Total pages in book: 137
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129084 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 645(@200wpm)___ 516(@250wpm)___ 430(@300wpm)
“You were afraid of her reaction?”
“No,” I reply, shaking my head. “She’s going to love him. Getting her help would have meant telling her over the phone. That’s not how I want to do this.”
Staring at our connection, she asks, “You’re walking in with a toddler. Have you thought about what you’re going to say?”
“No.” I redirect my gaze out the window. It’s easier for my thoughts to quieten when I’m staring at the clouds or getting lost in the greenery of the trees. Turning back to her, I say, “I’m not selling them on an idea, so I didn’t rehearse this. I’ll speak from the heart. Max deserves that much.”
“I’m nervous.” I know she’s a worrier—maybe that comes with being a mother, or perhaps she was always more type A—but I’ve been impressed by how she’s handled this. Now I know she didn’t want to worry me. I don’t want her fighting this alone, though. I want to be the one she leans on, someone she can always trust with her deepest concerns.
“We’re in this together.” I move our hands to rest on top of my leg. “I know telling you not to worry is easier said than done, but you’ve met half my family already and they love you.”
“I still have two brothers and two sisters-in-law to impress.” She holds her phone up to see her reflection. “How do I look?”
“Prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” Maybe it’s natural not to believe someone who loves you, thinking they’re going to say that out of obligation. It’s what I truly believe she is inside and out, so I refuse to let any negative thoughts of self-worth touch her. “Liv?”
She angles her head to catch a look at herself in a new way on the screen. “Huh?”
“Liv, I want you to look at me.”
Glancing, she does a double take and then lowers the phone as her brows pinch together. “What is it?”
“You don’t have to impress anyone. You’re my girlfriend, so that’s all they need to know.”
The phone is forgotten on the seat beside her. “I’m your girlfriend?” It’s not anger or curiosity I hear in her tone. It’s something else entirely that I can’t put my finger on. Did I just fuck up?
Scratching the back of my neck, I reply, “Why do you make it sound weird like that?”
Her knee bumps against mine and stays. I like the way we’re usually touching in some form, even when we don’t realize it like she doesn’t now. “You’ve never called me that before.”
“Well, we’re not really in situations where we talk about our relationship to others. Our families know, but otherwise, we’re living in secrecy.”
“I’m sorry about work—”
“I understand the need for privacy at the office. I feel the same. But I’m ready to share us, as a couple, with the world outside of there.” I rest my head back and grin. “Today is a safe place to show what we mean to each other. Not only as Max’s parents but as a couple choosing to be together. I’ll understand if this is too fast or if you’re not ready—”
“I’m ready,” she answers without a doubt found in her eyes.
I touch her fingertips, wanting to kiss each one, but I look at her again. “We’re together all the time, but maybe we’ve skipped a step or two.”
I’ve been fine with the parts of the ride that have been silent, the small talk, and now the heavier topics, but I prefer her laughter, like now. “Or four.”
“Yes, or more,” I say, chuckling. Bringing her hand to my mouth, I kiss it. “I owe you so much, but I’ve been doing this all wrong. Let’s back up just a bit. Liv, will you be my girlfriend?”
“I do . . .” she says ardently, light from outside catching in her eyes. Embarrassment takes hold, though, and her gaze and smile quickly start to fall. When she looks back up, her smile is smaller. I love all of her, but it hurts to see her shrink in any way. “I mean I will.”
Kissing her again, I linger against her lips, and whisper, “I do, too.” Because of the time we’ve spent together, I’m not scared to say that two-word phrase. Life has never been better than the time I’ve had with them. That’s something I won’t ever hide, especially from her.
The driver announces, “We’re almost there.”
I look out the window. Since I’ve lived here my entire life, I recognize every mile marker, crooked tree, and know exactly where I am based on the surroundings. “We have about ten minutes. Should we wake Max?”
Sliding out of my hold, she moves to tend to him. “Probably, or he’ll be grumpy on arrival. I’m sure no one wants a screaming kid at their party.”
There’s nothing I can add. She’s the expert and knows best when it comes to him. I just wish I could help with more. “What can I do?”