way to give it a try with Dave. We talked today and worked some things out. I didn’t realize just how unhappy he’d been with his job, and he apologized for the way he handled it. He said that if I didn’t want to go that he really wanted to try long distance because he thinks we’re the real deal, but he doesn’t want either of us to give up our dreams.”
Joy nodded. “That sounds like he’s saying the right things. Does he mean it?”
She nodded. “I think he really does. And after giving it a few days, I realized that I’m not ready to give up on us either. So I’m going to move to Texas and see what happens. If it’s not right, I can come home and probably have a job waiting for me. But if I don’t go, I’m always going to wonder.”
“Just as long as you’re sure, Britt. If you are, I’ll support you a thousand percent.”
“But?” she asked. “I can hear that but in there. You know that, right?”
Joy chuckled. “Wrong. There’s no but. I’ll always be here to support you. I just want you to make sure that he respects you and your career just as much as he does his. If he thinks his ambition takes precedent, then you two still have stuff to work through. Because Britt, your wants and needs are just as important as his. Don’t ever take a backseat to a man because his ego is bruised. Okay?”
She nodded solemnly. “I hear you, Mom. And thank you.” Britt wrapped her arms around Joy and hugged her for a very long time.
“When are you going?” Joy asked, doing her best to hold back tears.
“Next month.” There was a catch in her daughter’s voice, and that was the end of Joy’s stoicism. The tears spilled unchecked down her cheeks, and when they finally pulled apart, they shared watery smiles as they laughed at each other.
“Come on, kid,” Joy said, standing. “Let’s go inside. We deserve ice cream.”
“We have ice cream?” she asked, and her eyes lit up like those of the little girl she’d once been.
“Of course we do. I’ll show you where I keep my secret stash.”
Five minutes later, with ice cream in their hands, the pair went into the living room. Hunter made noise about getting his own ice cream, while Britt retreated to one of the bedrooms to call Dave.
Joy sat down next to Troy on the couch. “I love these kinds of nights. There’s nothing better than spending a fun night with my kids. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this right here. The quiet after the storm. My heart is full, and my world is just right.” She glanced up at Troy. “Do you know what I mean?”
“I think so. It’s that peaceful moment of gratitude for life and love.”
Joy’s heart swelled, and she nearly had to hold back her tears again. “That was perfectly put.”
He reached out and caught the one tear that had escaped and then brushed his thumb over her cheek. “Is everything all right with Britt?”
“Yeah. She’s moving to Texas. I’m going to miss her terribly.” She gave him a wobbly smile but was proud she hadn’t broken down in tears again.
“You’ll visit,” he said and pressed a soft kiss to her lips.
“Definitely. At least she’ll be away from the damn paparazzi.”
“Always looking on the bright side.” He tucked her in close to his side and spent the next half hour cuddling her and caressing her arm. She settled against him, loving the way she felt wrapped up in him. Eventually, the soothing caresses started to make her skin tingle, and she couldn’t stop herself when she palmed both of his cheeks and gave him a heated kiss. When they pulled apart, they were both breathing heavily.
“We should take this to my bedroom,” she said, tracing a finger along his jawline.
Troy closed his eyes, obviously reveling in her touch. “Are you sure? I don’t want anything to be awkward with your kids here.”
She chuckled softly. “Troy, they are all adults. I’m certain they can handle it.” She climbed out of his embrace and stood. Reaching down, she grabbed his hand and pulled him up and then down the hall to her bedroom. As soon as she shut and locked the door, all thoughts of her children fled, and for the next few hours, all of her attention was devoted to the kind, sexy man who made her