Page 163 of The Rebel

If that hadn’t been your answer … murder.

Me

LOLOLOL.

Sky

How’s Dad today? I’m sure you’ve talked to him no less than three times already.

Me

Actually, only two—shocker, I know. Today’s pie flavor is peach. Hopefully, he’ll be on his second slice soon.

Sky

Love you.

Me

I love you way more.

“You’re lucky to have her,” Cooper said the moment I put my phone away, a conversation he’d been reading as I typed.

My friendship with Sky was something I never took for granted. It was a blessing I was thankful for every day of my life.

I stared at my man. “In ways I can’t even describe.” I nuzzled his face and then glanced out the passenger window. “I love it here.”

“I know you do.” He pulled me in tighter. “Which is shocking, considering how much you hate the weather, but I know thistown’s significance is much more important to you than the temperature. And just think, you’re going to get to spend a shitload of time here pretty soon.”

I glanced at him again. “Let’s not rush that thought.”

He nodded. “I know, baby.” He pressed his lips against mine. “I know what that means, and I’m not ready for it either.”

We weren’t talking about the baby.

We were talking about the passing of my father. There was no way he had that much time left in him.

“Look,” he whispered, “we’re here.”

I turned just in time to see the gate lift and the SUV pull up the driveway, stopping in front of the house. I blinked several times, taking in the exterior, the cozy but contemporary architecture, the well-maintained landscaping.

It was stunning.

But it wasn’t the house we’d rented—at least not the one in all the pictures.

“Whose home is this?” I asked, but he was already out of the backseat, coming around to open my door. I clasped his hand, and he helped me out. “Cooper, where are we?” I asked since I wasn’t sure he’d heard my last question.

“What do you mean?”

The smirk on his face told me he was up to something, especially as we approached the front door and he hit several buttons on the keypad, the door unlocking and opening.

“I mean, this isn’t …” My voice trailed off as I stepped inside, my neck immediately tilting back as I took in the tall ceilings that were decorated with beams. “My God, this is gorgeous.”

“The place you picked was cute.” His hand left my back and linked with my fingers. “But if we’re going to have a nanny living with us because you plan on working while you’re here, then we need a house much larger than the one you chose.” He squeezed my fingers as our eyes locked. “Let me show you around.”

I laughed as we headed into the kitchen. “You’re unbelievable.”

“Why?”

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