Page 71 of Finally Found You

Pulling back, I meet her gaze again. “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.” My voice is filled with the love and adoration I feel for her. “You’ve captured my heart in ways I never thought possible. If you allow me, I want to show you my devotion while I hope, with every beat of my heart, that you fall in love with me.”

Time seems to stand still. Yet, each second stretches into eternity as I wait for her response. But it’s her smile, a barely there curve of her lips, that radiates a glimmer of hope.

“Is that a yes?” I dare to ask.

“Are you sure she’s okay with this?” she questions.

Kenzy’s voice rings out from behind the door, clear and unwavering, “I am.”

“What did I say about listening to other people’s conversations?” I groan, masking the amusement at the cheekiness of this girl.

“I’m just trying to make sure you don’t mess it up, Dad,” she says through the door, and Cami laughs.

“He’s done well so far,” Cami concedes, her gaze softening. “But are you sure this is okay?”

“Only if you promise to be good to each other,” Kenzy interjects, swinging the door open. She fixes Cami with a look that’s older than her years. “I don’t want to be responsible for his pathetic love life.”

A laugh bubbles out of Cami, sparkling and free. “You have to keep her away from your brothers,” Cami says teasingly.

Shaking my head, I grimace in mock despair. “It’s too late. They’ve already corrupted her.”

With a roll of her eyes, Kenzy redirects the conversation. “Now, can we go to Canada?”

“This time around it’s only Seattle,” I say. “During the next visit, we’ll start exploring the state and then Canada, okay?”

Kenzy pouts, her bottom lip jutting out in a silent protest, but she nods eventually. I dare to believe this is the first brick, the cornerstone in the building of our unconventional yet loving family.

Chapter Forty

Camilla

Going out on dates is impossible when Kenzy wants to explore all of Seattle, and we only have five days. And in all honesty, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I like to see her happy and enjoying life. The day Lysander and Kenzy leave for San Francisco, he reminds me I still have a job with him. I bring up the obvious that I now live in Seattle. He offers to let me do my job remotely, or I can relocate with all expenses paid.

I counter by offering my services as a consultant, promising to handle all the office tasks from the comfort of my apartment. I don’t shut down the possibility of moving to San Francisco, though.

Several things need to happen before I take the leap. For one, I need to make sure JJ is settled in her new job and makes new friends. I don’t want her to be alone. Then, there’s my relationship with Kenzy. I want to ensure it’s strong enough to survive anything, even the potential breakup between her father and me.

It seems foolish to contemplate the ending of a relationship that barely began, but I prefer to be ready for anything. It nearly killed me to lose Kenzy for a few months. I don’t think I can handle something like that again.

Lysander and I call each other at least four times a day. We text back and forth all day. I love knowing I’m his first good morning and he’s my last good night. This week I was tempted to fly and visit them in Paradise Bay, where they stay every weekend so Kenzy can work at her uncle’s bookstore. She’s saving to buy a car, and her dad is teaching her how to drive.

My phone rings at seven on Friday evening, a tad early for our usual sign-off. Teasingly, I answer, my voice a molten whisper, “It’s a little early for a good night call, Mr. Spearman.”

“Two weeks ago, I was promised a date, and nothing happened,” he retorts, a touch of playful accusation in his tone.

“You forfeited your chance, sir,” I claim, matching his playful tone.

“What are your plans for tonight?” he asks at the same moment a knock echoes through my living room from the front door.

Casting a glance down at my comfortable, yet hardly glamorous pajamas, I can’t help but shrug. “Obviously I’m going to party.”

His laugh, a deep and rich sound, warms me from the inside out. “Save the sarcasm and get dressed,” he teases.

“Just like that?” I query, an eyebrow arching in curiosity. The knock at my door repeats, its rhythm unyielding. I had hoped the unwanted visitor would have left by now, but they’re determined. Resigned, I open the door.

Standing on the other side is Lysander, his frame wrapped with a dark gray suit that amplifies his allure. My heart leaps at the sight of him, surprise and excitement fluttering in my chest. Without a moment’s hesitation, I close the gap between us, rising onto my tiptoes to meet his lips with mine.

Our mouths meld together in a searing kiss that ignites every nerve in my body. The taste of him, the intoxicating blend of mint and something unique to him, draws me deeper into the kiss.

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