Happily Ever After Collection - Melanie Moreland Page 0,82

“Stop it. You are not setting a good example for Mason.”

I bent closer, whispering, “It’s okay. He doesn’t know words yet. I can give your dad a hard time for a few more months.”

Her lips curved into a smile. So did mine when Hank handed me back my son and showed Laura the teddy bear. He hunched over her, talking quietly, and I walked the small room, rocking my boy and giving them some privacy.

Hank was smiling as he joined me. “She’s out again.”

“Hardly surprising.”

“So, she told me. Mason Hank Cooper.” He smiled. “That’s a good, strong name for my grandson.” He held out his hand. “Thank you.”

I rolled my eyes and gave him a one-armed hug. “You’re my friend, Hank. My wife’s dad. A huge part of our life. We wanted to honor that. I hope he grows up to be the kind of man you are. Loyal, compassionate, and strong.”

Hank blinked. Blinked again. His dark eyes looked glossy, and he turned and looked at Laura. He cleared his throat. “Okay then,” he muttered. Then he clapped me on the shoulder. “I’ll be at the house tomorrow.”

He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Mason’s head. He paused at the door. “Jackson.”

I turned. “Hmm?”

“My daughter and grandson are lucky to have you.” He paused. “So am I.”

Then he was gone.

I looked down at Mason. “If I knew the way to get him to leave was to get sentimental, I would have hugged him a long time ago.”

Mason grizzled into his blanket in agreement.

“Good plan,” I whispered. “We’ll remember that for next time.”

I sat back beside my wife, still holding my son. I held her hand in my free one and smiled.

Life was good.

Very good.

And as far as I was concerned, this was just the beginning.

Chapter 1

Jenny

I squinted in concentration as I leaned forward, trying to keep my balance and open my door. Why wouldn’t the damn key go in? Frustrated, I heaved a sigh, causing my hair to lift away from my forehead as I tried once more. I desperately needed to lie down.

Damn Jackey. This was all her fault. When I called her earlier, she was the one who insisted we go out drinking to give me a chance to vent. She was the one who kept ordering the drinks. She was the one who picked up the bartender and left me alone in the bar.

Now, I couldn’t get into my apartment. I studied the key, frowning. I was scratching up the door with the key instead of opening it. Why wouldn’t the damn thing turn? Groaning, I kicked the wood in frustration, only to hiss in pain after my foot made contact. I placed my hand on the door and tried one last time to put the key into the lock. If it didn’t work, I would have to find the super and ask him to let me in.

I gasped in shock as the door I leaned against swung open, and I lurched forward. The only thing that prevented me from hitting the floor was a strong pair of arms wrapping around me. Blinking in surprise, I looked up into the confused eyes of my very favorite neighbor.

Officer Connor Michaels. He was tall and broad, his shoulders filling the doorway, his barrel chest pressed to mine. His dark hair was damp, his T-shirt clinging to his well-defined muscles.

“Connor?” I slurred.

“Jenny.” His amused voice purred my name.

“Why–why are you in my apartment?”

He pulled me upright, setting me on my feet as he smirked. “I’m not. You’re in mine.”

I gaped at him, then looked at the door.

Damn it.

His deep chuckle let me know I’d said that out loud.

I gazed at him, my already warm cheeks becoming even hotter. Good God, the man was gorgeous. I kinda wanted to lick him. I couldn’t, but I wanted to.

“Sorry, Connor. I obviously went down one door too many. Sort of like the drinks this afternoon.” I snorted in embarrassment. “Guess that explains why my key didn’t work. I’m–I’m kinda drunk.”

“I can see that.”

“I keyed up your door.” I waved my hand and hiccupped. “I’ll fix it—but not today. I need a nap.”

I turned to go and tripped over my own feet. Connor’s arms shot out, keeping me upright. He lifted me, carrying me effortlessly into his apartment, and set me down on his couch. He sat beside me; his long fingers tilted up my head, and I looked at him with bleary eyes. God, he was so handsome. He had such beautiful