“Are you gonna feed me, or what?” I mumble into the kiss as it slows. She smiles against my lips and turns back to the table to grab the sandwich, offering it to me for a bite. I tighten my hands at her waist and pull her closer to my chest.

“Today was exhausting,” she says, biting our sandwich and offering it to me again. “That book has taken over our lives.”

“You guys read it?” I sip from the glass of wine she brings to my lips.

“Yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s actually really good, dammit. Gripping and makes Daddy look like a giant, besides accusing him of philandering with your mother, of course.”

“I wonder if taking that approach might work better. Meaning, you see all that’s great about the book. Negotiate with the publisher that if the author removes that one aspect, the Allen family will help promote it.”

“Hmmm.” Her dark brows knit and she nods. “That could work, but I still want to disprove that lie about Daddy. It’s too incendiary. Poses too much of a threat to his memory, to his legacy and what he means to this city. I need to speak to the author, find out the source and prove it false.”

“If anyone can do it, you can.” I open my mouth and look at her expectantly. “Food, please.”

She chuckles, leans in and offers me another bite. We eat one sandwich together, exchanging bites and kisses, alternating with sips of wine from one glass. In this moment by the water in moonlight, we share everything.

“I’m sick of talking about this damn book,” she grumbles when we’re done eating. “Have you heard from Noah?”

“Briefly.” I gather our plates and trash and toss them into a bag. “He’s fine. Wondering if he can stay an extra week.”

“Will you let him?”

“No.” I chuckle and take her hand as we walk up the dock and back toward the little house. “I miss him too much.”

Her rich laughter rolls out over the lake and she lifts my knuckle for a kiss. “You’re such an incredible father.”

“Thank you. I love kids,” I say, opening the door and letting her into the house ahead of me. “I wish I had more.”

Her first step into the living room falters for just a second and her smile slips. I hear what I just said. Shit. Does she think I’m saying I wish Aiko and I had more kids? Or that I’m imposing any expectations on her?

I follow her into the bedroom. “Kimba, I didn’t mean—”