“Yeah?” He kisses right below my ear. “Remember Rock and Hope’s wedding?”

“How could I forget?”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about what kind of bride you’d be,” he says matter-of-factly.

A tear slips down my cheek, but I can’t brush it away without escaping his hold—something I don’t want to do. “Really?”

I wish my voice didn’t come out so damn wobbly. He notices and leans in closer, kissing my tear-tracked cheek. “That bother you?”

“Not at all.” I sniffle and laugh at the same time. “I might have questioned whether you’d slip on a suit or tux for your wedding.”

“Our wedding,” he corrects. “You’re trying to distract me again. We need to talk.”

Ice-cold fear spreads through my chest. I can’t have the conversation he wants to have with Chance around. It doesn’t matter how old he is, I don’t want any of it poisoning his young mind.

“My brother’s been asking about taking Chance for an afternoon.”

“Okay,” he answers, the what does that have to do with anything question clear from his tone.

“Chance…He can’t be here for the talk you want to have.”

By the way he staggers backwards, Z didn’t expect that answer.

“What more do you need to know, Z?”

He recovers from the shock quickly. “Nothing less than everything.”

His phone buzzes on the counter and he snatches it up. “Fuck.”

“Do you have to go?”

“Club stuff.” He frowns and some of the anger I remember from last night bleeds into his expression. “We’re not done with this, Lilly.” He closes his eyes. “I’m still…pissed.”

“I know.”

“But I love you and we’ll get through it.” As hard as he sounds, warmth and conviction still shine through easing some of my skittishness. “Rooster should have some house listings for me. I’m going to check them out with Murphy and Teller later. Unless you want me to wait for you?”

“No, don’t delay anything. I trust you.” My mouth turns down. “Although, I don’t think Teller likes me all that much.”

“Fuck.” He bites his lip, but I don’t think he’s upset with me.

Why did I even bother saying anything right now? Because the move is making me anxious? Or something else?

“It’s got nothing to do with you, Lilly. He’s going through some stuff. If he really gives you attitude, tell me.”

“No, I shouldn’t have said anything at all. I was joking.”

His phone pings again and he groans. Glancing down, he types out a quick response to whoever’s looking for him. After sending it, he gives me a crooked smile. “You better be here when I get back. I will chase your gorgeous ass down this time.”

It’s the worst kind of joke for either of us to make, but I laugh anyway. “You’re coming back?”