“You know, Jenna, there’s something you should know about life: Things always change, even when you don’t realize it’s happening. There’s no way to predict the future, what will come, good or bad. But everything ends up right where you’re supposed to be. So, when things seem bad, just have faith that they will turn around, because they will.”
My restless soul is content now that it has found its counterpart. Everything’s better with Phoenix.
Jenna opens her mouth and slobbers all over my cheek—her favorite game where she tries to bite me with her two tiny shark teeth, and I pretend it hurts as I howl in pain. Kid thinks it’s hilarious.
Phoenix hums, sidling alongside us. “Why is it such a turn-on seeing men hold babies?”
“Men?” I arch a brow.
“Myman.” She slides her hand up my arm, squeezing my bicep. “Want to sneak inside and make some babies—minus the babies?”
I glance at the table.
“Everyone’s busy eating,” she whispers. “They won’t even notice we’re gone.”
I grunt. “Leo will.”
“Let him hold Jenna. He loves it.”
True. Leo thinks he’s the favorite uncle.
He’s not.
I hold out Jenna in front of me. “Sorry, kid. I’ve gotta leave you with your second-favorite uncle.”
Phoenix disappears inside the house, and I drop Jenna off with Leo.
He chuckles to himself, knowing damn well where we’re going.
I get to the bedroom—ourbedroom, since I moved in—and pull Phoenix close.
Her hands disappear underneath the hem of my shirt, sliding up my stomach to settle on my chest. “What were you saying to Jenna out there on the deck?”
I skate my lips over her neck. “I was telling her about life.”
She lets out a soft giggle. “The meaning of life to a one-year-old?”
I bite her shoulder and drop the strap of her dress. “Not the meaning of life, smart-ass.” I continue kissing across her collarbone to the other shoulder and drop that strap too. “I was just letting her know that when things seem bad, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Phoenix peels off my shirt and peppers kisses all over my skin. “You’re my light, you know that?”
“You’re mine.” I tug her dress until it’s pooling at her feet and pop the clasp on her strapless bra. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
She moans as my fingers glide between her legs.
“I’m going to love you forever.” I lick her nipple, swirling around her hardened bud. “I’m going to care for you.” I graze my teeth over it before switching to the other. “I’m going to cook for you.”
Phoenix hums. “That’s my favorite part.”
I give her ass a firm smack, and she grins. “You’re only with me for the food, huh?”
“And this.” She yanks down my shorts and palms my dick through my boxers.
“Food and sex. It’s easy to keep you happy.” I drop to my knees and drag my tongue over her clit, continuing to speak against her skin. “I’d give everything I have to keep you happy.”
She hums, threading her fingers through my hair.
“Through all your ups and downs, and mine. Through the good times and bad.”