Page 126 of Falling for the Billionaire Best Man

Dorie turned to me, her brow furrowing slightly. “Our room?”

I nodded, my heart pounding in my chest. This was a huge step. I knew I wanted it, but I also knew what I was asking her. “Yeah. If you want it to be.”

She didn’t say anything at first, just looked around. I watched her, my nerves on edge as I waited for her reaction. She walked over to the bed, running her hand over the soft duvet, before turning back to me.

“It’s beautiful,” she said softly.

“I’ll get your suitcase, and you can put your stuff in the closet.”

I walked out of the room to get the two bags she brought. She packed with the intention of leaving some things here in New York. But I wanted a lot more than that.

As she hung up her clothes in the closet, I leaned against the doorframe, watching her with a smile.

“Dorie,” I said after a moment, my voice hesitant.

“Yes?”

“How would you feel about spending more time in the city?”

She turned to me, a dress in her hands. “What do you mean?”

I took a deep breath, stepping into the closet. “I know it’s a big ask, and nothing would happen until after your busy season this summer. But I want you here. With me.”

She didn’t say anything for several seconds which felt like hours. “Actually, I was thinking about transferring ownership of the bakery to Toby.”

I was afraid to breathe. Afraid I would say something, and she would change her mind.

“Really?” I managed to squeak out.

“Toby’s ready to take over, and I’m ready to come back here,” she said. “It’s always been my goal to get back to New York.”

I nodded. “You said that.”

“Toby was the real reason I fought so hard to keep the bakery in the first place,” she went on. “I feel like I’m ready to take the next step in my career. I have experience now and a portfolio. Eliza’s cake earned me a lot of attention. I think I’m ready to start a business here. I’ve been afraid to take the leap. There was always an excuse not to do it, but I’m ready. I have your support. It sucks Eliza will be moving out of the city, but she’ll be here for a while.”

I was bobbing my head up and down. “Yes. Exactly. I’ll help you find a property. Whatever you need.”

“I’ve been looking at apartments⁠—”

“Move in with me,” I interrupted, my voice firm. “If you don’t like the penthouse, we can find a new one. But I want you here, Dorie. With me. I want to wake up with you every morning, even if it’s at some insane hour.”

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. “Are you sure?”

I nodded, my heart swelling with emotion. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

She smiled, tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t want to intrude. This is fast. I don’t want to⁠—”

“I want you here. I was going to ask you to move in anyway, but if you’re ready to leave Cape May, I’m ready for you to be here. I want you here. And let’s be honest, it’s a waste of money for you to get an apartment. You’ll just be here anyway, or I’ll be at your place. Plus, do you know how much apartments cost here? A good, safe place with more than two-hundred square feet?”

She laughed. “I’ve noticed. It’s definitely a challenge.”

“So, stay here. You said you would put plants in the living room. Do it. We’ll do it together. Decorate the place any way you want.”

Her face lit up. “Okay. Let’s do it.”

I grinned, pulling her into my arms and kissing her deeply. When we finally pulled away, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. This was right. This was where I was supposed to be.

“Let’s eat dinner before it gets cold.”