Free Pretty in Ink (Voretti Family Book 3) by Ava Blackstone Page B

to say, because he didn’t feel passion. He didn’t let himself.
    Except… “Family is the most important thing to me.”
    Joslyn smiled at him encouragingly, and he forced himself to go on. He wanted a relationship, and sharing some of himself was part of that. “The thing is, I was an accident. My parents didn’t want kids. They never would’ve gotten married if I hadn’t come along, and I guess they figured they’d done their part by putting on those rings, because they didn’t bother doing much beyond providing me with food and shelter. I figured that was normal. But then I met the Vorettis. They were so loving. So involved in each other’s lives. They showed me what a family is supposed to be like. So that’s what I want. To be part of a family like that.”  
    Joslyn met his gaze in a moment of perfect understanding that calmed the frantic beating of his heart. “That’s what I want too. My parents divorced when I was young, and it was hard. I won’t do that to my children. When I get married, it’s going to be right. It’s going to be forever.”
    For the first time, he could actually see it. A baby with his dark hair and eyes. With a wife like Joslyn, he wouldn’t have to worry about repeating his parents’ mistakes. She’d know what to say, what to do, to make sure their kids grew up knowing they were loved and cherished. So that they’d never question who they were the way Caleb did.
    Joslyn reached across the table and threaded her fingers through his. He squeezed her hand, and for a brief moment all was right with the world. Then Joslyn spoke, breaking the fragile peace. “Why did you become a police officer?”  
    Because I needed to do something good with my life. Something to make sure I won’t end up like my parents. “I don’t know. I’d wanted to be one ever since I was a kid.” His throat tightened, working better than the Miranda to warn him to shut his mouth before he incriminated himself. He’d already shared more than enough.
    “Yes, but…” She gave him that look that seemed to reach right inside his brain. “When my parents divorced, I felt abandoned by both of them. My teacher, Mrs. Katz, was the only constant in my life. That’s a big part of the reason I went into teaching. Because I wanted to nurture other children, the way she did me. Was it like that with you?”  
    The earth-toned walls of the restaurant pressed in on him. “It was just the standard story, I’m afraid. I wanted to help people.”  
    She didn’t look satisfied. “I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”
    Damn it . He never should’ve told her about his parents. This was a first date, not a therapy session. “Of course there is. I have to leave some mysteries so you’ll come out with me again.”
    In contrast to his forced smile, hers looked genuine. “Okay, here’s an easy question. Tell me your first memory.”
    He clamped the lid down on his subconscious, but it was too late. The familiar memory was playing inside his head like the world’s most depressing home video. His mother’s face contorting into a grimace. Her shrill scream ripping into his father. I know you slept with her! Admit it!  
    He shook his head, throwing off the weight of the past. “The first thing worth talking about was when I started kindergarten. I’d forgotten my lunch, but Rafe’s mom had packed him twice what he could possibly eat, so he shared. We’ve been best friends ever since.”
    “So that’s…what? Twenty years?”
    “Yep.” He’d dodged the bullet, but he was still on edge, like it was about to ricochet back and finish him off. “Rafe and I spent almost as much time together as if we’d been brothers.”
    “It sounds like you could’ve been a Voretti, as far as Antonio and Francesca are concerned. And I’m sure your parents felt the same way about Rafe.”
    Aaaand there it was, coming back around for another pass.
    “Mmmh.” He forced a grin even though his