Page 194 of Between Regrets and Promises

“Ooh, I like the sound of that. Should totally be a book.” Maddie beams with excitement.

We laugh and chat for another hour before Lennon suggests we FaceTime our parents since the three of us are together.

“That feels wrong after the conversations we just had…” I bite my bottom lip, then shrug. “As long as Maddie doesn’t blurt anything inappropriate, we should be okay.”

“Considering I’m the one who knows both of your secrets, you should know I’m a pro at acting completely normal with Mom and Dad. It’s you two sex addicts who will blow our covers.”

“They know by now not to say anything to me,” Lennon gloats.

We end up talking to our parents for twenty minutes before Lennon uses Allie as an excuse to hang up. They could chat for hours if we didn’t find a way to end the call. We all love them so much, but they will pry into every detail of our lives if given the chance.

“Thanks for bringing dinner.” Lennon gives us hugs before we head out.

“You’re welcome!” I smile. “Oh, don’t forget my fall concert is next week. You’re all coming, right?”

“Of course! We wouldn’t miss it. Mads, I’ll pick you up,” Lennon directs at our little sister. “Don’t be late.”

“You’re the one with the baby, and I’m gonna be late?” She scoffs, and it’s funny the way we both give her shit, but it’s our job as the older sisters. She’s growing into a young woman, and it’s hard to believe she’ll be legal to drink in a few months.

Once I drop Maddie off, I come home to Mason on the couch. Lying down with one arm behind his head and the other over his chest, he’s fast asleep. He’s been working so hard since he was promoted, and I know he wants to prove himself, but I still worry about him burning out.

“Baby…” I whisper, brushing my hand over his cheek. “Go to bed. You won’t be comfortable out here.”

“Mmm…” He stirs. “I was waiting for you. What time is it?”

“Just after nine,” I tell him. “You fell asleep early.”

“Pretty sure I fell asleep the moment I walked into the house,” he murmurs, his eyes still closed.

“Did you eat something?”

“I downed a couple of sandwiches, but I skipped dessert. Get your ass on my face.”

I burst out laughing. “Smooth.”

He finally opens his eyes. “Did you girls have fun tonight?”

“Yeah, we ate dinner, chatted and then FaceTimed our parents.”

“Oh yeah? Did you tell your folks about me yet?” Mason smirks, knowing how strict and religious they are.

“Totally. Confessed that I’m living with you in sin, and we’re now fucking regularly. They told me to give you an attaboy!” I playfully punch his shoulder, and he grins.

“We’ve already discussed wedding vows, so it’s best they’re caught up to speed here.” He sits up and pulls me onto his lap. Mason brushes his fingers along my cheek and tucks loose strands of hair behind my ear. “Then I can tell them all about how much I love their daughter and would do anything for her.How I’ll provide for her, care for her, and love her until my dying day. I gotta compete with Hunter now, so…”

I laugh, but my eyes fill with unshed tears at his admission. “You’re too sweet to me,” I tell him softly, leaning my forehead against his.

Mason cups my cheeks and kisses my lips, soft and quick. “I mean it, sweetheart. Until my dying day.”

Nodding, I choke back my emotions. “I know you do. It’s why I love you so damn much.”

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

MASON

Sometimes I hatemy fucking job.

I knew what I was getting into, but days like today are hard. Crime scenes with children are my hard limit, but I don’t always have the choice. Suicide is another for me, but I use my experience to get through it, knowing the family will want answers. Thewhyand thehowusually, and although it’s not something we can always give them, I strive to. They want closure.

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