at the new health center,” Ted mused. “You should go and talk to him after you’ve settled things with Victor.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Veronica pretended to try and sit up. “Now, shouldn’t we be getting back to that wedding?”
Ted shook his head. “Not quite yet.” He leaned in and kissed her. “I need to sort a few things out here, first—with you.”
“I thought we just did that?” Veronica breathed against his lips.
“Other things.” He kissed her again. “More important things, like ‘I think I might be falling in love with you’ kind of things.”
She opened her eyes wide. “Well, that’s good to know because, despite everything, I’ve been kind of feeling that way myself.”
“Yeah?” He ran a finger down her throat to the bodice of her dress. “Like sticking around, and making things work between us?”
“Definitely.” She bit her lip. “If you think you can trust me after all this mess I’ve involved you in.”
“I think I can. Even when I knew you weren’t quite being straight, I never gave up hope that you would change your mind and trust me.” He hesitated. “And I promise I’ll never treat you like Jason did.”
“I know that.” It was her turn to pause. “We’ve both had our reasons not to trust the people who were supposed to love us the most, but I want to move past that—to believe in someone. To believe in you.”
He took her hand and placed it over his heart, his voice hoarse. “I swear I’ll do everything in my power to make you the happiest woman in Morgantown.”
“And I’ll make you the happiest man,” Veronica promised in return. “I’ve learned a lot about myself since I left Jason. I know I can stand alone, but I’m not stupid enough to ignore an upstanding, honest, honorable man like you.”
He swallowed hard. “I need you to keep pushing me, yeah? To share your strength and remind me how lucky I am.”
“You already know all that in your heart,” Veronica said softly. “I’m just here to help you remember it.”
With a groan, he lowered his head, and Veronica stopped thinking about anything other than the delights of their lovemaking for a very long time.
* * *
“Hey, you.”
Ted opened the bathroom door a crack and went in, sitting on the pillow Veronica had left near Bacon’s bed. The little piglet came over and immediately jumped into his lap, making Ted wince as he only had his robe on, and who knew little pig hooves were hard?
He stroked Bacon’s head until he settled down and Ted got used to the unique odor of pig again.
“It’s all going to be okay, little buddy,” Ted murmured to the pig. “We’re going to take you out to your great-uncle Victor’s place. You’ll love it there. I guarantee it.”
Bacon snuffled happily and Ted relaxed against the wall. He’d sent a text to Tucker telling him that everything was okay, but that he and Veronica weren’t going to make it back to the wedding, and to make their excuses to everyone.
Tucker’s reply was short, to the point, and too rude to share with Veronica, who was currently fast asleep in his bed. He owed his friend one, that was for sure. The night had passed without any callouts for his tow truck services, mainly because everyone in the valley, including the deputy sheriff, was up at Morgan Ranch enjoying the wedding.
Glancing out of the small window, Ted noticed snow was falling, meaning they’d be getting their usual white Christmas—the best one he could remember since his mother had left the family. Careful not to disturb Bacon, he slid his phone out of his pocket and sent his dad a text wishing him a Merry Christmas, with a selfie he’d taken with Veronica earlier, which he knew his father would love.
He paused, his smile lingering before scrolling through his contacts with his thumb, and eventually stopping, and typing.
Happy Holidays, Mom. x
To his surprise, she replied immediately.
Same to you, son. Thank you for thinking of me. x
Ted hesitated and then channeled Veronica telling him to be brave.
Am thinking of popping up to see you before Dad gets back from his cruise.Would that be okay?
That would be wonderful. I always miss you most at Christmas.
Ted wondered whether she regretted what she’d done, but knew it wasn’t the right time to bring the subject up. That conversation would have to take place in person.
I might bring Veronica Hernandez with me.
You’re dating?
Yeah. Ted couldn’t help smiling even though he was alone.
That’s wonderful