Page 178 of Cautious Love

I want to go home. I want to hug my wife. But there’s still a lot to do here.

Chapter 45

Shiloh

Gravelcrunchesonthedark driveway, and I launch from my seat on the sofa.

“Shiloh, wait,” Sterling calls.

But I know it’s him.

I throw the door open and right as Ledger closes the truck door. I throw myself into his arms.

He takes a step back to catch himself, and his strong arms wrap around me. He groans into my neck. “I missed you,” he rumbles.

I grab his face and look down at him. “Are you okay?” I ask.

He nods. “I am now.”

“Hey man, you good?” Sterling calls.

I lock my ankles at Ledger’s back, and he carries me up the stairs. “Yeah, thank you for everything.”

“Not a problem. Is the problem solved?” he asks.

Ledger grins, and all the anxiety floats away. This is finally over.

“The Kensingtons will no longer be an issue in Paxton.”

“Wow, that’s great,” Sterling says.

Ledger nods, but he’s looking at me. “I think we’ll all sleep a little better tonight.”

“Yeah, I’d imagine so. I’ll get going,” he says.

“Bye, Sterling,” I mutter, still looking at Ledger. The glow of the porch light shines on half his face.

“See ya,” Ledger says, still looking at me.

Sterling chuckles, and a minute later his truck turns over and gravel crunches.

“You ready to go home, Mrs. Hayes?” he asks.

“Home sounds wonderful.”

Ledger groans, turning on his side, and tossing his arm over my stomach.

“You’re clingy this morning,” I mumble, turning into his chest.

“I don’t think I’ve slept this long in weeks,” he mumbles.

“I’d say you earned it,” I tell him.

He huffs.

“You don’t have to go to work, right?” he asks.

“No, I called in sick. Though I might need a few more days,” I say into his chest.