“Okay, you have a point,” I conceded, releasing her chin to pull her into my arms. “However, I thought I’d made it very clear that whatever the future holds, it includes us being together. There is no if in that sentence, Bethenny.”
“The thing is, I don’t want to be without you,” she said softly, and her solemn tone confused me.
“That’s good, little one. Because I don’t intend to let you go.”
“But being mayor means being here nearly all the time—I’m basically on call twenty-four seven. I only take one week of vacation each year.”
I nodded and dropped one of my arms around her so I could walk us into the living room and over to sit on the couch. “I’m aware of that, and I have no problem with your job. Although, I might insist on a few extra-long weekends just for our little family a few times a year. Especially after we have kids.”
Her eyes lit up for a second before turning sad again. “I can’t travel with you, Lincoln, and you’re on the road most of the year. I don’t think I could handle being separated so often. When I have children, I want their dad to be present, not dropping in whenever he has a few days off here and there.”
It had taken me a minute, but I finally caught on to what had her so worried. “Bethenny, I can’t live without you by my side. I’m retiring. That means making Winter Falls my home, and I won’t be missing any of our life together. Although, I may have to pop out of town for promotional events every once in a while.”
Bethenny blinked in surprise, and hope sparked in her eyes, though she was still hesitant. “I love the sound of that, but I can’t ask you to give up your career for me.”
I smiled and ran a hand through her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. “Although I would give up anything to be with you, I’m not retiring for you. You are, however, what tipped the scales since I’ve been on the fence about it for a couple of years now. Everything that used to excite me about my job has lost a lot of its luster. I’m tired of the traveling, the pressure, the loneliness, and so many other things. I even had my agent put a stipulation in my last few sponsorship contracts stating that I’ll still represent the brand for several years even after I stop competing. I want to settle down and”—I winked and cupped her hips before lifting her into my lap—“start a family. The moment I met you, I knew I wanted to do those things with you.”
“But…”
“No buts, Bethenny,” I said in a firm tone. “I’m staying here. We’re going to get married, have babies, and be deliriously happy.”
“Why?”
I frowned and tilted my head to the side. “Why what? I think I’ve been pretty damn clear, little one.”
“You have. It’s just...I was wondering if I was just convenient. The right place at the right time. Or if you…”
She trailed off, glancing away nervously, and it hit me. I was a fucking idiot. “Bethenny,” I said softly. “Look at me.” I waited until her beautiful hazel eyes met mine. “You want to know why I knew the second we met that you were it for me?” Her head bobbed and her small smile was adorable. I couldn’t help giving her a quick kiss before saying, “Because it took even less time than that for me to fall in love with you.”
Her eyes lit up like her Christmas tree, and she beamed at me. “You love me?”
“Desperately.”
“I love you, too.”
I smirked and cupped her face. “I know, little one.”
Her nose scrunched in an annoyed expression. “How could you possibly know that?”
“The way you gave yourself over to me, trusting me and letting me take charge. You wouldn’t have done that with someone you didn’t love.”
She harrumphed, crossing her arms over her chest. “True,” she admitted. “But you don’t have to be so cocky about it.”
Dropping my head back, I laughed so hard she bounced on my lap—which led my laughter to turn into a groan. “You love it when I’m cocky,” I growled as my hands glided around to cup her ass.
Sighing, she smiled with exasperation, although her eyes twinkled with merriment. “I guess it’s kinda hot.”
I grinned. “Like your naughty librarian outfits. Hot as fuck.”
Bethenny matched my happy expression, then her cheeks bloomed with pink, and she suddenly looked a little shy. “Did you say get married earlier?”
I jerked my chin up and down once. “You bet your pretty little ass. I want my ring on your finger before you start showing with our first baby.”
Her jaw dropped. “Baby…? You think I’m pregnant?”
Rolling my eyes, I snickered as I yanked her forward, so her pussy was pressed tightly against my erection. “I’ve been fucking you bare for three days, little one. What did you think would happen?”
“You were trying to knock me up?” she gasped in fake shock, her dreamy eyes giving her away.