Love, Utley - Page 180

“Don’t forget the pool.”

Chelsea jumps up and moves to the window. She puts her hands on the glass. “Aunt Hannah, there’s a pool.” I honestly hadn’t even noticed. “I can invite friends over.”

“No boys,” Maddox says.

Chelsea turns so we can see her roll her eyes. “See? He’s already being an annoying parental figure.”

My hand is still on Maddox’s chest, so I feel his jolt at her words.

ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-ONE

MADDOX

Damn kids.

I breathe in through my nose, fighting the heat building in my eyes.

Smidge said it so easily. Parental figure.

I wasn’t lying when we talked about kids before. I’ve never really wanted them. Never had the urge to make babies. But this kid, she’s already snarked her way into my heart. And I know I’d lay my life on the line for any one of these three amazing women.

“What about school?” Hannah whispers it, my own emotions mirrored in her eyes.

Chelsea replies before I have to. “Moneybags can get me a driver.”

I nod. “I can.”

“I’ll take a driver too,” Ruth calls from down the hall.

I hold Hannah’s gaze. “I don’t want to dismantle your family; I want to be a part of it. I want all of you here. With me. With us.” I squeeze her fingers.

“This is crazy,” she breathes.

“Crazier than not living together?”

She shakes her head. “No, not living together would be worse.”

I move closer. “You’ll do it?”

Hannah looks over at Smidge. “What do you think?”

“I already told you.” Chelsea grins at her aunt. “If anyone can break the curse, it’s him.”

EPILOGUE 1 – MADDOX

“Come on.” I tug Hannah along the sidewalk.

“We have plenty of time.” She laughs as her steps hurry to keep up with mine.

She’s right, of course. But she doesn’t know the actual plan.

She thinks we’re here for me to speak to a bunch of kids. And I will. Tomorrow.

But today is for her.

It’s for us.

Because for the last seven months, she’s made me the happiest I’ve ever been.