Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 1

"Morning," Billy's throaty voice greeted me before I opened my eyes. He was never still in bed when I woke up. I seized the moment to curl into his chest and was rewarded with a kiss on the top of my head.

"I love you," I murmured in a distant, dreamy voice. "I feel like I haven't woken up in your arms in so long."

The faint breeze of a laugh coursed over my face. "I was thinking the same thing when I woke up this morning. You aren't mad I woke you?"

"Never," I murmured as I let my hand glide over his collarbone.

"I may remind you of that in the future." His voice was so low that it barely registered in my ears.

"Can we stay like this forever?"

"We can, but then Tim will get all my mom's cooking."

"I'm up!" I shot as I pushed myself off his chest, causing a lively laugh to bounce from Billy's lips.

"Do you want the first shower, or do you want me to get you a cup of coffee and the Sunday crossword while I shower?"

"You're the perfect man," as I spoke, I dramatically let my hands cup each side of his face like he was an angel to behold.

"I'll remind you of that as well," he teased, taking my hands in his and kissing both before letting them go. "I'll be back. Do you want a pen or a pencil?"

"You know I like to live dangerously." I smiled.

"Pen it is, wild child."

I watched as he pulled on his jeans and sleepily shuffled to the door before I fell back to the pillows with a heavy sigh while I let the warmth of the blankets further convolute the bits and pieces of thoughts unwilling to form in my mind. Then, finally, I just gave up on coherent thoughts and settled on the peaceful moment surrounding me like a warm hug. My fingers lifted to the two engagement rings that hung from the chain on my neck. I let them slip on my fingers and then off again. The action was closer to my life with Billy Collins than I cared to admit. One moment we were on, the next we were twisting away, but now we were tethered by an invisible chain.

I had avoided who Billy was for twenty years. He built a home, a family, and a career filled with countless platinum records and awards, all while I wished he was a simple mechanic. But now, as the bright December sun sliced through the window, the stage lights felt less scary. Life with Billy Collins felt right.

"What are you thinking about?" Billy asked as he set my coffee on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed. I instinctively formed my body around his as his hand fell over me to steady himself on the bed behind my back.

"How perfect this moment is." I smiled before continuing. "You, the blanket of snow on the ground, the warmth of the blankets in here."

He lifted his free hand to brush a few loose tendrils of hair from my face. "Nothing gives me greater joy than being the first on that list."

He was nearing for a kiss when a hesitant knock came from the door. Billy paused in bewilderment as the interruption crossed his face, causing a giggle from my lips.

"Come in." Billy's voice came hesitantly, but he straightened his back to a less lurid position before Jackson pushed open the door.

"Morning, Dad, Lil," Jackson offered without lifting his eyes from the hardwood floor.

"Hey Jackson, you're up early. Everything okay?" Billy asked as he stood and pulled on a t-shirt. Billy's home voice came as a higher and more lively pitch than when his mind was at work.

"Yeah, sure. I was just... I was wondering if..." he lifted his eyes to his dad before settling on, "do you mind if I have a minute with Lily?"

"With Lily?" Billy cocked his head to the side in surprise. "I mean, of course." His eyes fell on me while still not masking his awe at the unusual turn of events. "I was just going to take a shower." Billy reluctantly moved to the bathroom, slightly pausing before shutting the door behind him.