“How about we go into town and get some ice cream?” Justin suggested, trying to lighten the mood.The kids agreed cheerfully, and they spent an hour in the town before heading back to the ranch to get ready for the planned celebration that afternoon.The christening was scheduled for 3:30, and they arrived at the small chapel in town in plenty of time. The pews were filled with family and friends, and when he spotted Allena, the air immediately rushed from his lungs. She looked lovely in a knee-length, pale green dress with matching shoes. Her hair was up, but the wispy bits falling around her temples were incredibly sexy. He left the kids with Leah and took his spot at the altar beside Allena, achingly aware of her, as the familiar scent of her perfume assailed his senses every time she moved.The service was short and heartfelt, and he was humbled that Mitchael and Tess entrusted him with the role of godfather to little Charlie. He knew how hard their journey to parenthood had been
Justin was neck deep in work on Tuesday morning when he received a frantic call from Leah, saying that Igor, his stepfather had collapsed. He was in an ambulance and on his way to the community hospital. It took Justin just seconds to shut down his computer and then head out to meet his sister in the emergency room as the EMTs were wheeling his stepdad into triage.“I stopped by his house this morning,” she explained, distraught and tearful, and he hugged her close. “I found him on the floor in the kitchen. I don’t know what happened or how long he’d been there. I spoke to him yesterday, and he said he still wasn’t feeling well.” She shuddered. “I should have checked on him again last night.”“You couldn’t know,” Justin said soothingly, trying to hide the panic in his heart.“I called the medic as soon as I got there and saw him,” she cried. “God, I hope I wasn’t too late.”“Did the EMTs give you any indication of what could be wrong?” Justin asked and led Leah towards a chair in the
Allena had no way of getting into a complicated discussion about love and feelings with an eight-year-old, so she didn’t bother. “Of course I do.”For a moment, the boy looked as though he had the weight of the world on his little shoulders. “I wish you still took care of us, Allena. I wish things were the same.”Allena was tempted to offer some platitude about how life was about change and then realised the words would be more for herself than for the little boy she loved so much. She hugged him again and arranged bath time for both children before making a quick dinner of macaroni and cheese, followed by canned fruit with a dollop of ice cream. It was nearly eight by the time the kids were in bed. Cassie fell asleep immediately, while Jayden dozed with a book in his hands. Justin had texted her after seven, saying he’d be home soon, but he didn’t show up until after eight thirty. He looked tired and spent when he walked through the front door with Mittie.“Leah’s staying at Dad’s, s
Justin dispensed with the buttons on her sweater and pushed the fabric from her shoulders, trailing kisses along her collarbone, making her mindless and fueling the desire that was surging through her blood.“Allena,” he muttered, his breath warm against her skin, “tell me what you want.”His words were inflammatory and sexy, giving her confidence. “Everything,” she whispered, finding his mouth again in a hot, searing kiss. “All of you.”He groaned, half pleasure, half pain, and led her towards the bed, halting when the backs of her knees met the mattress. He took off his glasses, placed them on the bedside table, and then looked at her, watching as she breathed and as her full breasts rounded over the cups of her bra.“Not legs,” he said sexily, trailing his thumb between her breasts, reminding her of a conversation they’d previously had. Her nipples hardened instantly, peaking against the smooth satin fabric, and he moaned again, clearly aroused. “I want you so much, Allena. I can’t
Justin shrugged. “Maybe, but not right now. I don’t want this to end.”Allena touched his jaw. “I think that’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard you say.”He smiled sexily. “You don’t think I’m romantic, do you?”“Not especially,” she replied, still smiling. “You’re very practical and sensible, which is why you make an excellent office man. But romance isn’t your thing. I can’t imagine you raiding a flower bed to pick a bouquet or reciting a poem, can you?”He frowned mockingly. “Guys actually do that?”“Some,” she replied. “For example, how often did you buy flowers for that woman you dated last year?”He knew she was well aware of the other woman’s name and seemed amused that she didn’t want to say it. “Rachel wasn’t the type of woman who liked flowers.”“What type was she?”He traced a long finger down her cheek. “What difference does it make? She was very focused on her career, which is fine, but she wasn’t interested in making room for family and kids. Which is a big part o
“I’m so relieved Dad had another good night.” Justin half heard his sister’s words. They were at the hospital on Thursday, sitting side by side in a small waiting room specifically for relatives of patients. The doctor had spoken to them at length about their father’s condition and recovery. Of course, he was grateful Igor was getting better and had gone through the last forty-eight hours without a stroke reoccurring. The doctor had indicated there could be some memory loss, and of course he was still struggling with the paralysis of his left side, but he was speaking much better and eating well. Igor was lucky, and they were all thankful he was on the road to recovery, even if the journey was likely to be a slow one.But Justin was also completely wired and couldn’t concentrate on anything other than the fact he’d spent an incredible night with Allena in his arms and how she’d snuck off while he slept.“Are you listening to me?” Leah complained and shoved his shoulder with her own.J
Allena raised her brow at Justin and said, “We’re a situation now?”“I don’t know what we are,” he said flatly. “You left pretty abruptly the other day.”“I didn’t want the kids to see me,” she said frankly, spooning a little sugar into her coffee. “Itwould only confuse them.”“It confused me, too,” he said and met her gaze. “I thought you might have...""Might you have what?” she prompted when his words trailed.He sighed. “Stayed,” he responded. “Talked. Listened. I don’t know... something.”“I didn’t want to overanalyze things,” she said. “I still don’t.”“When we were in bed together, after we made love, I asked you to marry me,” he reminded her.“Again. So, have you considered it?”She sat back in her seat, her eyes bright but glaring at him. “Seriously, this is what you wanted to talk about? And how?” She laughed brittlely. “You really suck at proposing, Justin.”“I was only trying to—”“I know what you’re trying to do,” she said hotly. “You’re trying to solve an equation or fi
She headed to her room and called her sister, explaining that Bobby had shown up—leaving out any mention of Justin.“And is he everything you hoped for?” Tess asked.“Yes,” she replied. “He’s very nice. And he seems to like me.”“Of course he likes you,” Tess assured her. “You’re amazing. Have a good time, and stay safe. Text me when you get back to your room.”She dressed in jeans, a bright red shirt, and boots, and she met Bobby in the foyer at exactly six o’clock. They walked the half-block to the pizza place and quickly got a booth. They ordered pizza with extra pineapple and were just about to tuck in their first slices when she saw Justin walk into the restaurant, holding Cassie in his arms while Jayden walked by his side.Her heart rolled over at the sight of them, and a deep-rooted longing made every part of her ache. Her eyes burned, and she blinked, pushing back the tears that threatened to roll down her cheeks. It was never meant to be this hard.“Everything okay?”Bobby’s