Chapter 33
EVIE
Can a heart burst from too much happiness? Is there even such a thing as being too happy?
A year ago I had nothing, and now… now I have everything I’ve ever dreamt about.
As Miss Sebastian dashes away from us, Rhett tightens his arm around my waist. He’s never touched me so much before, and it keeps sending tingles racing through my body.
It feels surreal being his sole focus. We had some moments back when we were in school, but the way he looks at me, and he touches me… it’s different.
Every touch feels like a promise of passion, and every look weakens my knees.
I’m the one who’s been slowing down the pace between us, but now I’m no longer sure that’s what I really want.
As we walk out onto the patio, I glance around.
“Carter!” Della shrieks as he tosses her over his shoulder. He starts to stalk towards the swimming pool and a little girl jumps up and down with excitement near them.
“Don’t you dare,” Della hisses seconds before he throws her into the water, clothes and all.
“Yeah,” the little girl shrieks before she runs towards the water. Carter catches her in time, swinging her into the air.
“Not yet, Princess. You can’t ruin your dress.”
She pouts at him and crosses her tiny arms over her chest. “But I wanna swim with Mommy.”
“After we’ve eaten, you can change into your Little Mermaid bathing suit,” he tries to negotiate with her.
Della swims to the edge and drags herself out.
“But Mommy’s already getting out,” the little girl argues.
“Don’t worry, I’ll throw her back in for you,” Carter says with a mischievous grin.
At that moment the little girl’s eyes land on Rhett and she lets out a squeal.
“Put me down. Hurry!” She wiggles until Carter sets her back on her feet.
Like a little bolt of lightning, she races over to us.
“Uncle Ledge,” she cries, and she flings herself at him.
Rhett scoops her up and tosses her into the air before catching her again.
“That’s a pretty dress you’re wearing, Princess,” he says as he plants a big kiss on her chubby cheek.
Her eyes zoom in on me, and again she starts to wiggle like a little worm until Rhett sets her down.
Her eyes are huge as she watches me, and curiosity makes her little face shine with wonder.
She crooks her tiny finger at me, showing for me to crouch down.
I sink down to my knees and smile at her. She places her hand against my cheek and whispers, “I’ve been waiting for for-eeeeeever to meet you.”
My smile becomes wobbly, and I swallow hard on the lump in my throat.
“Hi, Princess Danny,” I whisper once I can trust my voice to not fail me.