“No,” Charlie said. “That’s not it.” He wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and touched his forehead to hers. “Do you mean it?”
“Read my lips,” she said slowly. “No. Camping.”
“Not that. The love part. You said you love us. Did you mean it?”
“Of course, but I told you that in Boston.”
“Yeah, but I thought it might just be the circumstances. You were emotional and half-asleep. It didn’t count.”
“Of course I was emotional. Love is an emotion.” That couldn’t surprise him, the all-knowing, all-seeing, amazing Charlie. “Read my feet. See for yourself.”
“Huh-uh. I’d rather read your lips.”
She rubbed her nose against his and lightly kissed him. “I love you.” She lifted her head so she could see Blaine. “I love you, too. In the kitchen, on the shooting range, over a game of pool, nursing bruised ribs, sitting on the front porch or sobbing in a hotel room, I love y’all.”
Chapter Thirty
Nine Months Later
Five months after Blaine won the election and a week after Meredith was awarded tenure, she, Charlie and Blaine stood outside Cassandra’s home, waiting for the door to open. They’d waited outside so many doors this last year, both literally and figuratively. They’d opened some of the doors themselves. Others, like Charlie’s parents, they were still waiting for someone to open for them. Charlie’s mom and dad were slowly warming to them, so it had cracked a little.
One door had slammed in her face. After Blaine’s paternity test, Meredith knew with one-hundred-percent certainty that Dylan was the biological father. She didn’t know who’d been more disappointed. Her, Blaine or Cassandra’s dads. Afraid that Dylan might actually claim his rights after all these years, Larry and Chris had opted not to approach him unless they needed to for health reason or Cassandra wanted to meet him when she was older.
Chris and Larry’s door had been wide open when they’d met Meredith’s loves in preparation for introducing them to Cassandra. They’d faced too many of their own barred doors to close theirs to Meredith’s unusual relationship. One thing was certain. Her daughter would grow up knowing that love came in all kinds of combinations. More importantly, she’d grow up knowing she was loved.
And then there was the door to Meredith’s heart. She’d thought it had been locked up tight. Lucky for her, she’d been wrong. Charlie and Blaine had held the key.
Meredith nervously squeezed their hands.
“Hey,” Charlie said. “I love you.”
Blaine returned her squeeze. “I love you, too. Relax. If she’s anything like you, this’ll be a piece of cake.”
She snorted. He couldn’t be serious. But before she could argue, the door opened and Cassandra launched herself into Meredith’s arms. “Mom!”
Meredith caught her. Her laughter was pure joy as she hugged her daughter’s warm, slightly sweaty, seemingly weightless body. “Hey, sweetie. I missed you.” Cassandra always felt so right in her arms, so complete. When Cassie wiggled to the ground, Meredith took her hand and said, “Cassandra, these are my very special friends, Charlie and Blaine.”
“Hi,” Cassie said cheerfully. Without taking a breath, she plunged ahead. “It’s nice to meet you. I have a new puppy. Dad got him because I’m gonna be a veterinarian when I’m old enough. Come see.”
Another door opened wide.
* * * * *
About the Author
Samantha Ann King was born and raised in Houston, Texas. After receiving her BBA in finance from Texas A&M University and marrying her high school crush (notice she didn’t say sweetheart), Samantha relinquished her “native Texan” status and moved to Baton Rouge. She has called Albuquerque, New Mexico, home since 1985.
As a mother of three, Samantha has volunteered in the community as an advocate for children’s issues ranging from education to health care. In 2010, as her nest started to empty, she began writing erotic romance. Thanks to her win in Passionate Ink’s Stroke of Midnight contest, Samantha signed her first publishing contract in 2011. Her first book was nominated for RT’s Reviewers’ Choice Award.
Learn more about Samantha at www.SamanthaAnnKing.com.
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ISBN-13: 9781426898471
TEMPTING MEREDITH
Copyright © 2014 by Julie Laub
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