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I leaned over and kissed her. “I think that’s a great idea.”
She glanced around the room and smiled. “I can’t wait to find out what we’re having. It'll be nice to paint the room and decorate it.”
Pulling her into my arms, I held her tight. “I’m sure our mothers will be chomping at the bit to help you with that.”
She giggled. “That they are. It's going to be nice to have their help.” She let me go and looked into my eyes, her smile slowly fading as she took my hands.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
She shook her head. “Nothing. There’s just something I wanted to talk to you about.” Her eyes averted to the crib. “After the twins are born, I’m taking a long break from acting.”
“Peyton,” I cut in, squeezing her hands so she’d look back at me. When she did, I continued, “You don’t have to do that. I don’t want you to give up your dream. I was planning on working my fighting schedule around yours. I want to support you and what you want to do.”
Tears filled her eyes. “What Iwantis to focus on being with you and starting our family. Your fighting is important, and I’m going to be at every one. I’ve had enough of Hollywood life for a while. It’s time for me to step back.”
Cupping her face, I wiped away her tears with my thumbs. I loved her so fucking much it hurt. “I’ll be by your side when you want it back. All I want is for you to be happy.”
She leaned into my touch. “As long as I’m with you, I will be.”
CHAPTER35
PEYTON
I’d bought a flowing white wedding dress that reminded me of something a Greek goddess would wear; it was simple and elegant. Since Ethan and I decided to get married at the last minute, we weren’t going to have groomsmen or bridesmaids. We’d have the whole guest list standing with us if we did.
“I can’t believe you’re the first of us to get pregnant,” Reagan teased, coming over to rub my belly.
“Seriously?” Emma goaded in return, curling the last wisp of my hair. “She’s marrying our brother. That’s even crazier.” She pinned up the last curl and smiled at me.
“No crazier than you marrying my cousin,” I said back to her, and then to Reagan, “andyoumarrying my brother.”
Wren shook her head and held up her hands. I’d only seen her in flannel shirts and ripped jeans, but now she was in a gorgeous purple dress that showed off her amazing body. “Wow, okay, that is seriously complicated. You all sure are keeping it in the family.”
Everyone laughed while my mom and Ethan’s mother winked at each other. It was their plan all along to have our families combined.
Reagan’s phone beeped and she grabbed it off the bed, her eyes lit with excitement when she read the text. “Braden just sent me a message. The officiant is here, and the guys are all waiting for us.” Then, she looked at me. “Your dad is heading back in a minute to walk you out.”
I nodded. “Perfect.”
Ashleigh came over and hugged me hard before walking out with Wren, Reagan, and Emma, leaving just my mom and me in the bedroom.
Her eyes glistened as she took me in. “You are so beautiful, Peyton.” She reached down and glided her finger across the sapphire bracelet that had saved my life. “No more secrets. Right? I want you to tell me if you or any of the others are in danger.”
“I will,” I promised her. “And I’m still going to wear my bracelet. I think Ethan’s going to want some made for our twins when the time comes.”
My mother’s face fell. “It shouldn’t be like that, Peyton. You should be able to live your lives without looking over your shoulders.”
“I know,” I murmured. “But it is what it is. I’m happy. I have a wonderful family and a man who loves me. I can’t dwell on the bad things that have happened to me.”
My mom cupped my cheeks. “No, you can’t.” She kissed my cheek. “I guess I’ll be hanging up my bodyguard duties and switching it to grandma, huh?”
“Yep,” I laughed. “I’m going to my premiere next month, and several of the awards shows, but after that, I’m taking a break.” I stared right into her emerald eyes. “It’s what I want. And just so you know, you’re going to be one hot grandma. I’m thinking of having the twins call you Nana.”
“Nana,” she repeated, grinning wide, “I like it.”
A knock sounded on the door, and it cracked just a smidge. “Are you decent?” my dad called out.
“Yes. You can come in,” I called out. He opened the door all the way and beamed. Out of all the years I’d been around my dad, I’d never seen him cry . . . until today. I hurried over and threw my arms around his neck. “Don’t you dare make me mess up my makeup.”
