I don’t just love being with Corey.

He comes with an entire family. It’s clear they’re all close, and they all love him.

And they all accept me without any hesitation.

At first, it was enough to make me want to weep.

I’m sitting in the living room at Lily’s place with Lily and Ginny. The two women chat up a storm, and it takes a while for me to catch up sometimes, but they always stop to include me and explain what they’re talking about.

“You know, for a while it was just me,” Lily says. “The boys would get together, and I’d be the only woman. I liked talking with them, but it’s nice to have you, Ginny. And Hayley when she’s here.” She smiles, and turns to me. “It’s nice to have you here too now.”

“I like spending time with you two. I’m looking forward to meeting Hayley. Corey tells me they have twins?”

Lily laughs. “Yep. Double trouble. Drew always wanted a big family. What about you? Do you have other family?”

I shrug. “Mum and Dad. If they have any family outside the community, they never told me about them.”

“You might have grandparents, or cousins. Maybe we can help you find them.”

I nod. “This new life is a little overwhelming. I’ll look for them one day, but I just want to settle in.” I miss Mum and Dad. Graham’s last report was that they were doing okay, but I still worry. I’ll ask Corey if he can get another update.

Lily pats me on the arm. “I’m sure. If any of us can do anything, just tell us. We all love how happy you make Corey.”

“He makes me happy too.”

She smiles. “I’m glad to hear it. I always knew it’d take someone special to settle down with him. He lives such a quiet life up there. I mean, I lived a little out of town, but I always had Max with me. Corey never even had a pet. Not after Brutus died.”

“Well, we now have some chickens. And he’s thinking about getting another dog.”

Lily’s mouth falls open. “No way. He said he’d never get another dog after …” I know she’s thinking about what Corey must have gone through.

“He just wants to make sure I’m safe, with the threat right next door, and Corey working at night.” I smile. “He hasn’t decided yet, but I think he’ll do it.”

“If you ever need somewhere to stay when he’s away, give me a call. You’re always welcome here.” She grins. “I’m sure Owen and Ginny don’t mind giving up their couch either.”

Ginny laughs. “Gladly.” She takes a deep breath. “But we recently bought the section behind ours, so our little place may not be so little for long.”

“That’s amazing.” Lily clasps her hands together. “Owen’s been in that flat for so long.”

“Well, even if we don’t have a baby, it’ll be good for Ava to have more space. She’ll have a bigger room, and a much larger yard to play in.” Ginny’s smile grows. “We’re going to build a new house.”

“Sounds perfect. I just love that you’re not moving that far, so you’re still near us.” Lily laughs. She turns to look at me. “It’s just a pain that you’re up on that mountain, but if you want I can come and get you any time. We should have a girls’ day out.”

“I’d like that,” I say.

“Me too.” Ginny beams.

“Then, let’s do it. And soon. Now, how about we open another bottle of wine?”

Dinner, dessert, and more chatting. I feel like I really fit in.

After a trip to the bathroom, I stand in the living room doorway for a moment. Owen and Ginny are sitting on the couch. Ava’s fast asleep on Ginny’s lap. It’s such a sweet sight.

“Enjoying yourself?”

I close my eyes as Corey’s lips brush my neck. “Very much. Lily and Ginny are lovely.”

“You’re lovely,” he murmurs in my ear. His grip tightens around my waist. “I think we need to say our goodbyes and get out of here.”

“Me too.”

“I need to get you home and naked.”

Laughing, I turn, and he loosens his grip. “Sometimes, I think that’s all you want from me.”

Corey shakes his head. I love him, and I think he might just love me.

He raises his hand to palm my cheek. “You mean everything to me.”

“And you mean everything to me.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. You appeared out of nowhere, and being with you is exactly what I’ve always wanted from a relationship. I love waking up with you, and I love that you’re there when I come home from work.” He bends, pecking me on the lips. “But I still want you home and naked.”

I laugh, nestling into his chest.

“We need to make the most of the time we have together before I have to go away.”

“Do you really have to?” I already know the answer, and I don’t want to put pressure on him, but I can’t help but ask.

“I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have to. We need the money.”

Patting his arm, I look up into his eyes. “I know. I’m sorry.”

“I get it, Con. I want to stay home with you, and if it were any other job, you might be able to convince me.”

“Man make money to live.” I grunt.

He laughs. “Are you trying to compare me to a caveman again?”

“Never. You have much more class than that.”

“Well, this classy guy needs to get home.”

After saying our goodbyes, we head out to the ute. Corey opens the door for me, as usual. I love his sweetness with me. But that only makes the thought of being without him for a week even more painful. I want to be greedy and have all his time to myself.

When we pull into the driveway, Corey turns off the ute, and for a moment we sit in the dark. “Maybe I’ll get a dog before I go.”

I fix my gaze on him. It’s a huge step for him to be thinking this way after what he told me about Brutus. His dog’s death has haunted him for a long time.

“Are you ready for that?”

He shrugs. “Your safety’s more important than anything else.”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “Give it some time to be sure. There’s a reason why you waited this long.”

He nods. “I guess. Everything gets muddled in my head sometimes. I worry so much, but at least Graham and his guys know you’re here.”

“I’ll be fine. We’ll talk about it when you get back.” I peck him on the cheek. “How about we get inside, and you show me how much you’re going to miss me?”

He laughs. “Deal.”