As Tanner exits, I turn back toward Montana. Her emotions are evident in the crease of her lovely brow and the down-curve of her full lips. I glance past her to check on Avery. She’s still content watching some cartoon with talking puppies.

Placing my hands on her shoulders, I whisper, “He’ll never hurt you again.” She’s staring down at the counter, refusing to look at me. Using my index finger, I gently lift her chin. Those beautiful irises are filled with pain. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you or Avery. He’ll need to kill me first.”

It's as if my words snap her out of some trance she was in. As I look into her eyes, all the beauty of the universe could never compete with this simple thing: passion. Passion turns her eyes into orbs of the brightest fire, and in them, I see she would fight to the end for her life.

Fight for Avery.

I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself. All I want to do is comfort Montana—and kissing her is the only way I know how. I lean in, slow at first, making sure she’s aware of my intentions. Arching in a little closer, our foreheads touch. Christ, I can’t fight against the thoughts running through me. Her very smell floods my senses, and I’m momentarily frozen. When she doesn’t back away or try to stop me, my lips touch hers. We kiss, and the world falls away. It’s slow and soft and comforting in ways words could never be. Sparks fly in every direction, and warmth spreads throughout my entire body.

I dedicate my life to being with her from this moment. If I lost her, I would lose myself.

It’s over before it began.

As she breaks away, she whispers, “Thank you.”

Her smile is breathtaking.

Standing straight, I run my fingers through my hair. “For what?”

“For being here.” She backs up, then turns her attention to Avery, who’s still sitting quietly on the floor. With a quick glance my direction, she adds, “For reminding me I’m not alone.”

Montana squats down on the floor next to Avery. “Momma, I hungy,” she states, her eyes still glued to the television.

“What do you want for dinner, peanut?” She reaches over and tucks a stray lock of Avery’s golden hair behind her ear.

“Chicken nuggets,” she answers as she swats her mother’s hand away.

“Give me a few minutes.” Montana stands and comes back into the kitchen. “You hungry?” she asks, opening the freezer.

“I’m good. Still full from lunch.” Pulling out a bag of nuggets, she arranges a few on a tray. “I think I’m going to go for a walk outside.” She nods, then places the tray in the toaster oven.

Exiting the front door, I stand on the porch looking down the long driveway. Night has fallen fast upon the land. No more than an hour ago, the sky was painted in hues of red, orange and pink, but all color has faded, leaving only a matt black canvas with no stars to be looked upon. I don’t like how dark the front of the property is. Anyone could sneak up and I wouldn’t know it until it was too late. First thing tomorrow, I’m installing motion sensor floodlights and an alarm system.

No one is going to get into this house without me knowing it.

Ever again.

Early the next morning, I make the trip to purchase motion sensor lights and a security system. I was able to find a Home Depot about an hour outside of Eagle Rock and get everything I need. As I reach the top of the driveway and park the truck, Montana is exiting the house with Avery. “Preschool,” she mouths as she walks by with the toddler.

Good.

I don’t want her complaining about how much I spent.

She’s getting these updates whether she likes it or not.

I spend the majority of the morning hanging flood lights with the help of Trey. I purchased six—just enough to make the front of the house light up like a stadium. The security system is easy enough to install. I made sure to purchase the one that comes with an app for your phone. She can see who’s at the door without opening it, and talk to them as well.

Technology is an amazing thing.

As if she’s psychic, she pulls up as I’m installing the last of the cameras. “You hungry? You missed breakfast,” she says, watching me, her hands on her hips.

“What?” I ask with the most innocent voice I can muster.

“What is all this?” Her eyes roam from light fixture to light fixture. Good thing she hasn’t seen the—

“And what is that?” she asks, pointing to the front door.

“I told you I was going to take care of this. The front porch is too dark, you needed more lights.”

“No one comes here! And I like it dark.”

“Yeah. So do intruders,” I counter.

Her eyes narrow as her mouth twists, folding her arms across her chest. “This must have cost a fortune,” she mutters, displeased.

“Worth every penny for my piece of mind,” I argue. “If it makes you feel any better, let’s pretend I did it for Avery.”

Taking a deep breath, she sighs, but her scowl reshapes itself into a partial smile. “Fine. But whatever this cost will be added into your check at the end of the week.”

“How about you take me to lunch instead? Didn’t you just ask if I was hungry?” Her face flushes as she bites her top lip.