Page 160 of The Manny

“You have no reason to feel guilty. Jules did what she needed to do to survive, and so did you. But having said that, neither one of you didanythingwrong. You were both kids, and life doesn’t come with instructions.”

He pulled me down, and held me tight. I could hear his heart thumping under my ear, and his strong arms made me feel safe.

“Maybe I was too afraid back then to take a stand,” he said gruffly. “But I promise you this, Thomas, I’ll never let anyone hurt you or Mia. I will protect you two until my dying breath.”

“I’ll protect you too, Jack. I have your back.”

He gave a husky laugh. “I’m counting on it.”

Epilogue

(One Month Later)

Jack

“You mean, Thomas can stay with us forever?” Mia sounded breathless and her eyes were wide with excitement.

“That’s right,” I said quietly. “He’s not going anywhere.”

Thomas smiled at me, but he didn’t say anything. At his insistence, we’d waited an entire month before making our relationship official. He’d been worried that I’d only declared my feelings for him because of the trauma of his accident. No matter how many times I’d insisted he was nuts, he’d remained stubborn.

Mia nodded. “That must be why you kiss so much.”

I raised my brows. “When did you…?”

She gave a sly smile. “In the kitchen.”

I widened my eyes. “But… but…”

Mia sighed. “You always kiss Thomas when he’s doing the dishes.”

My face warmed. “And here I thought I was being so subtle.”

Mia shook her head. “I saw you all the time.”

Thomas laughed. “I told you she was on to us.”

“I underestimated you, Mia.” I winced.

She pointed to her head. “I got good eyes.”

“Yes. You do.” I nodded. “When you start school next year, Thomas will take care of other children during the day, but he won’t live with those other families. He’s only going to live with us. I don’t want to share him with those other people.”

Mia giggled. “Nope. Thomas is ours.”

“That’s right,” I said softly.

Thomas grinned. “I feel like a chew toy.”

Mia gave another delighted giggle. “You’re not a toy, silly. You’re a human.”

Thomas smiled. “So, what do you think about Uncle Jack and I being boyfriends, Mia?”

She threw her hands in the air. “I think it’s great!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You do seem happy about it.”

“Well, I want you both with me forever.” She suddenly looked very serious.

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