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But as I stood there, I swallowed thickly as my dad’s words played repeatedly in my head.
What if I messed this up again?
Chapter Twenty-Two
Bella
I really didn’tlike surprises, but Rhett promised I’d love this one. When we talked on the phone, he told me that his parents were going to watch Brendan tonight so he and I could spend some time together. After being away for almost four days, I was looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, but sleeping in Rhett’s arms wouldn’t be a hardship either.
Plus, I was excited to show Rhett the changes I’d made to the website and the social media accounts I created. For the first time in three years, I felt valued as a person who had something more to offer than just changing diapers or serving food. Putting my creative and marketing skills to use again felt good. I kind of wished I would have said yes when he offered me the marketing position again two years ago. But I thought I was just scared I wouldn’t be able to balance a career and being a new—and single—mom.
I stopped at a red light and tapped out a text to Miranda.
Me:Has he calmed down? I hated to leave him like that.
Brendan had been super cranky most of the day, which left me stressing that he might be getting sick again. He put everything in his mouth; I wouldn’t be surprised if he was. But either way, he was not happy when I went to leave, throwing an epic tantrum.
My phone chirped with an incoming text. I let the car’s bluetooth read it aloud as I sped up through the green light.
Miranda said:He’s doing fine. Now don’t you worry, have fun tonight.
Oh lord. That woman seriously had no shame. But I would admit I was excited about having some kid-free time with Rhett. He’d promised me my favorite meal from The Dock and a bottle of wine.
Once I pulled up at the cabin, parking next to his truck, Rhett was waiting for me on the porch. In a few quick strides, he met me halfway and lifted me into his arms, crashing his mouth to my lips and stealing my breath. Forcing my mouth open with his tongue, he firmly brushed it back and forth against mine.
My feet hit the ground as his hands tangled in my hair, pulling gently while pleasure shot through my body. He broke the kiss and pressed his warm lips to my forehead.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you,” he groaned into my hair while tucking my head under his chin.
I ran my hands up under the back of his shirt, loving the feel of his muscles twitching as I did.
“Come on, I want to show you your surprise before I can’t think straight and get distracted.” His fingers grazed down my arm, sending a shudder through me, and they intertwined with mine. Holding my hand, he turned and led me up the stairs and into the house.
Once inside, he ducked his head as he sent me a devilish grin. I honestly didn’t know what to think. He acted like a teenage boy about to ask a girl out for the first time.
“Where’s my surprise?” I asked, looking around the large family room.
“It’s down this way.” He pointed to the back hallway and ushered me forward with his hand on my lower back.
We stopped outside of one of the extra rooms, its door closed. I thought it was the one he was using as storage. I swallowed over the lump in my throat, remembering he was planning this one for the nursery. It hit me like a ton of bricks. Just a little more than a week before, he was going to marry some other girl and have a baby with her.
“You ready?”
I blinked, shaking off my thoughts as I nodded. “Yep, you know I hate surprises, though.” I side-eyed him as he chuckled.
“I know, but I’m hoping you love this one.”
He opened the door to a brightly lit blue room. My breath hitched as I stepped forward, taking it all in. Oh. My. God. It was… I couldn’t even form a solid thought as I felt tears spring to my eyes.
I took another step in, my eyes scanning the room. The walls had a fresh layer of a beautiful light shade of cobalt blue. A long gray dresser with six drawers sat against one wall, with a gorgeous picture of an old red truck in front of a farmhouse hanging above it. My eyes latched on to the bed in the far-right corner next to the window. It was a truck toddler bed, covered inPaw Patrolbedding. On the dresser was a lamp that seemed to match the picture hanging above. Finally, my eyes landed on the shelves under the window filled with clear bins of cars, trucks, Duplo blocks, and other toys.
“I—Rhett. This is…” A sob escaped from my mouth as my hand flew up to cover it. He spun me around to look at him. His face contorted, and a frown appeared.
“Bella, don’t cry. I’m so sorry. I was just trying to do something sweet, not upset you. Shit, maybe my dad was right. I am trying to rush this. I just wanted you to feel comfortable with Brendan staying here, and I wanted to do something for him so he would feel at home.”
“These are happy tears, you idiot,” I said as they continued to spill from my eyes. “This is—amazing. And super sweet. I love the thought you put into it. Brendan is going to be excited, and—wait… your dad thinks we’re rushing?”
Why did that feel worse than my own dad saying something similar? Both Miranda and George had welcomed me into their family, let me live with them, and adoptedmychild as their grandchild, but they questionedthis? I knew Miranda didn’t feel like that. She would’ve had us married yesterday if it were up to her.
