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This book is dedicated to Kellie Richardson

Of course

Mia

IF SOMEONE WOULD’VE TOLD ME ten, fifteen years ago that not only would I eventually like Benjareatest tormentor, but that I would fall couywell, I’o I probably would’ve directed whoever was spouting that nonsense to Tessa and let her handle them

Even as a preteen, she would’ve had a very colorful response

But , probably a bit disgusted, but maybe, maybe the tiniest, concealed part ofme

I like to ied to Ben Soether An iust of wind

It’s always been there

It’s what brought o It’s what put Ben in the bar that night And it’s whatin love with him so incredibly simple

All those years I hated hied to me I don’t remember those emotions I don’t remember the pain and hurt he caused me The detestation I felt

I look atI feel is love

Love

Love

Love

My mind loves Ben My heart loves Ben My body loves Ben He’s the warmth in my blood The roar of my pulse

Givefor more

Lately though? With two boys who haveMommy and Daddy the second we put our hands on each other, I’ for one hour

Give me one hour alone with Benjamin Kelly

I’ll beg for that

At this point, I’ll beg for five minutes

Mia

I TURN THE BABY MONITOR on and set it on the nightstand by the bed

The blue light flickers, picking up every restless noise Chase makes as he tosses around in his crib I can picture hi his sweet, dimpled little face into his blanket His purple octopus tucked under his aron

My two boys, land and sea

I gaze at Ben’s side of the bed as I strip offone of his Ruxton Police Academy T-shirts over my head The comforter is creaseless Undisturbed I plop down on the bed with a heavy sigh and hug his pillow to my chest