Page 68 of Keystrokes and Kittens

He yawned. “Maybe we can continue this conversation in the morning? But only if you’re okay. If you’re not, then I’m happy to make two cups of herbal tea so we can talk it out.”

“Sleep is fine.” As an sympathetic yawner, of course I had to do the same.

Soren chuckled. “Now…who’s the big spoon?”

Be brave.“You.”

“Okay.” Again, he ghosted his fingers down my chin.

I grasped his hand and brought it to my chest—placing it right above my heart.

In return, he pressed a kiss to my lips. “I know I just said it, but I have to say it again—I love you. Your impact on my life has been…profound. It’s like there’s abefore Samandafter.”

A laugh escaped me. “I think you mean before kittens and after. I’ve been around for a long time.”

“You think I didn’t notice you the very first time we met?”

I stilled because he’d basically already said this. “Well, I certainly noticed you. I just got nervous and shy.”

“Which I completely understand. I wish I’d known then, but I think everything happens for a reason. I was meant to find you asleep at the cash register. Those little matchmaker kittens were meant to be in our lives.”

“Matchmaker kittens? I like that.”Be brave.“I’m going to roll over. I’ve always wondered what being a small spoon would be like.”

“I’ll be your dragon slayer tonight. The rest will sort itself out tomorrow.”

“Dragon slayer, eh?” As I shifted onto my side, I held that image in my mind. Soren could slay dragons. Self-doubt, pain of loss, wondering if I’d ever find someone who would understand me. He’d knocked down each of those by embracing me. By accepting me for who I was. I’d always owe him for that.

Yet, he’d also made it clear I brought something to the relationship. That probably meant more than anything.

He tucked himself around me and, as his warmth and scent enveloped me, I drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, with encouragement from me, he removed his unicorn pajamas anddid somethingabout his morning wood.

I felt only happiness. No curiosity, though. Nothing changed within me desire-wise. That just wasn’t something that I wanted. That Soren respected that was what sealed the deal for me.

Breakfast and more playing with kittens and dog led to cuddles and kisses.

My life was damn near perfect.

Epilogue

Soren

Quinta Mosley was even more beautiful in person than she was on camera. And even more charming, kind, and able to tease her uncle at every turn.

If Sam’s dark skin didn’t hide his blushes? I suspected he’d be perpetually sporting pink cheeks. His niece also made him laugh. All the time.

My heart soared every time I heard the wonderful noise. Not that he didn’t laugh with me. He did. Lots. But with Quinta, those laughs had a different tenor. A carefree quality that brought me joy.

Laurent was bold, brash, and everything I’d expect from a stereotypical New Orleans gentleman. His adoration of Quinta was so complete that, at moments, it took my breath away. His dark-brown hair was always a little mussed.

Probably something to do with Quinta running her hands through it.

His blue eyes were always sparkling.

Probably because Quinta rarely left his side, and she made him smile all the time.

I couldn’t ever remember being to be that besotted in my youth. Hell, even with my wife. But now, with Sam, I saw my happiness and love reflected in his niece.