Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
I turn to look at him over my shoulder as one single tear slides down my cheek. “How did you know?” I ask, smiling at the man that holds my entire heart.
He reaches up and wipes away my tear with his thumb. “I can’t explain it, but the best way I know how is you’re a part of me, Emerson. I feel what you feel, baby girl, and I’m here.” He kisses my cheek. “I’m always going to be right here.”
I settle into his hold as the guys continue to talk about the things they are going to do for or with our baby to win the favorite uncle title, while Roman holds me protectively.
Does he know he’s my dream come true?
Epilogue Emerson
Emerson
* * *
“Is the blindfold really necessary?” I ask Roman.
“Yep.”
“Can I at least have a hint as to where we’re going?”
“Nope.”
I’m ready to argue when the truck stops. “Are we there?”
“We are.”
“Can I take this off?” I reach for the blindfold, but he stops me.
“Baby girl, just humor me, please. It’s almost time for you to take it off.”
“Fine.” I pretend to be put out, but the truth is, I love that he’s going to such great lengths to surprise me.
It’s been three weeks since my trip to the emergency room. Living with Roman has been a dream. He agreed that the back bedroom would be the best for the baby, and since it’s empty, I’m ready to get started. However, I know I need to wait until at least the second trimester before I can start.
We found out I was pregnant at six weeks, and from what I’ve read online, when you find out that early, it seems to go on forever. That’s fine with me, though. I’m going to enjoy every moment of this next phase of our lives together.
“Stay put. I’m going to come around and get you.”
I do as I’m told, and a few seconds later, he’s opening my door and lifting me out of the truck.
“I can walk,” I remind him.
“I can also carry you.”
“Are we going up steps?” I ask, trying to find any kind of clue that I can.
Roman chuckles. “Patience, baby girl.”
A few more steps and he’s placing me on my feet.
“Now, I want you to count slowly to ten, and then open your eyes.”
“Got it.”
I start counting. When I get to ten, I peel off the blindfold and blink, letting my eyes adjust. That’s when I see a banner, a huge banner strung across the room that reads “Welcome home, Mrs. Bailey.”
“Rome?”
I turn to look at him, but he’s not standing next to me. No, he’s kneeling with the most beautiful diamond ring I’ve ever seen in his hand.
“You, Emerson Huntley, are the love of my life. Will you do me the incredible honor of being my wife? Will you marry me?”
“Yes. Yes. Yes.” I nod as the tears start to fall. These damn pregnancy hormones.
Roman stands and slides the ring onto my finger, and it’s a perfect fit. He kisses me soundly, before pulling away.
“Where are we?” I spin, taking in the huge open-floor plan. The kitchen has off-white cabinets with a marble countertop and what looks like new stainless-steel appliances. The open concept is light and airy and huge. Much larger than our house, or even Forrest’s house.
“This is our new home.”
I tilt my head to the side to study him. “You just moved me into your home. Our home.”
Roman laughs, and my lips also tip up in a smile. “Yeah, baby girl, our home, but now we have a new one.”
“Which is where exactly?” I ask. I didn’t even know he was looking for a new house.
“Step outside.”
“We just moved all of my stuff,” I tell him.
“Yeah, and it’s a good thing you’ve been slow to unpack,” he teases.
“Hey! You’re the one who kept telling me we would get to it and then distract me.”
“And we will. When we unpack here. At our new home. Now, come outside with me.” He nods toward the front door, and I do as he says. There is something he’s not telling me.
I step out onto the porch to see my brother, Lachlan, Maddox, Legend, Monroe, and Roman’s parents, as well as Drake, Lisa, and Lyra standing on the front lawn.
“Funny story,” Forrest calls out. “Turns out I knew the guy who bought the Morgans’ old place, after all.”
“What?” I turn in circles, and sure enough, it’s the house next door to my brother’s that I loved so much. “What’s he talking about?” I ask Roman.
“I bought it. I knew you loved this place, and I knew what we had planned for our future. It was a gamble because I didn’t know if he would ever accept us, but I just figured if we were neighbors, we’d eventually wear him down.”