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Especially because I’m almost three months pregnant. A happy surprise for both of us.
“So, it’s your first trip away after resolving the shit with your folks. How do you feel? It seems like a good chance to finally breathe and focus on what’s important—us and the baby.” I rest a hand on my miniscule bump.
Peter nods. “Absolutely. It’s been a rough ride, and I couldn’t have gotten through it without you, baby.”
“I’ll always believe in you.” My heart hurts for Peter, I can’t imagine having parents who exploited me. “It’s hard for me to understand how they can still stand up for your brothers after everything.”
He looks away from the camera for a second. I know all of this is an open wound, but his therapist has encouraged us to talk about it. “When I think about our baby, it actually makes me sad for them. They have no interest in me, you, or our child, and it’s their loss. I guess some people like to keep themselves grounded in misery. Quite honestly, I don’t feel much of anything for them anymore. I’ve paid my debt—they have a new house and money in the bank. I’m done. It helps having a new lawyer. Joe Finney made clear—any further attempts to extort money from me will be prosecuted. They’re out of my life, maybe forever and I feel free for the first time in years.”
“We’re creating our own family.” I smile at him.
He smiles back, but there’s a hint of sadness in his eyes. “Kyle’s in rehab and Lance is back in jail, this time for a long stretch. Stepping back from the chaos has been so good for my well-being. Changing my phone number was the first step. I don’t get low-level anxiety every time it rings.”
“It’s the right decision,” I say thoughtfully. “You need peace.”
“Yeah.” He’s so handsome, gazing at me through the screen. “It’s really all behind us and we can concentrate on our future. A new house. Our baby. I’m still shocked my situation with the bank turned out so well. Joe did an excellent job banging out the terms of the settlement. Work is good. My team at the firm didn’t even bat an eye, Fabiola’s the only one who’s moved on.”
Despite the potential fallout, Peter called a meeting and told his entire staff the truth, apologized and offered them six months’ severance if they wanted to move on. “Your leadership really shone through, Peter. Your team believes in you, like I do.”
Peter beams. “How are you feeling? Still barfing up everything you eat?”
“No, I’ve moved into starvo mode.” I can’t help but nudge about a deeper commitment. “Did you look at the link I sent you? What do you think about getting married at the courthouse and doing a bigger wedding after the baby’s born?”
Peter’s eyes twinkle with a secret I’m not yet privy to. “Oh, we can do better. Let’s just say I’ve got some ideas up my sleeve. We'll talk about it in person.”
“God.” I laugh. “You and your surprises. I can’t wait to see what you have planned.”
As our conversation winds down, I’m hormonally emotional. “I can’t wait for you to be home. These video calls are great, but I miss you so much.”
“I know, baby.” His voice is tender. Sweet. “I miss you too. We’ll be together very soon, and I promise this weekend will be worth the wait.”
We hang up and I miss him immediately.
Looks like I'll be counting each minute until he gets home.
Chapter thirty-three
Peter
Two Days Later
The morning air is crisp and filled with anticipation on the way to Jordan's house.
I touched down from London an hour ago, but I promised a special surprise for my girl so I'm retrieving her and we'll be off on an adventure of a lifetime.
Last night, I texted her instructions to pack for a weekend getaway—casual clothes and something fancy for dinner—deliberately leaving the details tantalizingly vague. I'm sure she's losing her shit, wondering what I'm up to. My Uber pulls into her driveway and my heart leaps when I see Jordan on the porch waiting with her suitcase. She's so beautiful in a simple gray tunic and black leggings, her hair long and loose. I get out of the car, I rush over to her, eager to breathe her in.
“Baby!” She throws her arms around me. “I've missed you so much!”
I band my arms around her, keeping her snug against my body. “God, I missed you too. More than words can say.”
We stand there for a moment, simply holding each other. Giving each other little kisses and caresses as the world around us fades into the background.
Knowing we'll have plenty of time for affection all morning, I force myself to step back. “Ready for our adventure?”
“Absolutely, but you have to tell me where we're going!” She practically jumps up and down like a little kid.
I grab Jordan's suitcase and lead her toward the car. “Nope! You'll love it. At least I hope you will.”
