Page 66 of Homecoming

“No, I’m not.”

“You are. What do you mean?”

“I’m different now.”

“How?”

“For one thing, I never, ever,everworry about money anymore. I can’t remember the last time I gave a thought to how I was going to pay for something.”

“So your marriage to the wildly successful, devastatingly handsome and fiercely sexy lawyer hasn’t helped the situation?”

Kara burst out laughing. She laughed so hard, she feared she might wet the bed. By the time she caught her breath, she had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face.

“Was it something I said?”

“Don’t make me laugh like that again unless you want to sleep in a wet bed. Your huge baby is camped out on my bladder.”

“I can’t help it if I’m devilishly funny on top of all my other endearing qualities.”

She pinched his lips closed. “Stop talking.”

He twisted free of her grip. “That takes me right back to our glorious early days together when you were forever trying to get me to shut up.”

“I never have succeeded in that.”

“Others before you have tried and failed.” When she raised a brow, he quickly added, “Parents, teachers, coaches, bosses, professors, law firm partners.”

“Nice save, Counselor.”

“Phew, that was a close one.”

“You’re always a heartbeat away from big trouble.”

“I like to live dangerously.” He tenderly brushed her hair back from her face. “I feel bad that your time with your friends was upsetting.”

“It is what it is, but I’m hoping to have more time with them while we’re here to work things out. If that doesn’t happen, it’ll be okay because I have you and Dylan and Bertha and Buster and your family and all our family on Gansett Island. Our chosen family.”

“I’m sorry if being with me has made a tough situation worse for you, though.”

“Being with you has made my whole life complete. Despite your overinflated ego, you’re the best thing to ever happen to me, and you make me deliriously happy most of the time.”

He gave her the side-eye. “Only most of the time?”

“Take the victories where you can get them.”

“Yes, dear. So I’m the best thing to ever happen to you, huh?”

“Go away, Dan.”

“But you just said you loved me more than anything!”

“When did I say that?”

“I heard it. I swear I did.”

“I’m going to sleep now.”

“Kiss me good night.”

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