Page 60 of Beating Heart
“Yep,” I said, motioning to my backpack. But damn, if I didn’t like the way she looked out for my boy.
And as we walked toward the dock, Cutler’s hand slipped into Emerson’s, and my fucking chest squeezed so tight it was hard to breathe.
She fit in with us perfectly.
Like she belonged here.
And that was scary as hell.
sixteen
. . .
Emerson
We took the boat over to Kingston’s house, and Cutler reached for my hand when I stepped off and onto the dock there. He seemed thrilled to have me and Winnie tagging along, and I was surprised that I’d wanted to come.
But I did.
I was tired of sitting alone and sulking about a life plan that had gone amiss.
It was time to move forward.
And not just by being angry and throwing myself into work.
It was time to move forward by living my best life.
Today was supposed to be my wedding day, and for whatever reason, it no longer felt like a loss. I was exactly where I wanted to be.
“Winnie!” Demi called out when my pup charged toward her, Saylor, and Peyton.
“Dandelion is going to be so happy that you brought her,” Saylor said.
And in a blur, both dogs were running in circles and wrestling around on the grass. Cutler took off after them, and we all laughed at how quickly they seemed to be fast friends.
“Winnie’s never going to want to go back to city living after spending six months here,” Ruby said, giving me this knowing look as she continued. “Trust me. I never thought I’d stay, but this place has a way of growing on you.”
I’m already realizing that.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Demi said, as we made our way to sit on the Adirondack chairs on the patio.
“Cutler, we’re taking out the jet skis,” Nash called after him, and then his eyes found mine. “Are you fine here?”
“Look at you, being all attentive and thoughtful,” Kingston said as he waggled his brows.
Nash flashed him the bird, and everyone chuckled.
“I’m fine. Thank you.”
He dropped his backpack next to my chair, and they all took off and piled onto the jet skis and paddle boards that Kingston had on his dock. I watched as Nash put a life jacket on Cutler and then took his hand and helped him onto the jet ski where he sat in front of his father.
“Are you telling me that you don’t find it sexy, seeing the way that man fathers little Beefcake?” Peyton said.
I smiled and shook my head. “I don’t think there’s a woman on the planet with a pulse that doesn’t find that man sexy.”
“Oh. We’re admitting it now. I like it,” Ruby said, as Saylor handed us each a bottle of water from the cooler before sitting back down.
“Just speaking the truth,” I said. “I’ve never denied that he’s gorgeous.”
