Page 26 of Love and Forgiveness (Rough & Ready Country #6)
Chapter Seventeen
IZZIE
Wolfe’s always been early to rise, so the note I find on his pillow when I rouse myself doesn’t surprise me. It reads: “Off to get a few things for breakfast. See you soon, wife.”
I stretch in our huge cabin bed, relishing in his musky smell on the bed sheets, blankets, and most importantly me.
Today’s the day, and I’m nervous to see how Matt and Stasia will react to the news that Daddy and I are back together.
I look at the engagement ring and wedding band back where they belong.
And I feel so thankful I had the nerve to put them on last Friday night before heading to Lucky’s.
As soon as Wolfe’s eyes saw them, a warm recognition lit up his face, one filled with endless love and forgiveness.
If only I’d known how easy it would be, I would have done it sooner.
But when hurt feelings override logic, it can be so easy to forget about the little things that make all the difference.
I text my brother Steve: “Hope Maddy had a fantastic birthday weekend. Slight change of plans. Can you drop the kids off at Wolfe’s cabin?”
I expect a questioning reply. Instead, I get a simple: “Okay.”
While I take a bath in the massive tub, I hear the front door downstairs open and Wolfe come in whistling. Soon, the whistling is accompanied by the sounds of banging pots and pans and the smell of coffee, bacon, and waffles.
I don’t know how Wolfe’s foster dad managed, but every single one of Wyatt’s boys is an awesome cook.
Well, maybe except Zane. That man even burns toast. But even with so much culinary talent in the family, Wolfe’s breakfasts are legendary.
A part of me had let go of the hope I’d ever taste one again.
I blow dry my hair and get dressed leisurely, still wrapped in the warmth of his sensual embrace from last night.
I’ve slept so little over the past two nights, but I’m running on love and all of the hope and elation that comes with it.
I can’t get enough of my husband, from his manly smell to the heat of his body as he spoons me all night.
Of course, this inevitably leads to no sleep every time he grows hard behind me, or I grow wet in front of him.
Soon, we’re grinding into each other frantically, reminding ourselves how good it feels to tangle our lives and our bodies together again.
Now, Wolfe brings a big mug of coffee with the perfect amount of cream up to me. After setting it by the sink, he wraps his arms around me, covering my neck in kisses. “You’re going to have to wear a turtleneck again.”
“Yes, I know,” I reply with fake exasperation, surveying the strawberry marks on my neck and shoulders. “Thank goodness it’s winter, baby. We’ll need a different plan come summertime.”
“Oh, there are about a million places I can kiss you no one will ever know about. Even during the summer. I can’t help myself, Hops. I have to stake my claim on you. I guess it’s the prehistoric part of me that you can’t get enough of.”
I turn, wrapping my arms around his neck. “I’m going to have to devote an entire chapter, or two, of my dissertation to how cavemen mark their mates.”
“Don’t encourage me,” he growls, dipping his head to kiss my neck some more. The doorbell rings downstairs, and outside I can hear Matt’s and Stasia’s voices. We both stare at each other excited. An ear-to-ear grin on his face, he offers, “I’ll get it.”
I finish getting ready quickly. Downstairs, Steve, Stacey, and Wolfe chat jovially back and forth.
Wolfe excuses the red swipe on his temple as collateral work damage, but I know Steve and Stacey will want the full scoop later.
Right before I enter the kitchen, Wolfe invites them to stay for breakfast. Steve enthusiastically agrees, “It’s good seeing you again. It’s been way too long.”
I walk into the kitchen, and all eyes are on me.
Stacey looks shocked but intrigued, and Steve’s eyebrows shoot to the top of his forehead.
“Sis, you’re the last person I expected to see here.
Wait—” His head bobbles back and forth between Wolfe and me, and then his face lights up. “You’re not back together, are you?”
Wolfe nods, his face growing soft and warm, and I beeline straight for him. He wraps his arm possessively around me, and I ask, “And what would you say if we were?”
Steve’s face lights up and relaxes. “I’d say it’s the best f—.
Sorry, kids around. The best news I’ve heard in a long time.
Glad to see you’ve both finally come to your senses.
” Leaning forward my brother shakes Wolfe’s hand.
“Now, I can quit worrying about my sister all the time. I know she’s safe with you. ”
“Always,” Wolfe replies with a serious nod.
I know I’ll have to fill Steve and Stacey in on the break-in and how Wolfe saved me. I’ll have to be careful with the details, so I don’t gross my brother out. There’s nothing worse than sibling TMI, after all. And the story will need to happen away from the prying ears of small children.
Matt and Stasia are both standing in front of us now with their mouths wide open. Then, Matt’s face splits into an exuberant grin as he asks, “Does this mean we’re moving back in with Daddy?”
I lean down as both kids stop in front of me. “Yes, it does. Would you like that?”
“More than anything!” he screams. “I’ve written at least five letters to Santa at school asking for this.” I feel a catch in my throat at these words, and my eyes blur with tears.
I’m not alone in my reaction. Stasia bursts into tears. Without hesitation, Wolfe kneels before her, wrapping his arm around her. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?”
She quotes something I know she’s heard me say before. “These are happy tears, Daddy.” She embraces Wolfe, and Matt hugs me.
Steve and Stacey look elated, and even Maddy and Mitch put their electronics away to see what’s going on.
“Alright,” Wolfe orders, standing up and taking Stasia’s and Matt’s hands in his huge ones to lead them to the table. “Time to dig in, everyone. Grub’s ready.”
As we sit together, diving into the huge plates of waffles, bacon, and eggs Wolfe has cooked up, my eyes meet his, overflowing with joy.
He takes my hand with a smile, and I mouth silently to him, “I love you, husband,” as we settle into the future I’ve always wanted but scarcely dreamed was possible.