Mason

“Can we get ice cream now?!” Savannah shoved her fingers through my hair as she sat perched on my shoulders, the three of us walking the main street through our small village.

“You just had half a bag of sweets!” I laughed, rolling my eyes at Everly. “I think your eyes are bigger than your stomach, little girl.”

“And Mrs. Potts is making dinner for us tonight, remember?” Everly cooed.

A whoosh of air ruffled my hair, and I could imagine the pout on Savannah's face. Just like her mom. Everything about her reminded me of her mom, from her blond curls to her large green eyes and radiant smile.

Savannah was a gift. A gift I hadn’t seen coming, but I cherished her completely, even more so now that I was all she had.

“Look at the puppy! Let me down, Daddy, I want to pet the puppy!” Savannah hit my head with three solid taps before I laughed and heaved her off my shoulders. Her tiny legs carried her down the sidewalk.

I watched as she talked to the elderly woman walking the small dog. “Afternoon, Mrs. Chadwick!” I always had a warm wave and a smile for the woman I’d known nearly all of my life.

She waved back before reaching into her pocket and sneaking Savannah a lolly, something she did every time she saw us. This village was small, the community even smaller. I loved the familiarity and safety of it. I couldn’t see myself ever leaving my neighbors, who had become like extended family to Savannah and me.

“She has to be the most adorable kid I’ve ever met.” Everly smiled as we hovered a few steps away.

“She is pretty incredible. I wish her mum was here to see her.” Everly didn’t reply, but when I turned, I found her eyes on me. “My sister was killed in a car accident in London when Savannah was only seven months old.” My eyes cut to Savannah on instinct, my possessive need to protect her something I would never shake. “I took her in instantly. Her dad was a deadbeat, so Anna, my sister, wouldn’t even tell me who he was. It still bothers me sometimes. I wonder if he’s from here, if he’s ever seen her without realizing his blood runs through her veins. Don't get me wrong, I’ve never tried to find him. As far as I’m concerned, he gave up his rights the minute he wronged my sister. She was never the same after she met him.” I shook my head. “I had a feeling she was in London with him that night. I couldn’t prove it though. She kept her life so private, I never even knew his name.”

“Oh…” she whispered. “Savannah is…”

My eyes cut to Everly’s, and I saw understanding dawn. “Savannah is technically my niece, but I’m the only father she’s ever known. She doesn’t even remember her mum. That little girl has been through so much in her short years, if I can provide her a safe, loving, stable home, then I’ve done all I need to do on this earth. I wasn’t kidding when I said she means everything to me. She’s all I have left of my sister, and I’m her dad in all the ways that matter.”

“God, I had no idea.” Everly’s eyes misted before she hooked her hand in mine. The comfort of her touch soothed my ragged nerves.

“The more she grows, the more he looks like Anna and the more I miss her. The more I wish my parents were still here to see their only granddaughter. We have a good life, but it’s been just us for so long now.”

“Your love is enough. I can see it in the way you talk about her. You have enough love to carry her through the rest of her life. She’s lucky to have you.”

“Maybe.” I nodded, watching as Savannah stroked the dog’s head. He wagged his tail fiercely and licked her hand, making her erupt into giggles before the entire show repeated again.

“I was thinking… I don’t want to come between anything. I’m here for her, so maybe whatever happened between us—”

My heart froze before I looked at Everly, her eyes focused on Savannah. “Not a chance, you’re not getting away that easily.” I pulled Everly closer to me. “I told you, once I have you, that’s it.”

Her eyes darted back to mine, that succulent bottom lip caught between her teeth again.

“You make me want to suck on that bottom lip.” A whoosh of air escaped her lungs before I gently pulled the soft flesh from her teeth.

“Mason, are you sure this is smart—”

“I’m more sure of you than I’ve ever been of anything in my life. Maybe there’s a reason yours was the application I picked out of the dozens I received. I didn’t fill this post for months. Mrs. Potts kept pushing me to choose someone, but no one ever felt right. Nothing ever felt right until your application. Reading your bio, your experience with kids, your essay about taking care of your neighbor’s children… I just knew. So no, there isn’t any turning back now.” I brushed a thumb across the delicate angle of her cheekbone.

Everly’s chest rocked with her soft breaths, my words clearly having a reaction on her. “I just want to make sure—”

“That we don’t hurt Savannah? Leave that up to me, and trust me, there’s not a thing on this earth I would do to hurt that little girl. Or you.” I pressed a hand behind her neck.

“I just don’t want—”

“I know, but trust me. Trust me with us.” I placed a hand over her heart. “With this.”

“That’s not something that comes easily to me.” Everly’s eyes pleaded with me for understanding.

“So stop overthinking. All you've got to do is feel,” I whispered before catching the lobe of her ear with my teeth.“How does this feel?”

Everly sucked in a sharp breath, her fingers clutching at my inner elbow as I held her steady. Her bottom almost swayed with the force of my words.

“It feels… perfect,” she finally said.

“Exactly. So why bother denying it? I’ve denied myself for a long damn time, because no one ever made me feel the way you do, but I won’t do it anymore. You’re the woman I want, and you as may have noticed I'm a very determined man when I set my mind to something.” A cocky grin split my face.

“Oh, I noticed.” She simpered.

“You're so bloody beautiful it makes my heart ache.” I traced her hairline with the tip of my nose, not at all caring that anyone passing by could catch a glimpse of us. I couldn’t bring myself to care.

My bachelor status in this town was legendary. Older women constantly tried to set me up on blind dates with their eligible granddaughters, but no one had ever interested me. No one had ever gotten inside my head like this woman. If my neighbors saw us together now, I didn’t mind them knowing she was off-limits.

Everly was rare, exquisite, nurturing, smart and sassy when it served.

“You’re everything I’ve been waiting for, Everly, and Savannah loves you already.”

“I love her too.”

“Then it’s settled.”

“Then what’s settled?” Her laugh was sweet and high like an angel’s. My angel.

“You’re staying.”

“Staying?” She cocked her head, eyes marred with confusion.

“You’re staying with us forever.”