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Chance

I looked down at Lilly to see she’d fallen asleep. Her head rested against my chest, her breathing even and her scent all around me. There was so much more to this woman than I originally thought. A perfect balance of strong and delicate.

Sweeping my gaze over her face, I admired her long lashes against her smooth cheekbones and her full lips. Despite all the shitty cards dealt her way by her late husband, she’d remained strong. It was her strength I admired the most, powering through all the ordeals and protecting her girls.

Unlike women like my ex-wife who only thought about themselves.

The deepest part of me feared she’d want out. It would take a better man than me to let her. But I couldn’t force her to sign the contract. And I certainly wouldn’t be able to force her to marry me. It made no sense, but some people weren’t wired to use others. Lilly wasn’t.

But losing her wasn’t an option. I wanted - needed - her to choose me.

Choose us.