Page 103 of Penny & Royce

The brother glanced over her shoulder. She was only vaguely aware that she’d heard the sound of an approaching truck and that it had parked nearby. It was only when she turned to see Royce coming for her that she realized she was crying, still clutching the paperwork.

He stopped short when he saw the folder, then took a stumbling step back.

She could see the devastation that flooded his eyes, replacing the brief relief that had been there moments ago. Then his stare hardened, and he shot a dark look at his brother.

“Lincoln, can you give us a minute?”

Lincoln was at her back now. She couldn’t see his face without turning, but she could sense just how unhappy he wasabout being told to leave. Penny didn’t relax until she heard his steps retreat.

This was what he’d wanted, wasn’t it?

Lincoln should be thrilled she was here with the paperwork to clean up this whole mess. And yet she didn’t get the sense he was happy at all.

Royce approached. His steps were careful, like he wasn’t sure whether coming closer would make her bolt.

Maybe he was right to wonder.

Penny hugged the file harder to her chest, not ready to relinquish it but not sure where they should go from here.

Her husband stared at the folder for a long moment before slowly lifting his eyes to meet hers. His jaw was set in a tight line, and he fidgeted with his hands before eventually shoving them into his pockets.

“Royce—”

“Wait,” he stammered. “Just—wait.”

She blinked and looked down at her feet. Fighting her tears had become impossible, so she let them fall.

This was it.

This was the moment she’d been dreading even though she’d been the one leading the charge.

Royce cleared his throat and took another step toward her. “One day.”

Her head lifted, and she peered at him in confusion. “What?”

“Just…” He blew out a shaky breath. “Give me one day. With you. Okay?”

She blinked several times. “One day?”

Royce nodded, his eyes brimming with emotion. “Please,” he rasped.

This man wore his heart on his sleeve most days. She could usually tell what he was thinking, how he felt. He’d always beengood at speaking his mind. It had been one of the things she adored about him.

Loved about him.

She’d come here with the paperwork. Even after he’d told her he wouldn’t deny her requests anymore. Technically, he wasn’t refusing to sign it. She hadn’t even asked him to.

It was a loophole.

And the relief that washed through her was instant.

“One day,” she said with a small nod. “Yeah. I can do that.”

Royce looked completely shocked. Then he smiled, but that joy faltered almost immediately. He took another step toward her but halted himself and let his hands drop to his sides.

“One day,” he croaked.

“And then…” she whispered.