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I was tempted to sneak into my own bed and demand he touch me, but we both needed sleep.
Today’s day four of his visit, and he’ll be flying back to Tennessee in three days. We never talked about us being a couple again, only when we could visit so he could see Serena.
But I swear I’ll combust if he doesn’t kiss me again before he leaves.
I know it leaves too much up in the air for what it’ll mean for our future, but I’ve missed him so much that I don’t care about the consequences. Of course I want us to be a family, but we live nine hundred miles apart, so one of us would have to move.
“Here we are,” I say when the signBless Your HeartBoutiquecomes into view.
“Wow...it’s changed so much,” he says when we stand in front of the doors.
“Wait till you see the inside.”
Serena opens the door, and a blast of cold air hits us in the face.
“This looks completely different.” He glances around. “This is impressive, Lane.”
“Thank you.” I smile wide because I’m proud of how far it’s come. “We expanded our Southern sayings on T-shirts to other items like mugs, tumblers, journals, phone cases, and much more. The tourists love it.”
“Nana!” Serena shouts once my mother comes over.
“Ladybug!” They collide for a hug as Ayden and I approach.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetie. Ayden.”
“Miss Bennett. It’s lovely to see you.”
“You look so grown up,” she says as her gaze moves up and down his muscular body.
“He’s a rancher!” Serena blurts out, and I swear, she’s told everyone who’ll listen.
“I heard. He must be big and strong to do that, huh?” My mom smirks.
“I went from scrawny to brawny,” Ayden taunts, getting a giggle out of Serena.
“I’m gonna show him ’round,” I tell Mom, then grab Ayden’s hand.
“She hates me,” he whispers in my ear as we make our way to the other side of the store.
“No, she doesn’t.”
He cocks a brow in disbelief. “I’m sure she’s not liked me very much the past several years.”
“She was madder than a wet hen when I told her I was pregnant and you were long gone. But was shocked I’d found you and that you agreed to come visit. As long as her granddaughter is happy, so is she.”
He blows out a breath. “Is she gonna be upset when you bring Serena up to see me?”
“She’s already told me to take some time off to do that, so she supports the two of you buildin’ a relationship. I think she’s just a little weary, is all. Doesn’t want Serena to get hurt.”
Or me.
“Neither do I,” he admits softly.
We change the subject as I show him the most recent items I’ve added to the store. More local crafters and unique jewelry not found on major online retailers.
“I love it, Lane. I see so much of your style in here.” He points at the T-shirt that readsClassy, Sassy, and a little Badassy.
