Page 182 of If You Claim Me

We lie there for long minutes, Connor’s weight a comfort on top of me as he kisses my lips and cheeks and jaw.

I run my nails down the back of his neck. “You know, the sheets at home are a lot nicer.”

He grins down at me. “The bed is roomier, too.”

“We hardly need a king when you’re always trying to turn me into your blanket.”

“I’m not the only one who’s a fan of cuddles.” He kisses my nose.

“Mm... I miss coffee by the fireplace.”

“And your library.”

“That, too,” I agree. “And Dewey misses his luxury condo.”

“Tomorrow we’ll move you two back home, then?” There’s a hopeful lilt in his voice.

“Yes, please.”

CHAPTER 53

CONNOR

“Pull your sleeves down!” Mildred’s tone is chastising as she tugs the black fabric until my tattoos and my bracelet proclaiming me asMildred’s Sweet Villainare hidden. “The arm porn is too much for these women. Have a heart.”

“See you next week!” A pair of young moms waves at us as they leave the mom-and-tots circle at the library.

“Bye, girls! Don’t forget to grab a onesie and extra snacks on the way out!” Mildred calls after them.

“The number of moms has doubled since Connor started showing up,” Everly observes, draping herself over Mildred like a cape. “Are we going now?”

“Right after we clean up.” Mildred pats her hand. “Go help your brother.”

Everly flits over to Victor, who’s already put most of the chairs away. Mildred watches them with a smile.

I kiss her temple. “Soon.”

She looks up and I drop a kiss on her lips. “I know. I’m just impatient.”

Since Mildred moved back home with Dewey a few weeks ago, we’ve been working to push through the paperwork tobecome foster parents. We want Victor and Everly to have a place they can call home, and we want it to be with us.

We finish tidying, collect Meems, who’s been happily snuggling one of the babies, and drive over to the arena. Callie’s team is in first place and heading for a championship tournament.

Fifteen minutes later we park and head inside. The girls link arms, and Victor hangs back with me, wearing a pleased smile.

“Everything good?” I ask.

“Yeah, everything is great. Everly is the happiest she’s ever been,” he notes.

“She seems more settled these days,” I agree.

“She is. She’s doing a lot better in school. She’s not really getting in trouble.”

“I feel that. I’m a better hockey player thanks to Mildred, and more settled too.”

“She has that effect on people.” Victor nods.

I want to tell him that soon we’ll be able to make this sense of security permanent, that we’ll be able to give him the stability and love he craves and deserves. But I can’t yet. We’re almost there, and we want to wait until all the paperwork is complete.