I blinked.
But the result didn’t change.
Before I could say a word, he pulled me back in. Arms tight. Chin tucked over my head like he was sheltering something delicate.
And I let him.
Because if I didn’t, I’d drop to the cold tile floor and cry until I split open.
Because I’d taken a risk.
Because I’d lost.
Because this wasn’t part of the plan.
But he was warm and steady, and he smelled like everything I missed about feeling safe.
When he kissed the top of my head—slow, careful, like he had all the time in the world—it didn’t fix anything.
But it made the truth a little easier to swallow.
Chapter 13
Kade
As vulnerable as Juliette felt right now, I couldn’t suppress my elation.
She had no idea I’d been watching her—in her classroom, at the Graham farm, every quiet little corner of her new life. She didn’t know she was coming to my birthday party tomorrow either. Grammy had set her up nicely.
But I couldn’t rush her. Not yet.
You don’t startle the prey when the noose is already snug around her neck.
“Let’s get you to bed.”
She followed without protest, her fingers curled into my shirt, holding on like I was the only solid thing in her world.
Good girl. She didn’t let go. Not once.
That’s right, little mama.
I’m all yours.
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Long after she drifted off, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling.
My mind ran through the next steps—for her, for us, for the new life growing in her womb.
Project Secure the Uterus was still fully operational.
For the first time in a long while, I let myself relax. My body sank into the mattress beside her, my hand resting over the place where our future slept.
And after what felt like forever, I had enough hope in my heart to dream again.
For now, that was enough.
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