Page 58 of Keystrokes and Kittens

“Or both.”

He nodded. “Or both. I don’t have a great track record—what with a divorce in my past. Neither can I point to anything about me that screams permanence.”

I gazed around his homey kitchen and to his dog. “I think you missed the mark on that one. You’re settled. You have a job, a home, and a dog you love. You’ve put down roots in Foggy Basin. Obviously, you had no intention of leaving. Those things are all pluses as far as I can see.”

“Sure.” He gazed away for a moment before turning back and setting those lovely light-brown eyes on me. “But you have a home. One I think means a great deal to you.”

“Yeah. My parents’ home. The seat of the family.” I ran my thumb along the junction between his thumb and index finger.“I sealed their room off ten years ago. I’ve never gone in there. Not to clean, not to donate their clothes…nothing.” I sighed. “I think it’s safe to say Quinta will never want to inherit it.”

“Hey.” He tipped my chin so our gazes met. “You can hold onto it. Just because she’s making a life for herself in LA, doesn’t mean she might not eventually want to come home.”

I shook my head. “She never came out and said it, but—” I offered a small smile. “—she’s not a small-town girl. Certainly, she doesn’t love it like I do. I think…she was always meant for something bigger and better.”

“Not necessarily better.” He appeared to consider. “I lived that big-city lifestyle for years, and it suited me. As I grew my business more, though, I was spending more time at home. I realized I needed somewhere I could feel comfortable. When my wife left me, things just sort of fell into place. Moving to Foggy Basin and buying this cabin was the perfect solution. I have a home office with windows on two sides—a view of the lake and another of the forest. Bringing Tibby home added to that perfection. She ensures I don’t get too wrapped up in work. Strolls along the shore, playtime in the woods, long walks on the country roads…all adding to my health.”

“And food?” I eyed him.

“Touché.” He chuckled. “I take it you’ve done some research?” He gestured to my phone with his chin.

“Did you think I wouldn’t?”

“Well, if I’d given it some thought, then I could’ve given you the research and documentation my doctor gave to me. Saved you some time.”

“You needed that nap.”

He yawned. “Yeah, okay. I suppose I did.”

“Do you feel rested?”

“Yep. Ready to help cook dinner.” Still, though, he didn’t move. Finally, he took a deep breath. “I’m going to make a suggestion.”

I cocked my head.

“I know I sort of suggested it before, but I’m doing it seriously now. I’m asking you to consider moving in here. For the meantime, but with an eye to staying forever. Unless you want to consider me moving—”

“Nope. You’re not leaving this gorgeous place.”

“But your family home—”

Again, I shook my head. “I need to move on. Whatever that looks like.”

“Well, you could consider renting it. I’m certain there would be a family who would be grateful. You’d have a bit of rental income that you can direct to Quinta, and you can figure out if you want to commit to me.”

My chest constricted.Can it just be this simple? I move in…and stay forever?“Are you sure?”

“More sure than I’ve ever been. Look, I don’t want to pressure you. I don’t want to panic you. I want to invite you to stay forever. To consider making this a permanent relationship.”

“You’re going to get tired of me.” I said the words with absolute conviction because I didn’t have a single doubt in my mind.

“Sam—”

“Nope.” I pulled my hand back and pushed myself to stand. “I need to finish with the chicken. You must be hungry. Maybe you can get food for the kittens?”

“Sam.”

Finally, at length, I met his gaze.

“Thank you.”