Page 118 of Meant for Me

“She’s super thrilled about that, for sure.” Zoey wrinkled her nose. “But I think they’re also hoping for the baby variety.”

“Tell her teenagers are less sticky.” He thought back to the New Orleans field trip and winced. “Usually.”

“Or…” Zoey’s grin stretched, and she hugged him a little tighter. “…we could just give her what she wants.”

“Oh man, lock those two back up.” Cade rolled his eyes. “Do the town a favor.”

Elisa and Rosalyn grinned. Madame Paulette clapped her hands together, bracelets jingling. Sheriff looked like he halfway wanted to oblige. Mama D shook her head, released a happy sigh. “From lovebirds to jailbirds.”

Linc ignored them all, focused on his wife and the heat of her arms around him. Her smile. Her light. “Suppose it’s not a horrible idea.”

Zoey tilted her head. “Could be as good as your last one.”

“Which one was that?” Hard to remember anything when she stood this close.

“Marrying your best friend, of course.”

“Ehh.” He schooled his expression, but almost couldn’t hold it. “Guess it worked out okay.”

“Almost like we were meant for each other?” Zoey quirked her brow.

“Now you’re just getting sappy.” He lowered his voice the way she liked. “Mrs. Fontenot.”

“Okay, that’s it. Back in the cell, all of you.” Sheriff drew a circle in the air with his finger.

No way. “Time to go.” Linc scooped Zoey up with both arms.

She let out a little shriek, clutched the sleeve of his T-shirt. “Is this to make up for not carrying me over the threshold last year?”

He bounced her a little in his arms, just because he could. “Hope I never make it up to you.”

She gripped him tighter, eyes sparkling. “Why’s that?”

He swallowed. “Because I don’t ever plan to stop trying.”

“Aww.” Madame Paulette, Elisa, Rosalyn, Mama D, and even Noah joined in on that one.

Linc was seriously going to lose his reputation, but maybe he didn’t care anymore. He adjusted his grip on Zoey. “Ready to go home?”

She reached up, pecked his cheek. “Already there.”

Where she’d stay.

* * *