Page 54 of His Wild Storm
“You don’t need to answer me right now,” he assures me. “Take some time. Think about it. Ask me whatever questions you come up with. Then decide.” He pulls back enough to look into my eyes, his mossy depths sincere in a way which has me blinking back tears. “No pressure,” he murmurs.
Then he pulls away from me entirely. It feels like space instead of a punishment. He helps me out of his truck before grabbing Wilde who snuggles in his arms like they are exactly where he wants to be.
The vision of them together has my ovaries doing a jig while my brain tries to revolt and my heart is torn on which way to go.
“Just think about it,” are the words he leaves me with. They linger along with the way his fingers slipped from mine as he stepped back out into the dusk.
CHAPTER 17
KNOX
Today is the day and I can’t believe it’s finally here. Really, I can’t believe it’s happening at all. By all accounts, today should not be happening. But it is.
Haven and Wilde are moving into my house today. I’m hoping that soon we can legitimately call it our house, but I know she’s not ready for that. Not yet. She will be, though.
After more than a week of talking, deliberating, coming up with ground rules, showing her my full background check and financial reports, and some begging on my part, she decided to give what I was offering her a chance. Trust me, I understand why it was a difficult decision for her.
If I were in her shoes, I’m not sure I would be able to make the same choice she made. But I’m damn glad she’s moving in today.
After last week’s Christmas festivities, it felt like she had already made her decision but was waiting for some kind of sign. Not being deterred by her uncertainty, I started sending her pictures of the way I was redoing one of my guest rooms for Wilde.
Is one wall now a chalkboard while another is a whiteboard? Yes. He’s going to be able to draw on his walls and if that’s not a kid’s dream come true then I don’t know what is.
With every piece I added to the room, including a twin bed and paint splatter sheets, I would send Haven a picture. She tried to protest at first but then quickly realized it wasn’t going to stop me.
I was ready no matter which way she went with my proposal. To me it was simply a matter of time before she said yes. Even if it took her months.
Finally, she took pity on me a few days ago and we decided there was no reason to wait. Tomorrow we’ll be joining the Banks family holiday celebration. She’s nervous about it, but I know it’ll go well.
Hell, if I were a betting man, I’d put money on Haven finding more friendships and babysitters. I’m looking forward to it.
Almost as much as I’m looking forward to going to sleep tonight while knowing my family is safe and happy under the same roof as me.
When we sat down with Laura and Wendy to let them know of our plans, neither one of them looked surprised. Still, their need to ensure Haven and Wilde’s safety was at the forefront of their minds.
Laura’s gaze was intense as she looked at Haven. “Are you sure this is what you want? We will support you, no matter what. There is no pressure for you to leave here.”
Haven smiled, her decision settling around her in a way she hadn’t allowed until that moment. “I’m sure,” she assured her. “I’ve been thinking about it since he asked me the same day we went to the museum. We’ve talked about it and I’m confident this is the right next step for me.”
“And,” Laura’s eyes flicked to me uncertainly, “if you two don’t work out? What happens then?”
“Then nothing changes,” I assured her even though I was confident we would work out. “Haven and Wilde will always have a home, no matter what happens between us.”
Laura took a deep breath and nodded while her eyes remained apprehensive. “Haven, our resources are still available to you as long as you need them, no matter where you are living. We’ll help you with figuring out school next year for Wilde or homeschool resources for the rest of this year. You’re welcome to continue therapy through us and Wilde is welcome to continue with art classes.”
Haven’s eyes became glassy with unshed tears. “Thank you,” her voice was thick with emotion.
There were hugs and whispered words of gratitude passed around. I barely heard anything because it felt like we had gotten over a huge hurdle. Haven was nervous about telling Laura the plan. She was afraid the woman would judge her, but her moving into my house isn’t just about us. It’s mostly about her being able to take this step in a way which still keeps her safe.
She hasn’t heard anything about her ex and Duncan is still looking into it. As much as I would love to pretend like her past will never come back up, it would be stupid for me not to be prepared. I won’t risk Haven and Wilde. I can’t.
After checking Wilde’s room one more time, even though I know it’s perfect, I head out the door with a spring in my step. I pull my phone out of my pocket to find texts from my family filled with their excitement.
I knew my crew would love Haven and Wilde just like I do. Everyone opened their hearts to them, and it wasn’t just becauseI was already gone for them. No, Haven and Wilde charmed them all on their own.
All Wilde had to do was be himself and show his appreciation and interest in art. But it was more than him just being the little sponge he is. The questions he asked showed an insight and innate talent without the need for paper and art supplies to be obvious. Only an artist would have asked the things he did, or gotten what he did from the work we looked at while touring the museum.
While Wilde hung out with the guys of our family, including Ian, Haven bonded with the ladies. I’m glad because she deserves to have some fierce women at her back and Tenley, Monroe, and Avery are fierce. While Avery might not think so, she really has no idea how easy it is to see her bravery and courage. I have no doubt that by the time the baby is born Bridger, and the rest of us, will have her convinced of her own strength.
