Page 124 of Unexpected Ever After

“There,” he mumbled. “Perfect.”

I relaxed slightly, just for now.

He was right, it was perfect.

I was sure he was asleep when he spoke again. “Winona,” he mumbled, his hand pawing at my head.

“Yes,” I laughed, despite myself.

“I know it’s too early,” he said. “I know I’m not supposed to say it, but I’m fuckin in love with you.”

My stomach dropped. I bit my lips. “Oh?”

“Mm-hmm, and it’s okay if you’re not right now, I just want you to know. I want everything with you. I want to live with you and read in bed and go on vacations. I want to make babies with you Winona, so many babies.”

The relief I didn’t know I’d been hoping for coursed through me like water. We hadn’t talked about kids—of course we hadn’t. But I’d always wanted it, and I wanted them with him. And now I knew he did too. Even if he wasn’t actually supposed to tell me that.

“Well, maybe that’ll happen,” I said. Sooner than later.

“Deal,” he said.

I bit down a laugh.

“G’night Winona,” Mitchell yawned, and just like that his hand went limp.

“Mitchell?” I whispered after a moment. I rose up on his shoulder, peering at his face. His stubble was coming in already. Maybe I’d ask him to leave it. I kind of liked the beastly version of him.

“Mitch,” I whispered one more time.

He answered with a snore.

“I love you too.”

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