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“I only want you after me.”

I look away at his confession, focusing on cleaning the polish again.

“Hey,” he whispers, stilling my hands. “Only you.”

Biting my lip, I fight the smile that tries to take over my face.

“Daddy, stop wiggling your toes,” Riley grumbles.

My smile wins.

I watch as she captures his big toe.

My chest hurts, and I have to tear my eyes away from her.

Longing.

I want this. To be a part of this family.

As my eyes find Leonard’s, I know without a doubt that it doesn’t matter what he did, the lies he told, and the breaking in, there isn’t a single thing that he could do that would make me love him any less.

Leo doesn’t have to watch every move I make. He doesn’t have to keep showing me how much he wants me because the truth is there isn’t anywhere else I want to be, except here with this man and his daughter.

I love him.

I love her.

I love us.

No matter how we got here.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Shelby

For what feels like the tenth time in just as many minutes, I peer through the door to check the clock hanging above the counter.

Reaching left, I haphazardly wipe the table. Thirty minutes left.

My heart flutters at the idea of spending the rest of the day with Riley and Leo.

Heat spreads across my face. That man is something else. I’ve never wanted a shift to end so badly, but money is money, and despite what my neighbor says, he can’t pay for everything.

“Bye, Shelby.”

Lifting my head, I smile and wave to the couple leaving. Moving over to their table, I pocket the tip of three crumpled-up dollar bills and stack their empty cups.

“Nice to see you without that new family of yours. I didn’t think I’d ever get you alone.”

Startled, I drop the white cups and spin. My gasp is hidden by the clatter of porcelain.

Kyle Cooper, former employee of the Cromwell Police Department, stands behind me. Right, behind me.

“Jesus,” I curse, stepping back.

Items on the table clatter again.

“Ever heard of personal space?” I snark.