Page 64 of The Decoy

“Okay, buddy. I’m already sold. I know you’re a catch.”

I take her hand in mine and lift it to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “I love you too.”

She shakes her head, smiling. “So what do you think the headlines will look like tomorrow?”

“I don’t really care,” I answer honestly, stepping on the gas as the bridge opens up. “I kind of just think of people’s opinions of me like they’re fan theories. They don’t even really know me to even have opinions. And at the end of the day, people will say what they want, but I bet we’ll also have some support too. I do think we should be prepared for someone to link you to Dylan and track the timeline of your relationship. It wasn’t like you hid the fact that you dated. And we also need to consider Dylan himself. Do you really think he’ll stay quiet?”

Ellis swallows, and her hands move to her stomach. “I really don’t think he’s going to acknowledge our relationship or the baby if he’s asked about it. He’s very good with press, so he’ll handle it his way. But I feel really confident that he’s not going to discredit our story if that’s what you’re worried about.”

I let out a laugh. “Princess, I’m not worried about Dylan at all. I just don’t want you to have any stress. It’s my job to keep you safe and happy.”

“Brody…”

“No, I mean it,” I say, glancing over at her. “I don’t play games when it comes to what’s mine. So I think we let it ride and see what happens. But I don’t want you to worry about any of it. You need to take care of your body. I’ll handle the outside world.”

She holds my gaze with an unwavering trust that’s been building between us for the last few months. She reaches over and intertwines her fingers with mine.

“Thank you,” she says softly.

“No need to thank me.” I squeeze her hand gently.

When we pull into my driveway and then to the garage, I think about how this home that I built with a family in mind is finally happening. This isn’t just my space anymore. It’s ours.

I cut the engine, unbuckle my belt, and jump out of the cab. I walk around the front of the hood, open her door, and extend my hand to help her down.

She takes my hand, letting out a small, amused laugh as I practically lift her out of the truck.

“You know I can get out on my own,” she teases, though she keeps her hand in mine as we walk toward the door leading into the house.

“Yeah, but I’m right here.” I give her a flirty smile and lift a brow, unlocking the door and pushing it open, and we’re greeted by Buck and Oshie.

“Hi, puppies!” Ellis says, leaning down to pet them both.

Buck starts to jump up on her, but I stop him. “Buck, no,” I command.

“He’s just excited to see me.”

“I’m always excited to see you and would also love to jump on you every chance I get, but like me, he needs to learn some control. I don’t want him to knock you over, and it’s best to do it now before the baby is born. I wouldn’t want him to hurt you and the baby either. He’s a big, strong dog.”

She stands upright. “No, you’re right. I just love when they get excited. I don’t think we need to worry as much with Oshie since she’s not as big as Buck.”

“No, but we still need to watch her. Especially when the baby comes. I read that dogs can either be very protective or jealous.”

“I don’t think she’ll be jealous. She’s a lover, not a fighter.” Ellis says with a giggle.

“Are you getting hungry? I can make us an early dinner.”

“I could eat a snack, but I’m actually really hot.”

She starts to reach for the hem of her sweater, but I walk over to her, taking over. I take the hem and peel it off to reveal a dark cotton tank underneath, hugging every curve. I set it on the barstool at the counter island, then turn back to her and wrap my arms around her from behind, pulling her back against my chest while my hands slide over her middle, lacing my fingers over her stomach.

Ellis leans her head back against my shoulder, letting out a long sigh, letting my body fully support hers.

“This place has been pretty quiet since I built it,” I murmur into her ear, my chin resting against her hair.

“Well, it won’t be for long,” she says, her voice laced with humor as she rests her hands over mine. “In a few months, there’s going to be crying, dirty diapers, late-night feedings, and baby gear scattered all around the house.”

“Good,” I say, pressing my lips to the side of her neck, feeling her pulse steady under my touch. “I want all of it. I want the noise, the mess, the chaos. I want to hear you laughing in the kitchen while I’m watching film. I want this place filled up.”