Page 91 of Jay Bird

“Jay gone.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

“No go.”

Something softened in his expression. “I’ll work on that.”

Then his eyes found Willow, and for a second, neither of them moved.

A month ago, she might have hesitated, but today she didn’t. Willow walked straight to him.

Jay Bird opened his free arm, and Willow stepped into it, his arm wrapping around her waist while Lily remained between them. When he kissed her temple, she closed her eyes and let herself relax against him.

“Hey,” he murmured.

She smiled against his chest. “Hey.”

“Miss me?”

“Maybe.”

“Liar.”

She laughed and lifted her face.

“I missed you.”

His expression softened. “Missed you too.”

Jay Bird kissed her softly. But after a week apart, it felt anything but insignificant.

“Momma!”

Willow pulled back, laughing.

Jay Bird’s gaze moved past her. His eyebrows rose. “What the hell is in your car?”

Willow looked innocently over her shoulder. “Just a few plants.”

He walked toward the back of her SUV with Lily still on his hip and stared through the window.

“Were you planning to plant a yard or a jungle?”

Willow crossed her arms. “I was going to surprise you.”

Jay Bird laughed. “I leave for one week and come home to a hostile gardening takeover.”

“You told me I could decorate.”

“I was thinking throw pillows.”

“You should’ve been more specific.”

He shook his head. Then his expression changed.

“Well, I have a surprise for you too.”

Willow narrowed her eyes. “What is it?”