Page 89 of Take My Kiss
“Ten years after he finishes a mental health program. Not sure if he has yet. She doesn’t talk ’bout him. But her brother got two. So I think he has another year.”
“That had to be hard to go through, especially while she was pregnant and then becomin’ a new mom.” I can’t imagine the trauma she endured during such a vulnerable time in her life.
“Very, but you wouldn’t know it with how strong and resilient she is. Delilah and her visit Jonah once a month so he can see his niece and isn’t a stranger to her once he gets out.”
“Delilah’s still friends with him after he kidnapped her?”
“I think they’re workin’ through it. She knows he was blackmailed into it, but that doesn’t make it any less traumatic that it happened. Especially since she was also expectin’ at the time.”
“I dunno how Wilder didn’t lose his shit on him. If someone kidnapped my pregnant wife, they’d never see daylight again.”
Her cheeks redden. “I think he was more upset with Wesley who put Jonah in an impossible situation.”
Shrugging, I tighten my stance. “Both of ‘em then. Maddox would help me.”
She snorts, shaking her head. “I’m very curious to meet this cousin of yours.”
Pushing off the counter, I stalk toward her and lift her up, then stand between her legs. “Why? Lookin’ for another secret boyfriend?”
The word slips from my mouth before I can stop it, but I don’t bother correcting myself either.
And luckily, she goes along with it.
“Nah, one is plenty.”
I lean in and kiss her, more than satisfied with her response. “Thanks again for being with me yesterday. One of the hardest days I’ve had in a long time.”
“You’ve helped me so much, Colt.” She tightens her arms around me. “It was nice to return the favor, even in a small way.”
I tip up her chin, brushing my lips over hers again. She sinks into me, and I’m tempted to confess how deeply I’m falling for her. How desperately I want her to stay and never leave.
“Mommy!” Lily races into the kitchen.
I quickly pull back when Amelia jumps off the counter.
“Yeah, sweetie?”
“I’m hungry. Remy too.”
“I’ll make some lunch,” I offer, kneeling in front of her. “What’re you in the mood for?”
“Buttery noodles and sausage gravy!”
I furrow my brows. “Together?”
Amelia snickers. “She’s used to the buffet at The Lodge with their breakfast and lunch options.”
“Ah…” I smirk. “I can do the noodles.”
“I can make the gravy,” Amelia offers. “It’s the one thing I actually know how to make.”
“Okay, perfect. Guess we can cook together.” I wink, very much liking the idea of working side by side in the kitchen. “Gotta give Remy his meds first.”
Once I swipe the bag off the counter, I grab the jar of peanut butter and scoop out a spoonful. Remy won’t take pills on his own, so I crush and sneak them into his favorite treat.
He gives me a bit of a hard time, sniffing it suspiciously, but I manage to get him to eat it.
“Keep an eye on him for me, okay?” I tell Sam, who hasn’t left his side.
