Lucy laughs nervously. “I’m…apologetic about that.”
We share a secret smile, and I can’t help but laugh. “He’s only kidding you.”
“I am,” Bryce says sincerely. “In case it wasn’t clear. Coming across as an abrasive asshole is sort of my thing. Ask my wife. Anyway, really, it’s an honor. I never knew anybody could make this grumpy motherfucker feel anything. Let alone this….”
“Spell,” Lucy softly says when he trails off.
“That sounds about right to me,” I smirk. “Bryce…”
“The cars are ready,” he says. “I popped my head out, and three paps ran at me like goddamn offensive linemen. Sorry.” He turns to Lucy. “I forgot. You’re new to this.”
Lucy takes a deep breath, straightening her back and looking like my strong woman. The woman who’s going to make the best mother any kids could ask for. The woman who’s going to rise to the occasion, because I’ll be there… the same way she was earlier in the car with me.
“It’s okay. But can I talk with you for a second, Logan?”
“Sure.” I walk over, take her hand and lead her out to the balcony. “The last time I was out there, Maxine Waterson was trying to throw my phone off the edge.”
“What? Why?”
“It was when you called. She was playing games just like they all do. I just wanted to talk to you.”
“I was imagining all kinds of things about you two.”
“Never,” I snarl, moving closer to her.
We kiss, my arms wrapping around her as I squeeze her gently. It’s like I’m already trying to protect the child growing inside of her.
She squeezes onto my shoulders.
“I needed to ask,” she says, breathy after the kiss. “Are yousureyou want to do this?”
“Do what… the party?”
“Yeah.”
“Yes,” I say. “One thousand percent. One million.”
She laughs, and I lean down, kissing her cheek. “One hundred hundred thousand billion.”
“Such a goofball,” she says. “But really. You don’t have to. You can go back to your old life. This has all happened so fast…today.”
“I’ve wanted you longer than today,” I say fiercely.
“Me too. But even if I know I’m sure; I have to know you are.”
“I’m sure,” I tell her. “I was sure the moment I saw you. In fact, Lucy….”
Not now, not now, not now.
“The second I laid eyes on you, I knew it. When I was up there on the stage, and you walked in…my entire world changed. I told the truth. I’ve never felt something like this before. But I haven’t told you whatthisis.”
I grab her hips and pull her right up against me, letting her feel the passion in my body, my heart pounding out of my chest.
“The second I saw you, Lucy, I knew you were mine. It was instant. I knew I…fuck it, Iownedyou. I felt so damn possessive right away. I was already angry, thinking other men might want you. I was already thinking of a family together, right then, a family and a future. I just knew.”
She places her hands on my chest, making the most gorgeous panting noises as though my innocent, perfect virgin can’t process it.
She blinks, shaking her head, speaking softly. “You’re joking.”