Georgia Cates

“I think I would have enjoyed a dance with you.”

We sway to the silence for a while and then Laurelyn takes her head from my chest and asks me to kiss her. So I do. And that’s the end of our dance. For now.

“You’re such a special person. You should always be treated like somebody.”

I sit in the chair beside her and take her hands. “But, you did. Staying with me was the best gift you could’ve given me.”

“Don’t leave. I want you to be with me.”

“You’ll have your family.”

I swallow before I say the words that will change this relationship forever. “You’re the one I need.”

This is why I need her here. She’s my anchor. She calms me.

“My heart wants you to be happy, and I believe that girl is the one to do it. You have four weeks to convince her to stay.” She lifts her brows at me. “I suggest you get on that right away, son.”

“That’s who I am to you from now on. No more Lachlan. No more pretending.”

“That’s who I am to you from now on. No more Lachlan. No more pretending.”

“I thought I heard something come from your bedroom last night—like maybe you raising your voice to Laurelyn.”