Page 66 of Camden

“Did I tire you out?”

“You did. I think I just want to head upstairs and take a hot bath. My body is already sore.” She rolled her to her side and pushed herself into a sitting position, rolling her neck. “It is okay that I stay, right?”

“Of course. You never have to ask. I want you here, Stephanie. Every part of you. I want your life twisted with mine. Every day. Every night.” I never took my eyes off hers, trying to gauge her reaction.

“Are you asking me to move in with you?”

I pressed my lips in a straight line. I would love for her to move in with me, but pushing her was the last thing I wanted to do. “Would that scare you?”

“I’m not sure I’m quite ready for that yet,” she said as her fingers fiddled with the necklace hanging around her neck, right between her breasts, which glistened with sweat.

“I can wait, but maybe think about it? You could even keep your apartment as a safety net.” I suggested it before I could process the words coming out of my mouth, but the more I thought about the possibility of her truly living with me, having a space for us both, the more I wanted it.

Her white teeth dug into her bottom lip. “I’ll think about it.”

I used my core muscles to help me roll up into a sitting position, pressing a quick kiss to her worried forehead. “That’s all I can ask for.”

“You’re not mad?”

“Of course not. I would never pressure you into a situation that you’re not ready for. I love you either way. I’ll wait as long as you need.”

Her eyes softened, sliding her soft palm along my scruffy jaw. “You’re a good man.”

“I’myourman, and I plan to stay that way.”

“I hope so,” she whispered.

I helped her to her feet. “Why don’t you go start your bath and I’ll order pizza.”

“That sounds wonderful,” she moaned and looked over her shoulder at me. “Although I think we could both fit in that giant tub of yours.”

A growl rumbled from my throat. “That is a much better idea.”

“I thought so too.” She laughed, jogging up the stairs in front of me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

STEPHANIE

“It’s been too damn longsince we had one of these,” Rylie said, plopping down on her giant sectional. I swear she was the cutest little pregnant woman. She looked like she tucked a basketball under her shirt. If you didn’t see that, you honestly wouldn’t be able to tell she was pregnant at all.

When my time came, I’d probably have swollen ankles, morning sickness, and stretch marks. But I couldn’t wait either. There’d been a point in my life when I wasn’t sure I even wanted kids. I mean the one scare I had with Jax led to me getting kicked down the stairs.

Since being in Sweet Springs, I’ve remembered that dream. I always wanted to be a mother. I wanted a family. When I was with Jax, I lost sight of that dream. Deep down, I knew I couldn’t bring a life into this world with that man. I couldn’t imagine putting a little boy or girl in his path of hatred. I was relieved when the test showed negative.

It felt like someone lifted a brick off my chest.

Which was never how I wanted to feel when the time came.

I wanted to feel overwhelming joy. Love. Excitement.

“It’s been too long.” I agreed as I sipped my margarita. “Are you sure it’s okay if I drink?”

“Why are you pregnant too?” Haley eyed me suspiciously.

Stacey clapped her hands together. “Please say yes. I want to be an aunt.”

“Me too,” Rylie said over her cup of hot chocolate. The weirdest thing to want to drink in August, but the baby wanted what the baby wanted.

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