Page 347 of The Romance Adventure

CJ takes a long sip of the remains of his horchata. “I did?”

“Yes. You commented about not buying this house with coins from the couch cushions. Thank you, by the way. I love it here.”

“I’m glad to hear that. Relieved, actually.”

“You said you bought it so we could settle down and start a family.”

His expression remains neutral because he doesn’t recall saying that in the heat of the moment, or he’s awaiting my response.

Shrugging, I gaze out the window. “I’d never really thought of a family of my own. Well, our own.”

CJ comes up behind me, massaging the spot where my neck and shoulders meet. “Never?”

“Not really. I’ve been focused on my career and—” But there is no and. I didn’t think a family was an option, not for someone like me who hardly has one. It’s a revelation.

“Maybe this is something we should’ve talked about before we tied the knot.”

“We were caught up in the moment.”

CJ’s hands drop from my shoulders.

I spin around because I didn’t mean that how it sounded. “I mean, it was a wonderful moment. I didn’t realize what I was signing on for. What the possibilities were.”

For a woman in my field, it was always to focus on the mission. Getting married was a whim, but I don’t regret it. I want to tell CJ, but the words catch in my throat. My eyes tingle like they might betray me with tears. I’m not the kind of person who cries easily.

CJ catches my gaze as if measuring what’s transpiring between us.

When I don’t say anything, he speaks. “Things between my brothers and I have changed a lot in the last year, especially with them getting married. Well, not Magnus and Lally yet. They’re planning a Thanksgiving wedding.”

“What about your sister?”

“She’s the real baby in the family. I don’t think Magnus, Royal, or even Ryan will ever approve of a guy for her. No one would be good enough.”

“Is that up to them?”

CJ chuckles. “No, definitely not. I think you’ll like her. You both have a strong independence about you.”

Biting my lip, I’m not sure that’s what I want my defining factor to be anymore. Maybe I want to be part of something bigger. It’s a novel idea, one I never had because it was up to me, myself, and I to survive.

“What does Emmie think about this treasure hunt?”

“We’ll find out at Christmas, hopefully.”

The sun casts the room in a golden glow and we retreat to the late afternoon quiet of our own thoughts. I spend so much time alone that I’m out of practice being in constant companionship.

After a while, CJ says, “Are you still mad at me?”

“Yes. Of course.” But by the way, I have to concentrate on breathing to slow my heartbeat, I know that’s yet another lie stacked on top of all the others.

He saunters over and kisses my forehead. Warmth spreads through me, quickly reaching my toes.

“I’ll try to do something about that.” He disappears into the kitchen.

I catch up on the news and mentally review everything I learned about the Lost Crown of Tears.

About twenty minutes later, CJ pushes the back door open. Arms full, he says over his shoulder, “Are you coming?”

“Where?”