Play Me (Take a Chance 3)

He rolled over and cradled her in his arms, more at peace with the world than ever before. Everything was as it should be. He had the love of his life at his side—and she’d agreed to be his. He couldn’t stop the words from flowing from him. “I love you so damned much.”

“I love you, too,” she whispered in his ear.

Leaning closer, she kissed his jaw and then settled into his arms with a contented sigh. He looked down at her and caught his breath at the warmth in her eyes, and the way she looked at him. This is where she belonged—in his arms.

Forever.

…

The next morning, Kiersten woke up with a smile still on her face. It had been an amazing night spent in Garrett’s arms, making love and whispering plans for the future to each other. They had started out with saying he would move into her room and she could get her office back. The baby would sleep in his old room, and Chris would keep his room.

It all felt so blessedly…normal.

She stretched and reached out for Garrett, but he was gone. She rolled over and ran her hand over his pillow. It was cold to the touch. She sat up, holding the sheet up to her chest. Where had he gone?

She hurriedly dressed, and then practically ran down the stairs. She came down to the sight of Chris and Garrett playing PlayStation, laughing and talking quietly. She froze in the living room walkway, her heart warm and filled with love. This was her life now, and she’d never been happier.

Garrett looked up and saw here standing there. He paused the game and rose. “Hey, sweetheart.”

“Hey, you.” He held his arms open and she crossed the room and slid inside the warmth of his embrace. She looked at Chris as she hugged Garrett. “When did you get home?”

“An hour ago.” Chris watched them with narrow eyes. “Garrett picked me up when I called. So…you two are together now?”

Kiersten grinned. “We are. Very happily so.” She paused. “Is that cool with you?”

Chris’s eyes brightened. He liked that she asked. She could see it. He shrugged and played it cool, though. “It is. It’s better than that freaky arrangement you two had going on before.”

“I agree,” Garrett said, dropping a kiss on her head.

“Me too.” Kiersten looked up at him and smiled. “Thanks for letting me sleep in.”

“You needed it.” He looked down at her with heat in his e

yes, despite the innocent- sounding words. “And you better get used to it. I plan on taking the Saturday morning shift around here.”

She curled her hands into his shirt, pulling him closer. No more pushing him away. Those days were over. “Keep talking like that, and I’ll have to make an honest man out of you.”

His eyes widened. “Keep talking like that, and you’ll be darned right.”

“Hm.” He’d even watched his mouth in front of Chris. Could he be any more perfect? “Is that a threat?”

“No,” he said, lowering his mouth until it almost brushed hers. “It’s a promise.”

“I like the sound of that.”

He closed his mouth around hers, keeping the kiss gentle and PG-13. They had an audience, after all. When he pulled back, he grinned down at her. His eyes were sparkling with life and laughter.

Chris cleared his throat. “Is the lovey-dovey crap over yet? We have a game to finish over here.”

Kiersten laughed, and Garrett’s baritone chuckle blended with hers. She stepped out of his arms and bowed to Chris. “Yes, master. You may have your stepfather back.”

Chris smiled. A real, genuine smile. “Thanks.”

“I’m going to go make some coffee. You want some?”

“It’s already made. All you need is a mug.” Garrett sank down on the couch next to Chris. “And yeah, I’d love some. Thanks.”

Chris hit start. “Can I have a hot chocolate?”