Tiredly, she whispered, “That I am.”
And then as her breath evened out and her entire body melted against mine, I fell asleep with a smile on my face.
When I felt the sun hit my face, I slowly opened my eyes and realized something. This was the first time I remember sleeping this well and this content.
And that was all thanks to the woman that was lying next to me.
Sadly, our happy bubble was popped when Cam called to say that we had church in twenty.
***
Just as I put the new motor in, I looked up and saw Conleigh walking into my garage with a white bag in her hands. “What’s all this?”
I asked her and then smiled when I saw her stop right in the middle of my driveway looking stunned.
Smirking, I asked, “You okay, Baby girl?”
She stood there frozen for a few minutes with her mouth hanging open, and then she ran full out for me.
Standing, I braced myself as she threw her body into mine, and with the white bag clenched in her fists that were locked around my back, I could feel the heat emanating from it.
Did I let her go or risk getting third-degree burns? Fuck no.
Mumbling against my chest, she said, “I can’t believe you did this. You did this for Collins. Didn’t you?”
“Sure did. She’s mine. And she was right. You didn’t need to shave your head. But I figured it was time to cut mine.”
“You amaze me, Gage Liam Marshall.” She said as she pulled from my embrace.
Looking down into her eyes that were brimming with tears, I asked, “Am I still handsome?”
I chuckled as she shook her head and laughed softly. “If there was a word beyond handsome that wouldn’t degrade you, I would use it. You’re gorgeous, Gage. Gorgeous.”
“Good. Now, what’s that in the bag?”
She smirked and tossed me a sexy as fuck wink over her shoulder. “What does it look like?”
Laughing, I said, “Well, I know it smells fucking great.”
“Of that, you would be correct. Collins demanded we get you food, too. You’ve made quite the impression on her.”
I knew they had picked Laci up to spend the day with them.
And that was when she placed the bag on top of the toolbox.
I turned my head as I saw Collins skipping along with none other than her best friend, Laci. Since the clubhouse party, the two of them were thick as thieves.
Until Collins looked over at us, waved, and then started skipping, but froze.
I stood there and watched as she dropped her head, and that alone had me wanting to rush over to her.
But my girl?
She beat me to it.
Her little legs were carrying her full out to me, the same thing her mother just did.
Knowing that she shouldn’t be running like that, I met her halfway, bent at the waist, and lifted her in my arms with Collins burying her little face in my neck.