Page 168 of Where Broken Wings Fly

“Well, it’s a bit more than that.”

Staring into his uncertain eyes, the penny drops. He’s searching for any trace of judgement, seemingly expecting some kind of rejection. I take his face in my hands.

“You’re a virgin?” I whisper.

Micah visibly gulps. “Yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, Mi?”

“I figured it might freak you out.” He bobs in the water, releasing a sigh. “It just never happened for me. Eventually, I stopped trying altogether.”

I’m speechless. Here’s this stunning, God-like statue of a man with a heart of pure gold beneath his timid exterior, and he’s worried about scaring me off. My heart melts.

“It doesn’t freak me out.”

“Are you sure?” he worries.

“Of course. You shouldn’t be ashamed of that.”

“Thanks, angel.” His smile turns shy. “So, um. About that date.”

I peck his lips. “You’re on. I’ve never been camping.”

“I’ll make it special. I promise.”

The violent smacking back and forth of the ball drags us back to the present, where Killian and Zach are battling it out. I snuggle against Micah and watch the game unfold.

Killian swears his head off when he drops the ball for a third time, even with Arianna listening. Zach shouts and hollers in victory, far too pleased with himself for winning.

“I win! Game night is mine!”

Rolling my eyes, I disentangle myself from Micah and climb out of the water, grabbing a spare towel to cover my wet bra and panties. Killian has followed me out and pulls Arianna into his lap, her tiny body still wrapped in a towel.

He begins to comb through her hair with his fingers, deftly plaiting the wet blonde strands. Arianna preens under his attention, her eyes floating shut as she relaxes into his embrace. She’s always loved getting her hair plaited.

By the time he’s finished braiding the long strands, she’s a snoring lump in his lap. The water must’ve tuckered her out. Killian holds her close, a smile playing across his lips.

“Want me to take her, Kill?”

“Nope,” he declines. “I’m good here.”

I watch him cuddling my little girl like she’s his own. It’s stupid how emotional the sight makes me, but I have to blink back tears. Killian looks so content, it hurts my soul.

I love him.

Fuck, I love them all.

And that scares me to death.

CHAPTER 31

WILLOW

SOMETHING IN THE ORANGE - ZACH BRYAN

Smoothing my hands down my billowing floral dress, I nod decisively at my reflection. My dark hair is braided and twisted to sit on top of my head in an intricate up-do. Aalia smiles at me from over my shoulder, a can of hairspray in hand.

“Perfect. You are so beautiful, Willow.”

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