I pull out gently and help her clean up, then crawl back onto the bed beside her and pull her tight against my body, one arm wrapped around her. We lie together in exhausted, sated silence, and after a few minutes, Ralph leaps up onto the bed and begins pawing at my jersey. Her little paws work methodically, kneading the fabric with intense focus. Then she circles around twice before settling down right on top of it, creating a little nest for herself beside Hannah and me.

“Aw, I think she likes it,” Hannah says as Ralph starts purring, her little body vibrating with contentment. I reach out to scratch behind her ears, and her purring instantly deepens, sounding like an idling engine.

“I think so too. Guess that means I’ll have to crochet a matching one for her next.” I smile, picturing Ralph in a tiny Aces jersey, claiming her territory just like her mom claims me.

Hannah laughs softly, the sound washing over me, and it hits me right in the chest. Every day, for as long as fate or the universe will let me, I’m going to do my best to make her laugh like that.

Because every day with this woman is a fucking gift.

Epilogue

Hannah

I wake up with a jolt as something warm and wet grazes against my clit. My eyes shoot open to find the covers partially thrown back and Declan settled between my legs, eating me out like I’m his breakfast. His broad shoulders keep my thighs spread wide, his strong hands gripping my hips as he works his mouth over me with hungry precision. The sight of his head between my legs and the muffled noises of appreciation he’s making send a ripple of heat straight through me.

“Good morning,” he murmurs against my pussy.

The vibration of his deep voice sends a zap of heat straight up my spine, and it feels so good that I can’t even form words to respond. My hand instinctively reaches down to grip his hair, encouraging him to continue his delicious assault.

“This is—oh fuck—so much better than an alarm clock,” I murmur, then gasp as he scrapes his teeth lightly over my clit.

“Good.” He laps at me again. “This is how you deserve to wake up every morning.”

He slips two fingers inside me, fucking me with them as he continues to work my clit—but when I start to tip my head back in pleasure, he slaps my clit lightly, making me suck in a breath as pleasure and pain burst through me. He knows I’ll use my safe word if I need it, and I love how that gives him permission to be rough and dominant with me, knowing I’ll take control and stop things if I ever need to.

“Watch me,” he growls, and I obey instantly, tilting my head back down to meet his amber-flecked eyes.