Page 147 of If You Claim Me

“That’s right.” Connor nods.

Everly’s mouth pulls to the side. “That’s too bad.”

“It’s okay.” He reaches out and covers my hand with his. “I have everything I need right here.”

Everly’s expression turns dreamy, and Meems’s smile is radiant. I lean in to kiss his cheek, wishing I could see inside his head to confirm that this is the truth.

Everly and Victor stuff themselves silly on pancakes and eggs and a mountain of fruit salad, and after brunch, Connor takes Meems to the guesthouse for a nap. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but the doctors have been cautiously optimistic. She still tires easily because her heart is working hard, but her naps have been shorter over the last several weeks.

Everly and Victor take the elevator to the second floor to explore—Everly can’t get over the fact that there is a “for real”elevator—and she and Victor freak out over the library. Eventually they appear at the top of the stairs again.

“This place is amazing!” she shouts.

“It is,” I agree.

“And huge!” She grips the banister, eyes alight with devilish glee. “I want to slide down!”

Victor grabs her by the waist and hauls her away. “This is not the movies, and we don’t need a trip to the hospital on Christmas Day.”

“I almost broke my arm doing that when I was a kid!” Connor calls out as he returns.

I turn toward him with a laugh. “This is not shocking in the least.”

“Better me than my sisters.”

I thread my arm through his, and rest my cheek against his bicep. “How’s Meems?”

“Happy but tired.” He kisses the top of my head.

Everly and Victor run down the hall to the east wing, shrieking and laughing.

“Thank you for bringing them here today.”

“It was the least I could do after you endured yesterday. And you love them,” he says.

“I do.” I look up at him.And I love you, too. I want to say the words, but fear keeps them inside.

CHAPTER 39

CONNOR

“Thanks for inviting us to join you.” I accept a back pat from Roman as we arrive at his place on Christmas afternoon.

“The more the merrier.”

Mildred folds Lexi into a hug. More than once I’ve caught my wife on the edge of what I hope are happy tears today.

“I just want Mildred to be surrounded by the people she loves the most.”

“I get it.” Roman claps me on the shoulder and then turns to Meems, offering her his arm. “It is so wonderful to see you again, Lucy.”

She smiles up at him, and he bends so he can hear whatever she’s saying as he guides her into the living room.

Callie stands off to the side, looking a little unsure of herself.

I open my arms, and after a moment of hesitation that hits me right in the chest, she rushes over so I can scoop her up. “How’s my favorite goalie?”

“Awesome! Roman and I went down to the gym and shot a stress puck around this morning before everyone else woke up. And Fee is back for a few weeks, and we’re going to watch all our favorite movies together while she’s home from university.”