They spent long, tender moments afterward lying intertwined, whispering to one another about their desires and dreams. Will texted his mother, making sure Owen was being taken care of. He got a smiley face texted back to him.
Julianne chuckled as she nestled in the crook of his arm, her naked body arousing him again. “You see, second chances aren’t so hokey, after all.”
“Speaking of second chances, Julianne, you don’t have to give me your design company.”
She crawled onto his chest, bringing her face to face with him. They needed to have this conversation, but the position was doing crazy things to his body.
“For someone so smart, you can really be obtuse sometimes. I’m not giving it to you. I’m giving it to the town. For you.”
He tried to speak, but she pressed her fingers to his lips.
“You don’t feel a part of the town because you don’t have a stake there. Despite the fact you grew up in Chances Inlet. I understand that. So I’m giving you a stake. Use it or don’t, but it’s there if you want it. You can have as little or as large a role as you choose. Whatever is going to make you comfortable living there.”
Will still didn’t understand her logic. Maybe he never would. The idea of a center for kids was intriguing, though. And if it made Julianne happy to make Chances Inlet their home, he wasn’t going to argue.
He pushed a lock of hair off her face. Unease dimmed her bright eyes.
“I’m going to have to trust you on this, Julianne,” he said gruffly.
Her face glowed as she leaned down to kiss the corners of his mouth. “You won’t regret it. You’ll see.” And she proceeded to show him just how magnificent trust can be.