Page 83 of Hearts on the Mend

“You’re it for me too, Nolan.”

My sweet, tender Nolan. The giant with a heart of gold.

Mine.

Later, when we both creep into the kitchen for a snack, there’s a vase of roses on the table and a single rose for Ruby at her seat.

“Oh.” My throat tightens before I can stop it. “You did this?”

But it’s no use. He sees the tears in my eyes and pulls me close to kiss the crown of my head. I wrap my arm around his naked torso and rest my ear against his heart.

“Never really did Valentine’s Day,” he says gruffly, “but you two deserve to feel special. Hope it’s okay. I like spoiling my girls.”

My throat goes tight at his mention of girls.

I peek up at him, then kiss his chin. “You’re a big softie.”

“Thought I just proved I wasn’t.”

“Take the compliment, Nolan.”

He chuckles, spinning me around until I’m fully in his arms. “Let’s get some ice cream and crawl back into bed.”

Chapter 27

Nolan

The house has a mind of its own. Ruth or someone decided a funnel was the proper replacement for a shower drain. The leak in the basement said otherwise. Ember’s stayed busy with the family of mice who’ve tried to move into the kitchen. The furnace is still a pain in my ass, and I never want to tile another bathroom in my life.

Still, I have a routine now. Alarm goes off at five thirty, quiet enough not to wake Cassie, and I’m back in my own room with coffee going before Ruby’s even up.

March came in like it had something to prove, dumping another foot of snow on us just when I thought we’d be winding down for the season. It’s the first day of school this week because of the storm.

Ruby hops into the kitchen on one foot, struggling to get a second sock on.

“What are you doing?” I ask, pouring coffee for Cassie and me.

“Trying to get my socks on,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“I like socks, but two pairs?”

She giggles. “I need to be extra warm.”

I’ve learned in my short stint being around her that sometimes, it’s best to choose your battles. And if the kid wants to wear two socks, she can knock herself out.

“Where’s your backpack?” I ask.

She takes it off the hook, opens it up, and I make sure her lunch is packed and she has a snack.

Cassie rushes in shortly after. “Come on, Ruby, grab your stuff. We’re going to be late. You… you’re a lifesaver.” She plucks her coffee off the counter and grins at me. “Go ahead, Ruby. Be right there.”

Ruby runs into the hallway, and Cassie immediately throws her arms around my neck and giggles when I steal a heated kiss.

I wink at her when she pulls away.

She falls back against the door playfully. “Can’t do that. Nolan, I have to go save people.”

“Go ahead, superhero.”