We could have spent the night in Crescent Harbor. Penny had even recommended a nice, cozy inn where we could have stayed. Apparently, the Kingston Family Bed & Breakfast has clean rooms with beautiful views of the harbor, friendly staff and caramelized bacon is on the menu.

Yes, she had me at caramelized bacon.

I would have gladly put the expense on my credit card just so Archie and I could enjoy a real getaway and truly connect as a couple without the pressure of being parents for the night. But after the incident at the jewelry store, his mood was ruined. I could see on his face that he felt completely emasculated because he couldn’t buy me that stupid bracelet. I wish we’d never set foot in that shop.

I don’t care about the things he can’t afford to buy. We’re gonna struggle through this life together because when he’s by my side, that’s when I’m at my best. And I really want to help bring out the best in him, too. If only he’d let me.

But Archibald Jones has this whole laundry list of items that must be ticked off in order for a man to really be a man. He holds himself to an impossibly high standard. All he wants is to be better than his father is. I hate seeing him beat himself up just because he fell short on one count.

Can’t he see how much I love him just the way he is? This relationship—this family—is a big adjustment for all of us. I got used to doing everything on my own for two years. River has only ever had me as a parent figure. Archie was used to wandering around with no commitment. We all need some time to adjust to this new reality. I just wish Archie would cut himself some slack.

The ride back home is quiet. We barely exchange a word. When we pull up in the driveway, Archie holds the passenger side door open for me and follows me into the house.

I need a minute by myself. Some time to get myself together. I need to remind myself that he’s just having a rough night and that tomorrow, everything will be better.

After a quick shower, I tie my wet hair in a bun high on my head and slip into a long T-shirt. I take a deep breath, straighten my shoulders and head for the bedroom.

When I swing the door open, the sight that greets me nearly brings me to my knees.

And I don’t know exactly what it is that steals my breath —the utter humiliation in his eyes or the fact that he’s sitting on the edge of the bed in nothing but his boxers, holding his detached leg in his hand.

He’s never let me see him this way. I stand frozen in the doorway and stare at him. He drops the prosthetic to the floor with a thud. Elbows on his knees, he buries his face in his palms. “This is what you’re getting, Sophia. A broken man. That’s all fucking I am.”

With a knot in my throat, I move slowly across the room. I fall to my knees in front of him. My heart has never pounded this hard.

When he looks down at me, his eyes are red. "I should have never pulled you into this. You deserve so much better than me...and if I weren't so damn selfish, I'd let you go, I'd move out of the way so you could be with a better man, a whole man. But I just want you so much."

“You didn’t pull me into anything,” I say hoarsely. “I want to be with you. You have me. No matter what. I’m with you. I’m here. I love you.”

When I touch my fingers to his chest, he flinches, almost like he might push me away. I won't give up on him so easily, not when he means this much to me.

I press kisses to his torso. I drag my touch down the plains of his chest. My fingers slip into his waistband and he doesn’t try to stop me when I move his boxers down to the floor.

My mouth travels lower on his hot skin. Goosebumps rise up all over his body. My fingers clench on his hips.

“Sophia, you don't have to do this." His voice is raspy, all spiky edges and raw emotion.

I halt my kisses just long enough to ask, "But do you want me to?"

He grips the mattress beside him and squeezes his eyes shut. "Sophia, please. I don't need..." He hates being this vulnerable but right now, he's putty in my hands.

Locking my fingers around his throbbing cock, I stroke him tenderly, ignoring the burn of tears in my eyes. When he feels my lips trailing down his left thigh, brushing across his marred flesh, his body goes as stiff as stone.

He grits out between his teeth. “Your pity blow-jobs won't get us anywhere."

My chest nearly splits apart when he says that. He doesn't get it at all. “This isn’t pity, Archie. This is love.”

“Please, Sophia…” His jaw is tense as he tries to fight the emotions. Tears leak from the corners of his eyes.

I won't let him run. He needs to know that we're in this together. “I love you, Archie. Every bit of you. When I look at you, I don’t see anything missing. When I look at you, I see the man who makes me whole. And I want you just the way you are. I need you just the way you are.”

When my lips wrap around his crown, he releases a strangled noise of pleasure. The sound vibrates in my pussy and I feel myself growing wet.

I swirl my tongue. God—he’s so smooth. I taste the salty tang of his precum and I’m greedy for more. Opening my mouth wider, I swallow his length into my throat and I start bobbing my head. Up and down.

“Fucking hell, Sophia.” His fingers tighten on the edge of the mattress. “You make it feel so good.”

I groan deep in my throat and he feels it. One hand comes to my hair and he curls his fingers at my roots. His hips start to move off the bed. His cock drives further into my throat.

This is heaven. The sounds he’s making. The way he’s touching me. Heat prickles the pit of my belly. I work my lips faster. I suck in my cheeks.

Archie’s body goes tense. His gritty whisper rings out in the quiet room. “I’m about to come, baby. Don’t fucking stop. I’m about to come.”

I suck him harder. Bob my head faster.

He gives up control on a shuddering breath. His head drops back to the pillows on the bed. His shoulders deflate.

Ropes of cum shoot into my mouth and he roars.

He gives himself to me. Completely.

Finally.