Page 93 of Griffin

I inhale sharply as Griffin arches a brow curiously.

“But what?” Griffin smiles as I shake my head wordlessly.

I love him.

Oh. My. God.

But I can’t say it aloud. The words ricochet around my mind instead, blinding my vision and stifling my senses.

“I was suggesting I come with you to the big city. We don’t have to live together, but Melody’s grandma is there, and, well, I wouldn’t want to be far from you … ”

Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

“You’d move with me?”

Griffin nods.

“Of course, I would. I’m serious about you, Ivy, but I’ll never hold you back. I’ll be right next to you, holding your hand instead. That’s what love is.”

Silent tears fall down my cheeks as he rubs them away, kissing me softly.

“But your dad is right. You’re amazing, and you’re much more than just some housewife. Even though I’d fucking marry you tomorrow —” He winks at me, and I laugh shakily. “You can be anything you want to be. I’m serious, I can work anywhere, and Melody is familiar with it —”

I stop him with a finger to his lips, avoiding the wound.

There is no question of what I want to do or who I want to do it with.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I know two things that are unquestionably in it.

Griffin and Melody.

“I want to stay here, Griffin.”

Griffin frowns, ready to argue with me when I smile.

“I want to cook big dinners for us all, including Dad and Shelby. I want a family. I love being here with you and Melody.” I take a breath, and Griffin nods, his eyes shining with admiration and desire. “I don’t think wanting to be a housewife is bad. I’d love to spend every minute looking after my man and my family.”

Griffin stares at me, lifting my hands to his lips wordlessly.

“I don’t mean I won’t work,” I say quickly, licking my lips. “I can get a job in town or study from home. There are so many options. But all of them include you and Melody, Griffin.”

We gaze at one another, and I’m stunned by the ache in my chest like my heart is trying to jump out and snuggle against him.

“How about we agree that we’re in each other’s future, and that’s it for now?” Griffin mumbles, pulling me closer. “And damn, if you’ll let me, I’ll make you a housewife, a mother … and whatever else you like. I love you.”

He stares at me, and I take in his bruised face, swollen lip, and beautiful eyes, swirling with raw emotion and love.

For me.

And right then, at that moment, I want nothing else.

The words that escape my lips betray my brain, coming straight from the heart.

“I love you too.”

30

IVY

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