AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I take off my butterfly pendant and take a few steps toward him and place it around his neck. “This is me, and I’ll always be with you. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone. I love you, Matt, but last night I realized that I can’t handle a serious relationship just yet.”
He smirks, as if saying it’s okay. “Can I hug you?”
I nod, and he envelops me with those strong arms I love so much. Once again, I feel safe, and my confusion about who Ishouldchoose increases.
“One day, I’ll ask you to marry me. We’ll have babies, and the three of us will grow old together. You belong with me—with us.”
A knock on the door takes me back from the happy place I landed when he said that Ibelonged. Our conversation ends abruptly, and I have to hold any further questions for now.
“Mattie?” The handle door wiggles, and the door opens.
Ainsley doesn’t even wait for him to say anything before she enters. “Mattie, sorry if I’m interrupting, but I have a bag with Thea’s clothes.”
“You wait until people let you inside after knocking on the effing door,” Matt growls but then there’s softness in his voice. “Oh, you came too, baby princess.”
Ainsley holds a beautiful baby. A fuss of brown hair, big gray eyes, and chubby arms. The best part is her toothy smile.
“Say hi to Mattie, Gracie.”
The baby grins wider and opens her arms, trying to reach Matt. Matt untangles his arms and picks up the little girl, who giggles when he holds her.
“He’s great with babies,” Ainsley says, handing me a small duffel bag. Then she extends her arms and hugs me. “Welcome to the family.”
My eyes widen, and I look at Matt.
Didn’t I say I’m not ready for a serious relationship yet?
Ainsley releases me, claims Gracie from Matt, and then turns around again. “I’m… if you ever need anything, please call me. I’d love it if we could be friends.” She turns toward the door before adding, “We’ll be downstairs, Mattie.” She finally disappears.
“Mattie?” A wicked smile grows as I ponder that nickname. “Really, big guy? Mattie?”
“She’s the only one allowed to call me that.”
“Not me?” I pout at him.
“You can call me whatever you want, Butterfly, as long as we agree that we’re in a serious relationship. The rest will come with time.”
“Dream big, right, Matt?” I bring that up from one of our conversations.
The one when I decided that pain didn’t make a good life.
And I wish to be free, be alive, be part of him.
One night shouldn’t take away my determination.
It shouldn’t scare me away from who I love.
I stretch out my neck, standing on my tiptoes, giving him a peck. “I love you, and I hope that when you learn everything about me, you can forgive me.”
That’s all I have for him. Nothing more than a wish because I’m not ready to let that part be known.
ChapterFive
Tristan
After showering,I head to the living room where the entire Decker family sits. They’ve been coming and going since seven this morning, waiting for Thea to come out of the bedroom. She didn’t wake up until one, or at least that’s when she finally opened the door and let herself out of the chamber.
“You okay?” Chris Decker asks me for the fifth time, so I nod for the fifth time.
