Griffin has turned into everything I never knew I wanted.
He loves loud and bold with his whole chest.
“There’s no way in hell you’re living here, and me there,” he says, gesturing with his head behind him at his house.
Looking over his shoulder, I take in his house.
This feels real. It feels…right.
“Yes,” I finally say. “But there’s just one thing…”
He raises a brow in confusion.
“Reginald.”
The moment his name leaves my lips I hear a bark come from inside my house and we both turn our heads. It’s as if he heard us talking about him.
Griffin laughs before turning his attention back to me.
“You think I’d ask you to live out your future with me and not include him?”
Shrugging a shoulder, I bring my bottom lip between my teeth. “I thought you didn’t like dogs.”
“I don’t,” he scoffs. “But that one’s grown on me, and I kind of like having him around.”
My eyes widen briefly before schooling my features.
Only Reginald can make a man who dislikes dogs…like them.
I press my body into his, placing both hands back on his chest. I feel his heartbeat thunder under my palm, forcing mine to pick up speed. Being around him just does that to me. It happens all on its own. It’s confirmation thatthisis what love is supposed to feel like. Knowing you’re with the person who will always protect your heart, wipe away your tears on the bad days, and laugh with you on the good ones.
A person who’s been through what I have should have trust issues. I should question this and be weary of the cycle repeating itself. But there isn’t a doubt in my mind that Griffin would dothat to me. Looking in his eyes I see an honest future. I swear if hearts coming out of someone’s eyes were a real thing, he would see it in mine.
“You really love me, huh?”
He leans down, lips brushing mine. “I think I loved you when your dog first peed in my rosebush.”
I laugh against his mouth before lifting myself up to crash my lips to his in a searing kiss. Knowing I could, and would, kiss this man for the rest of my life and be the happiest woman in the world.
Bluestone Lakes not only helped me find myself.
But it’s changed everything for me.
I’m a different person from the very first drive into town. A woman who was nervous about what the future would hold in a town with no friends and no family.
“Can we keep the tiny home for now?” I ask. “It holds a special place in my heart.”
“Whatever you want, sweetheart.”
He wraps one arm around my shoulder, guiding me into the first place that was all mine. I grab whatever I can and stuff for Reginald before we load his truck and make our way back to his place.
Once I cross the threshold, a new feeling overwhelms me.
It’s large and spacious.
Even though it’s not my first time here, it feels like it is. Because this time, I’m entering and staying.
Finding a new home with Griffin Barlow.
