“I’m not going anywhere. Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
“Is there room for me in here?” She taps the space above my heart.
My hand rests over hers on that spot, feeling the beat begin to race. “You’ve given me a reason to have faith in love again. It flutters just for you, little menace.”
“Fucking butterflies,” she laughs.
I tuck some hair behind her ear, about to do something I’ve never done to a grown woman. There’s a ledge straight ahead, beckoning me to take the leap. My thumb coasts down the slope of her nose, lifting off the tip, and ending with a bump to her chin.
“I love you.” My voice cracks like a pubescent teenager. “All that other fluffy shit too.”
Her inhale catches, but then she’s repeating the action back to me. “You make the fluffy shit appealing.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should,” she coos and escapes the cage of my embrace. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to pet Greta seventy-five times.”
My eyebrows lift. “And why’s that?”
“Didn’t have the chance earlier and I’ve received a stern reminder from the boss.” She tips her head toward Ronnie’s room.
An idea forms, slanting my mouth into a smirk. “That’s actually where I was headed.”
“Convenient.” Frankie takes my hand in hers, leading us to the foyer to get bundled up.
I zip her coat slowly, sad to see her curves covered. But they’ll be in my grasp soon. Until then, we huddle close while stepping outside to face the elements.
Quiet nickers greet us when we enter the barn. Frankie goes straight for her horse’s stall. The metal latch slides free, bouncing an echo off the wood. She pushes the door open wide enough for her ample assets to squeeze through. After yanking off her gloves, she begins gliding her palms along Greta’s neck.
“Didn’t think you were serious about petting her,” I murmur while resting along a beam.
“A few things you should know about me, stud.” Frankie’s gaze flicks to me. “I don’t break promises, go back on my word, or cut corners. Ronnie’s wrath is something I never want to deserve.”
I grunt and scrub over my beard. “That’s very honest of you.”
“Don’t act so surprised.” She appears to contemplate something for a moment. “Do you think I’m a thief?”
“Not anymore.” I chuckle when she glares. “You’re recovering.”
“Did I steal your heart?”
“Can’t steal what’s freely given.”
Her nod is slow and calculated. “Am I allowed to be Ronnie’s mom if I’m not married to you?”
My gut clenches. “You can be whoever you want to be, menace. Labels are just that. We’ll figure it out as we go.”
Frankie’s swallow is audible. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to replace your wife.”
“I don’t think that. Besides, it’s not possible. I’ll always love Nina, but she’s my past. Memories are all I have left of her. You’re my future. Whether we get married or not, I want you by my side.”
Her consistent strokes along Greta’s neck come to an abrupt halt. “You want to get remarried?”
My eyes rove over her as if she’s not buried in layers. “I didn’t want to until you arrived on the scene.”
“Awww, you love me.” Giddiness bounces from her voice.