Bedford Square Publishers

Bo is clearly the type of guy who takes people under his wing. A natural caretaker type. It makes me glad to know that my kid will have a dad who goes above and beyond for the people he cares about.

“I said, are you ready for me? Because I don’t plan on being gentle with you.”

Because Matt is my own personal comfort. A walking hot-water bottle. A favourite blanket. A cosy hoodie. A cup of tea delivered with a kiss on the forehead. Warmth builds and builds inside my chest, and I realise suddenly, clearly, and certainly—I’ve never felt like this about anyone else. I think I’m in love with Matt.

“He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness. Live, then, and be happy, beloved children of my heart, and never forget, that until the day that God will deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is contained in these two words, ‘Wait and Hope.’”

“Wherever you are is where I want to be.”

“To a new year, new chances, new lessons and… new friends.”

I’m well aware of the many reasons Matt and I wouldn’t work, but I’m also a raging flirt. I’ll flirt with a lamppost if it flickers the right way.

“Hey!” a dude behind us scoffs. “There’s a line.”

Matt puts his arm around me and turns over his shoulder with a smile I’ve yet to see from him. It’s friendly but… not? No teeth; puffed out chest. I’m kinda into it.

“She’s with me.” Oh, I’m definitely into it.

“For starters, I really dislike when people kill bugs outside. That’s their space, ya know?”

Oh my god. Even his pet peeves are precious.

“What? No… Lane, that is upsetting. When upsetting things happen, people cry.”