More than happy.
We had dinner, Robyn in her carrier, happy to gaze around, gurgling and kicking her feet. I told Jenny about the new schedule I had been given today at the lab. “Revolving days off. Three on and four off as usual. But every month, the day we start changes, which means, even as low man on the ladder, I’ll get weekends eventually.” Right now, all my days off were Tuesday to Friday. My days were long—twelve-hour shifts, six a.m. to six p.m., but then I had four days with my family, which I loved.
She grinned. “That is awesome.”
I returned her smile. “It is.”
I stood, taking Robyn. “You go relax. I’ll take care of the munchkin.” I bent and kissed Jenny, and she slid her hand around my neck, holding me close, kissing me back with ardor. I eased back, my breath short.
“Hold that thought.”
“I’ll meet you in our room,” she replied.
I walked out of the kitchen a little faster than I needed to.
I’d bathed Robyn, given her a massage, a final feeding, and a fresh diaper, then rocked her to sleep. I tucked her in, peaceful and happy, and stood, looking down at her. She was perfect and precious, and I loved our nighttime routine. It was our chance to connect after a day apart, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
But tonight, my wife was waiting.
I padded down the hall after a hot shower, a towel draped around my waist. My body was tight with anticipation, my erection already kicking up and ready.
I slipped into our room and stopped.
Jenny was draped across our bed, wearing only one of my T-shirts, her hair down, looking sexy and alluring.
And sound asleep.
So asleep, she was snoring.
My lust dissipated as I watched her slumber, tenderness and love replacing the burning desire. She’d been so amazing, running on next to no sleep so I could get a few hours before heading to work. She needed to catch up.
I dropped the towel and slid in beside her. I wrapped my arm around her, tugging her to my chest. She roused slightly, nuzzling into my chest.
“Ready to go, big man?” she slurred out, lifting her hand to caress my face and missing it completely. “Give me two minutes—I’m right with you.”
I tried not to laugh as she began to snore again.
I kissed her forehead. “Later, Jenny Wren. Sleep.”
The monitor blinked beside me, and Robyn gurgled in her sleep. My wife’s sounds were louder, but somehow just as comforting and endearing.
My family was safe and content.
Tomorrow, I would spend the day with them and make sure Jenny got lots of extra sleep. After dinner, we would re-establish our connection. By then, Jenny would be raring to go and eager.
Maybe I would make another house arrest.
It worked out rather well last time.
With that thought in my head, I joined my family in sleep.
Acknowledgments
As usual, a few thanks.
As always, Lisa, thank you I learned something new, but I cannot guarantee I will retain it—just saying.
Melissa, Deb and Barbara—thank you for your feedback and support.
Your comments make the story better—always.
Karen, I love you. Simple and true. Thank you.
To all the bloggers, readers, and my promo team. Thank you for everything you do. Shouting your love of books—of my work, posting, sharing—your recommendations keep my TBR list full, and the support you have shown me is deeply appreciated.
Many thanks to the organizers of the anthologies these stories were once part of before they grew for this book. Skye Warren, Jennifer & Morgan Locklear, and Amy Marie—I was honored to work with you.
My reader group, Melanie’s Minions—love you all.
Also by Melanie Moreland
Vested Interest Series
BAM - The Beginning (Prequel)
Bentley (Vested Interest #1)
Aiden (Vested Interest #2)
Maddox (Vested Interest #3)
Reid (Vested Interest #4)
Van (Vested Interest #5)
Halton (Vested Interest #6)
Sandy (Vested Interest #7)
Insta-Spark Collection
It Started with a Kiss
Christmas Sugar
An Instant Connection
An Unexpected Gift
The Contract Series
The Contract (The Contract #1)
The Baby Clause (The Contract #2)
The Amendment (The Contract #3)
Mission Cove
The Summer of Us Book 1
Standalones
Into the Storm
Beneath the Scars
Over the Fence
My Image of You (Random House/Loveswept)
Revved to the Maxx
Happily Ever After Collection
About the Author
NYT/WSJ/USAT international bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of thirty-plus years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and enjoys traveling, here and abroad, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at [email protected]
Connect with Melanie
Like reader groups? Lots of fun and giveaways! Check it out Melanie Moreland’s Minions
Join my newsletter for up-to-date news, sales, book announcements and excerpts (no spam). Click here to sign up Melanie Moreland’s newsletter
or visit https://bit.ly/MMorelandNewsletter
Visit my website www.melaniemoreland.com
Happily Ever After Collection Page 28
