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She just sat there and listened as I laid it all out.

“You couldn’t get past who I am,” I continued. “What I’ll always be, and I’m not just talking about the club. Although, it’s a big part of it. You hated always coming second.”

“It wasn’t just that. It was everything.” She looked away, blinking fast. “The danger. The late nights. The wondering if you were coming home to me or if you were out there dead somewhere.”

“I know,” I said. “You needed someone who could give you something I never could. Stability. Normalcy. I don’t blame you for it. Hell, I understood it even back then. I understand it now.”

She was quiet for a moment, then glanced up at me with a pained smile.

“And Tabitha?” She looked up at me, her eyes glassy but fierce. “Do you think she can handle this life? Can she handle always coming second?”

“She knows what she’s getting into.”

The words had barely left my mouth when I heard soft footsteps behind me. I turned just as Tabitha came into the kitchen, dressed in one of my old T-shirts and her jeans. Her hair was a little tussled from sleep, but her eyes were sharp and clear.

“He’s right,” Tabitha said, stepping up beside me. Her voice was steady, and she didn’t seem like she was the least bit rattled by what she’d just walked in on. “I know exactly what I’m getting into, and I’m here for it.”

I felt her hand brush lightly against my back. It was a small, quiet touch that steadied something inside me. I looked down at her, and my whole world seemed to still. Kay stood with a strange look on her face. I thought she was about to lash out at me or Tabitha. Instead, she said, “Just so you know, if he ever looked at me the way he just looked at you, I would’ve never walked away.”

“Kay.”

“It’s true, but I get it.” She looked back over at Tabitha. “When it works, it works.”

“Now, I see why the boys think so much of you.”

“And I think the world of them,” Kay replied.

“I hope you’ll stick around for a little while.”

“I’d love to, but I really have to get going.” Kay stood and carried her cup over to the sink. “The contractors are wanting my approval on a few things with the house, and I really can’t put them off any longer.”

“I understand. I’m sure you’re looking forward to having your house back.”

“Very much so.”

“Let me know if you need any help with anything,” I offered.

“Thanks, but I won’t.” Kay stepped in front of me as she said, “It’s good to see you this way. It gives me hope that my person is out there somewhere.”

“No doubt.”

Kay smiled at Tabitha as she said, “Keep him in line, and if he steps out, a swift kick to the balls should do the trick.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

She gave me a wink, then turned and started for the door. As she walked out, she said, “Tell Memphis I’ll call him later.”

“Will do.”

Once she was gone, I turned to Tabitha and said, “Sorry about all that.”

“Nothing to be sorry about.” She inched up on her tiptoes and gave me a quick kiss. “You told me you weren’t interested in any other woman, and I believed you… What happened with Kay just shows me I was right to trust you.”

“Well, alright then.” I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. “Good morning, beautiful.”

“And good morning to you.”

“You hungry?”