Page 67 of Ruined
“Now that’s how you kiss a woman,” Eli’s father proudly stated as laughter bellowed from his belly, chased by a coughing fit. Daisy smacked her husband’s back a couple of times while Logan and Eli shook their heads. It seemed as if there was a story there; I made a mental note to ask him about it later.
I should’ve been embarrassed that he’d kissed the living daylights out of me in front of his family, but oddly enough I wasn’t. That little act somehow made me feel like I was part of the family, like I’d made it through my initiation.
His hand slipped into mine, when our fingers were laced together I allowed him to lead me to a huge gazebo in the backyard. I heard Molly’s happy squeal before I even spotted her and Flynn running around with Logan and Harper’s rottweiler on their heels.
The place had been a lot busier on Kenzie’s wedding day, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the beautiful view. Green stretched as far as I could see, the mountains in the distance creating a backdrop that would leave anyone speechless.
It wasn’t hard envisioning a happy family living here and judging by the laughter that still filled the air that’s exactly what they were: one big happy family. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t see Molly run up to me until her arms were wrapped around me.
“Miss Zoe!”
“Little Miss Molly.” I dropped to my haunches and tapped the tip of her nose with my index finger. “Are you having fun?”
She nodded furiously and then stated, “I made a drawing for you.” I didn’t have time to inquire about it, she dashed past me and disappeared into the house. As I straightened, she came rushing back, paper in hand.
“You know anything about this?” I quietly asked Eli.
“Nope.”
Molly excitedly shoved the picture into my hand when she reached me, her giddiness evident on her pretty little face. I wasn’t prepared for the tidal wave of emotions that rushed over me the moment I lifted the paper to inspect it.
Through the sudden cloudiness of my eyes, three figures came into focus — a man and a woman holding a little girl’s hand. “It’s you, me, and Daddy,” Molly explained. My heart stuttered right before it threatened to leap from my chest. “Do you like it?” Deep blue eyes were intently focused on me.
“I—” the word squeaked out, forcing me to clear my throat. “I love it. So much.” Again, she threw her arms around me, taking another piece of my heart. I held the precious drawing in one hand while I hugged her back with the other. Glancing sideways, I found Eli studying me, the look in his eyes said a whole lot more than words ever could.
I had no doubt these two people were my today, my tomorrow, my forever.
