Page 84 of Unexpectedly Falling
I don’t want to be hugged, but the more I struggle, the tighter he holds me until the fight leaves me and I’m melting into his embrace.
I hate that he knows me.
I hate that I like it.
“To be fair, Ididwarn you that Mama can be a lot.”
She’s wonderful.
Tilting my head back, I catch the way his lips quirk up on one side, his dimple popping the longer he looks at me.
Some might argue that my family is perfect with the myriad of professional athletes but we’re nothing compared to the Kades.
Because this is real—real love and affection and gratitude.
Remi whines, her little body squirming as she tries to break free from the swaddle. Picking her up, I cradle her against my chest and kiss the top of her head, praying for strength and the hope I can keep it together for a little longer.
JENSEN
Nessa changes Remi on autopilot,putting her in the matching leggings and snowman top she’d laid out this morning before handing my daughter to me.
“Stop looking at me like I’m gonna break.”
“I’m not.”
“Who’s lying now?” she sasses but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes.
“I know you want them to like you—and they do, trust me—but I want you to like them too,” I admit, bouncing Remi in my arms.
Nessa’s mouth opens and closes as she stares at me, like she can’t fathom why I’d ever utter the words.
“Your parents are wonderful.”
“And nice,” I add pointedly. “We’re not like the people you’re used to. We’re not flashy here. Some lack a certain finesse but can work the hell out of a tractor, and others pride themselves on whipping up a home-cooked meal to feed everyone in town,” I say more animatedly than I intended.
“Did you think I’d be rude? Be a bitch because of the life I have in Nashville?”
“No, I’m just sayin’ you were worried if they’d like you and I was worried if you’d like them,” I manage, gentling my voice and pressing my lips to hers in a soft kiss. “It’s a lot for everyone, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and unsure.”
I just want you to like it here—likeus.
She goes in for another kiss, this one unhurried but thorough as she caresses her tongue against mine. Sighing, she pulls back, her body a little more relaxed as she straightens.
“Let’s go before your mama thinks we escaped out an open window.”
I chuckle but she’s right.
“Are you ready?”
“Yeah, but later you’re making me some peanut butter hard rolls,” she says as she pushes me toward the door. “And don’t even make the face; you know you liked them too.”
“I don’t hate them, but I wouldn’t be devastated if I never had one again.”
She gasps and I laugh as we walk into the living room, Mama popping up off the couch as her hand flies up to cover her mouth.
“Oh, Jensen, she’s beautiful.”
“Mama, this is Remi Maeve.”
