Page 137 of Falling for the Grumpiest Protector

"I'd hate to be inconvenienced alone."

I laugh. Actually laugh. And just like that, some of the weight in the room lifts.

I touch her cheek. "I don't want you finding out something important about me from somebody else again."

"You don't have to tell me everything at once, you know."

"I know."

"I mean it."

"So do I." Her hand settles against my chest.

"I just need you to let me in."

I cover her hand with mine. "I'll try." One eyebrow rises. I sigh. "I will."

"Better."

I look at her. "There is one more thing."

"That phrase is starting to make me nervous."

"If Diego comes to Oakridge..." I hesitate. "I'd like you to meet him."

Her expression softens. "You would?"

"Yeah. I don't know what he'll want. I'm not going to push him into anything."

"Of course not."

"But if he's comfortable with it, I want him to know you."

Maddy looks at me for a long moment. "I'd like that."

"You would?"

"Yes." Her fingers curl lightly into my shirt. "I'd like to meet your son, Javier."

Something inside my chest loosens. "What if I don't know how to be his father anymore?"

She doesn't answer immediately. That's one of the things I like about her. She doesn't rush to fill every silence.

"Then don't try to make up twelve years in one day." I look at her. "Start with the day he gives you."

I let that settle. One day. One conversation. One beginning. Maybe I can do that.

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me."

"I know." I slide my hand around her waist. "But I am."

Her gaze drops briefly to my mouth. When it comes back to my eyes, the air between us changes.

"Maddy."

"Yes?"