Oh God, now I’ve become one of them.

The ones who hang on forever, believing something that logically will never happen.

“Avery,” he says, lifting my chin and looking into my eyes. “Trust me.”

“I do trust you, Nate,” I whisper. “I’ll come with you.”

He smiles, genuine and so beautiful.

“I’ll go and get Macy, and I’ll be back in an hour to get you.”

He leans in and kisses my lips softly before lifting his jacket and turning, leaving my house without another word.

I’d be lying to say my body isn’t feeling a little thrill at the idea of spending time with Nate alone, without any fear of being caught. It scares me, too, because I know that I’m clinging to those tiny amounts of hope and time together, the tiny amounts he’s throwing at me.

God, I hope I’m doing the right thing.

CHAPTER 25

AVERY

“Avie,” Macy sings from the backseat of the car. “Grandma has four dogs.”

“Four?” I say, turning and smiling at the gorgeous little girl. “That’s a lot.”

“Their names are Happy, Triton, Candy and Blue.”

I laugh. “That’s some cool names.”

“Do you have a dog, Avie?”

I nod. “I do.”

“What’s your dogs name?”

“Caffy.”

“Macy, ” Nate says. “It’s past your sleep time now. We’ll be at Grandma’s in an hour so you have a rest before we get there, okay?”

“But Daddy, I want to talk to Avie.”

I turn. “How about if you have a sleep now, then I’ll show you some more dancing when we get to your Grandma’s?”

Her eyes light up. “Okay.”

I turn back to Nate, who is grinning. “You’re good with her.”

I smile. “I had an amazing mother.”

“Did you ever want kids of your own?”

My smile wobbles and quickly slips. “I . . . did but . . .”

“But what?”

“What if something happened to me and I had to leave them the way she left me?”

He reaches across and takes my hand. “Life is a risk, Dancer. You can’t always predict how it’s going to go. You can only know that you’re doing your best every day that you’re in it.”

“I know,” I say, my voice timid. “But to answer your question: yes, I always wanted kids.”

“How many?” he asks.

“At least three.”

He chuckles. “I could see that.”

“You could?” I ask, my eyes widening.

“You’ve got that natural mother vibe. You have a warmth about you, a love that so many don’t have.”

I flush and smile, leaning my head against the window. “What about you, Nate? How many?”

He chuckles softly. “If you asked me four years ago I’d have told you none, but from the minute Macy was born I changed my mind.”

“I can see why. She’s perfect.”

His smile widens and his entire expression warms. “She certainly doesn’t take after me then.”

I laugh softly. “Nope, that’s true.”

I rest my cheek against the window and my eyes flutter closed.

Inside my head I’m praying, just praying this ends well.

~*~*~*~

“Don’t be nervous. Just act normal and she won’t suspect anything,” Nate breathes into my ear as we approach his mom and dad’s house.

It’s a gorgeous home—massive and wooden, with white picket fences and perfectly landscaped gardens. It’s on a small acreage but I can’t see much because it’s already nighttime. The house is fully lit and as we near the porch steps I can see that it’s got a full wraparound deck. Stunning.

“Mom,” Nate yells, shifting Macy on his shoulder. She’s sleeping, completely out of it.

I swallow. I feel sick. I shouldn’t be doing this—no. I shouldn’t. The door creaks and a woman comes rushing out. Wow, now I understand where the boys get their impressive looks. She’s tall and lean with long, blond hair and light eyes. I can’t tell if they’re blue or green, but they’re gorgeous. For her age, she’s in top condition—she’s stunning.

“Nathaniel,” she breathes, rushing forward and throwing her arms around her son and grandchild. “It’s been too long. Let me look at you.”

She steps back and looks at him, her eyes sparkling with love. Then she looks down at Macy and strokes her blond locks. “Oh, still as precious as ever. Come; put her inside. She’s exhausted.”

Nate steps out of the way, revealing me. His mother’s eyes go to me and her smile widens. I take a nervous step up and force my lips to stop trembling.

“Mom, this is Avery—the friend I was telling you about. Avery, this is my momma, Korey.”

I stretch a hand out as I step closer, moving around Nate. “It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for having me tonight.”

She takes my hand, her smile warm and genuine. “It’s no problem at all, Avery. I hear you’re a beautiful dancer?”

I flush. “I’m not that . . .”

“She’s amazing,” Nate says, cutting me off. “Where is Macy sleepin’ Momma?”

“Kea’s old room.”

He nods and disappears inside. Thanks, Nate.