Page 62 of Everlasting Vows

My heart races and my stomach free-falls at the thought of sleeping beside Abbi and hurting her in my sleep. “I don’t know if I can. The fear is too great, and I’m not willing to risk it.” I shake my head and climb to my feet. “I can’t risk Abbi’s life.”

Harry folds his hands over his stomach. “I don’t believe Abbi’s life is at risk. But take some time to adjust your thoughts and feelings around this issue.” Even though we’re at the same level, he looks down his nose at me. “Don’t take too long. You’ve already lost so much time. You can do this. I have every faith in you. And remember, I’m here if you need to vent or work through something. Let’s check back in next Sunday to see how you’re feeling and if things have progressed.”

His faith in me doesn’t make me feel any better about what he’s asking of me, but I’ve taken up enough of his time today so I thank him and leave with the promise to try.

20

NIX

Take two!

Not quite the surprise I was aiming for last week, but I hope this date shows Abbi how much I still love her.

With Abbi’s hand in mine, we step over the threshold into Mr. and Mrs. B’s store. Scanning the interior, I wouldn’t know what happened here last week if I hadn’t been part of it myself. Everything looks as it should, easing my concern for the elderly pair. Mr. B is behind the counter, and several pies line the surface next to him. He’s busy serving a customer and hasn’t noticed us yet, giving us the opportunity to move further inside.

I watch Abbi taking in the store, and I’m sure she’s noticing that it’s the same as it was when we used to be frequent patrons here. “Why did we stop coming here?” she ponders aloud.

“I don’t know. I asked myself the same question when I stopped in last week to grab one of your favorite pies.” I shrug. “I guess life gets busy, and it’s kind of out of the way for us now.” Sadness washes over her expression. “But I think we can make the effort to stop by more often.”

Her dimples appear, and my heart soars. “I’d like that.”

I lean down to press a chaste kiss on her lips, wishing we were alone so I could deepen it. Instead of doing what I really want to do, I pull away, then bring her hand up and press another kiss to her fingers, keeping my eyes locked on hers. “Me too.”

“Nix! Abbi!” Mr. B booms from his position behind the counter.

Abbi’s grin is instant, revealing deep dimples as she turns in his direction. “Mr. B! It’s so great to see you. Are you and Mrs. B okay after the holdup?” she asks as she closes the gap between them.

He steps out from behind the counter, calling out to Mrs. B to come out front while he wraps my wife in a tight embrace. They sway side to side like old friends, wearing matching grins. Mrs. B waddles out, her curls bouncing as she does. Her eyes light up when they land on Abbi.

“Oh my goodness! Look who’s here.” Mrs. B wastes no time shoving her husband out of the way so she can hug Abbi. When they eventually separate, they study each other as if looking for the lost years. “My, look at how beautiful you are,” Mrs. B gushes, making Abbi blush.

While they fuss over each other, I shake hands with Mr. B. “How are you guys after last week?”

He shrugs nonchalantly. “Eh, same as always. Nothing we haven’t been through before.”

I glance around at the ceiling, the corners in particular. “Would you mind if I installed a security system for you? Sometimes having visible cameras can be a deterrent to would-be criminals.”

He waves off my suggestion with a flick of his wrist. “We can’t afford all that fancy stuff.”

I’m offended he’d think I’d charge him. I shake my head and narrow my eyes at him. “No charge, Mr. B.”

He shakes his head in the negative. “We couldn’t accept something like that.”

“I insist. Prue and I will be over during the week to set everything up.” I glance around again, making mental notes. “It’ll be a good training opportunity for her.” Pride explodes in my chest. “She’s joining my company. Taking over the security installations to give me more time to manage the personal security side of the company.”

His eyes twinkle as his lips spread wide. “I can see the pride you have for Prue in your eyes.”

I return his grin and draw in a deep breath. “I’m definitely a proud dad. Both of them are incredible adults.” I glance at Abbi. “Thanks to Abbi.”

“Both of you deserve the credit.”

I shake my head. “Abbi did most of the work. I was away for most of their formative years. I really can’t take any credit.”

“I’m sure you did your share when you were home,” he reminds me.

And I did. Whenever I was home between tours, I was fully engaged with my family. That only changed when I retired from the Rangers. I lay my hand flat and tilt it from side to side. “Maybe.”

“Well, I’ll look forward to seeing Prue when you come in.”