Page 56 of Only Ever You

“Yeah. It might not be where you pay rent or where most of your things are, but it’s where you sleep with me so it’s home.”

Her smile widens. “I like that idea.”

“It could be permanent, you know. You could move in with me.”

Pippa blinks rapidly. “You want me to move in?”

I reach for her hand. “I’d love you to move in.”

“Can I think about it?”

Lacing my fingers with hers, I study her expression. She’s always so open, but right now I can’t read her. “Of course you can. Is there something stopping you saying yes?”

She bites her bottom lip. “No, it’s just … this is all happening so fast. I’m not complaining because I love you, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to move in.”

Disappointment ripples through me, but I love her too much to push her. She just needs time and I need to keep on showing her how I feel.

“I spoke to Mum today. She asked if you were coming with me for Christmas.”

For a moment, I’m dumbfounded. It’s been twelve years since I’ve spent any time with Pippa’s family. They know why.

“I’m not sure?—”

Pippa’s stern look brings a smile to my face. There’s not a lot that can shake her happy-go-lucky mood, but clearly I’ve crossed a line.

“Deacon, Mum and Dad still think of you as their second son. You and Lucas grew up together. They’d love to see you whether you’re with me or not.”

Her brows knit, and I reach up and press my thumb in the gap between her eyes before she cracks and her beautiful smile emerges again.

“Stop it.” She laughs.

“I hate seeing you so serious.” I give her thigh a squeeze and take a deep breath. “I’ll follow you anywhere, Pippa. Let your mum know I’d love to spend Christmas with your family.”

She lets out a squeal before slamming her hand across her mouth. God, how I love this woman—so full of light and love.

I chuckle. “I’m happy that you’re happy.”

Her eyes sparkle with happiness. “You make me happy.”

I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. I’d do anything for Pippa—even face the man who helped wreck my life.

It’s not going to be easy though.

* * *

“If you’re not moving in, then move some more of your things over here. Make this place your home away from home?”

Pippa stretches out her legs. We got back to my place an hour ago, had a quick stir-fry dinner, and we’re now snuggled up on the couch watching television.

It’s like we’re an old married couple already.

Married.

A thought starts to form in my brain about Christmas and presents for Pippa and it makes me smile.

“Could do, I guess,” she says.

“So, I just realised that if your mother asked about me coming for Christmas, that means you told them about us.” I hadn’t pushed Pippa to tell her family—I knew she’d do it in her own time, but I was also aware she might not want to yet. Not with things the way they were between me and Lucas.

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