I laugh, needing to see some of the shine back in her eyes that dimmed from the heavy conversation.

Her lips twitch, and finally, I get the smile that makesmefeel lighter.

***

We’re about ten minutes from our destination, and Bear’s been nibbling her lip for the last five minutes. I know she’s nervous. I can see it in her tics. She can’t sit still in her seat and switches from glancing out the window to following the little arrow on the monitor directing us.

“You know my mom’s going to love you, right?” I say, trying to ease some of her nerves.

“Who did you say you were bringing with you this weekend?” Bear blurts out, then drops her head back against the headrest with a groan.

Ah. That’s what she’s worried about. We haven’t discussed labels. She’s always beenmine,ever since the first day.

The only thing that’s changed is that now she knows it, too. But if she needs me to confirm it, I will.

“I told her I was bringing my girlfriend.” My mom has heard plenty about Bear, so hearing we made it official wasn’t surprising.

I wish I could see Bear’s expression, but there are too many cars on the road to risk it. Precious cargo and all.

“Huh, we’re really doing this whole girlfriend-boyfriend thing then?”

I try to gauge her tone, but it isn’t easy to concentrate on her voice when the GPS is telling me to turn here and make a left there. I should have switched it off a while back but kept it going for convenience’s sake.

“I thought we’ve been doing it this whole week already?”

And it’s been one of the best weeks of my life.

Bear’s voice is muffled as she bends to grab her purse off the floor. “Yes, but saying it out loud makes it even more real.”

My ears strain to determine if she sounds completely terrified or elated about this conversation.

When a familiar brick house comes into view, I pull into the driveway like I’ve done hundreds of times before.

After switching off the car, I turn to face her. Our eyes connect in the dim light.

“You’re not getting cold feet on me, are you, Teddy Bear?” The only sound I hear is my heart pounding as I wait for her answer.

After everything she confessed last weekend, I can’t blame her for being hesitant about starting something new. Even if the thought of Bear walking away wrecks me.

God, the way I want to punch that asshole for what he did to her. For making her feel so unworthy. No one, especially not Bear, deserves that.

And I’ll make sure she never feels like she’s not enough for anyone. Ever again.

“No cold feet.” She says, and I can finally release the breath I’ve been holding. “I like it when you call me your girlfriend.”

Her smile is wide, and I’m so fucking relieved that all I can do is lean over the console and kiss her. I try to sneak in some tongue, but she pulls back with a laugh, smacking me playfully on the chest.

“Nice try, Whiskey Eyes. Let’s go meet your mom.”

She hops out of the car, torturing me with a view of her ass in the moonlight. With a smile, I shake my head and follow.

“Hey, Ma, we’re here,” I call out from the front door.

A few seconds pass before my mom rounds the corner with a huge smile and open arms.

I step into her embrace, breathing in her familiar scent.

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