Page 203 of Empire State Enemies

But I’ve also learned to listen to my body, to know when to push and when to back off. I’ve got an addictive personalitywhen it comes to work and exercise. I get tunnel vision, obsessing over shit until I’m in too deep to see how far I’ve fallen.

It’s a skill, learning to step back.

But Lexi has helped with that. She’s given me something else more important than work and exercise.

I clear my throat, feeling a sudden surge of nerves. “Look, Lexi, I want us to do this for real. Live together, build a life together. So I’m trying to make that happen, to set us up for the future. I want to show you something.”

“I can’t believe this,” she says. “This place. I can’t imagine living here. It’s beautiful.”

I tuck a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m not asking you to give up your life in Maryland, angel. We can figure this out together, make it work for both of us.”

I take her hand and lead her through a door on the ground floor. “I had an architect look at it. Turns out, we can convert half of this floor into its own separate apartment. And the basement can be a self-contained unit too.”

She looks at me, all puzzled but still smiling. “You’re turning it into apartments? Like an investment property or something?”

“No, the rest of the house stays as is. But those two apartments will be one for your mom on the ground floor and then a carer’s apartment in the basement.”

I smile, trying to play it cool even as my heart hammers against my ribs.

“Connor . . .” Her hands fly to her mouth, tears welling up in those gorgeous eyes. “That’s so incredibly thoughtful. But you really don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” I flash her a grin, attempting to lighten the mood. “But we get some say in who your mom’s caregiver is, yeah? Can’t have her hiring some Chippendale dancer.”

Lexi shakes her head, a watery laugh breaking through. “Connor, you don’t have to take on my whole family just because you’re with me.”

I raise an eyebrow, smirking. “Oh, really? Because you need to take on mine. My mom makes you go for lunch, stealing you away every time you’re in New York.”

Clodagh and Lexi have become thick as thieves too, and I’ve got to admit, it’s pretty damn nice seeing my girl get along so well with my sister-in-law.

I take her hands in mine, looking deep into her eyes. “Lexi, I want us to build a life together. And that includes your family. Your mom, Grace, the whole package.”

Lexi’s tears stream down her face.

“Hey,” I murmur, cupping her cheeks in my hands. “Those are happy tears, right?”

She nods, still sniffling.

I use my thumbs to gently wipe away her tears. “Nothing wrong with a little happy cry, angel. Let it out.”

She throws her arms around me, hugging me so tight, it feels like she’s trying to make us one.

I pull her in close, burying my face in her hair.

My hearing might get worse, and the hearing aid might not work forever. But that’s okay. As long as she’s with me, I can handle it. Just one look into those eyes, and I feel like I can take on the world.

Six months later

Lexi

I love visiting Connor’s Irish cottage.

This place is special to me, and not just because it’s where I accidentally flashed a funeral party. Sure, that’s pretty unforgettable, but it’s not the only reason this place holds a special place in my heart.

Streaking aside, this cottage is where Connor and I fell in love, even if it took a bit of separation anxiety to realize it.

Now, we’re back for a mini-vacation, but this time we’ve brought the whole crew: Grace, Clodagh, Killian, Teagan, and Connor’s mom.

We’ve just stuffed our faces with Guinness stew and bowls of seafood chowder, in a small quaint Irish pub, and everything feels perfect. My belly, my soul, and my heart are all content.