Page 143 of My Husband Problem

He loves me even though we had to stop in the middle of sex.

He wants to stay together and keep working on it.

I haven’t been this happy in…maybe ever.

His big hand settles on my ass as he kicks the door shut.

“I need to grab all the glasses,” I tell him.

“No, you don’t.” He starts toward the back of the house instead of for the stairs. “Let’s take care of our ducks.”

Stupidly, I find that one of the sexiest things he could have said.

On the back patio, he lets me slide down his body. Before we step out into the backyard, he kisses me softly. “Thank you,” he says.

“For what?”

“For everything. For giving me a family again.”

I put my hand against his cheek. “It was only an hour on the porch with Fiona. There’s so much more to come.” I take a deep breath. “I want to tell your grandfather that I don’t want the annulment.”

He blows out a breath that sounds like the relief is coming from the depths of his soul. Then kisses me deeply. When he lifts his head, his eyes are full of emotion. “That makes me happier than I’ve ever been.”

“Me too.” My voice is thick.

“And you’ve given me a family even beyond the O’Gradys. Wilson and Patty and the hockey team. Andi, Sutton, Nora, Alex. Everybody.” He chuckles as the ducks realize we’re out here and start quacking and waddling toward the two short steps that will take us into the yard. “The ducks. Oscar.”

Tears are slipping down my cheeks by the time he’s finished. “My pleasure.”

He lowers his head and brushes his lips over mine. “Oh yes, we’re going to get to your pleasure too.”

Heat curls through me. “Good. I really want that. I’m ready.”

“Are you okay? After what happened in your office? I’ve been worried that you were going to think this was a failure. But that isnothow I feel. Every time you try, it’s a success. It’s a step closer to the goal.” He runs his thumb along my jaw. “And I will be abstinent for the rest of my life if that’s how it turns out. I just want to be with you.”

My heart is aching with how much I love this man. “Actually,” I say, willing myself not to cry. “I’ve been thinking about it and, yes, I did panic there for a little bit. But then I realized what we’re doing is actually an amazing success. I mean, we’re having a great time, despite all of these…unique circumstances.” I smile up at him. “Couples have great sex all the time when it’s easy. It takes a really amazing couple to not only give each other intense orgasms, but to also actually fall in love when things are this challenging.”

He just stares at me for several beats. Then he says, “Jesus, I love you so much.”

I start to rise on tip toe to kiss him again, and probably rub against him like a needy cat, but he steps back and says one of the weirdest sentences yet.

“Hurry up with the mealworms and grubs. I need to get you naked.”

I laugh as we head into the backyard. We do all of the duck chores in record time, but of course, still take time for cuddles before the ducks waddle into their house and get secured for the night.

I lead the way back up onto the patio and start for the door into the house. But he tugs me to a stop. “Let’s stay out here.” He leans over and flips the switch next to the door, casting the space in a warm golden glow.

“Out here?” I look around. I love this space. It’s cozy and comfortable. And I will make love to this man wherever he wants.

“Maybe less pressure than in the bedroom? And…” He glances into the yard. “I want you to be like the ducks.”

I grin even though I’m not sure what he means.

“I want you to be unabashedly messy. Just go after whatever you want and trust that there’s someone here to give you what you need and keep you safe.”

My breath hitches.

I step toward him. “You are definitely that person, Declan. You were that person even before you knew everything I needed you for.”