Page 159 of It's Always Us

If Mark is already gone, I’m going to hit my knees in tears and likely pee myself in the process.

Please be here. Please be here.

The doors slide open, and I can see the jet through the glass wall. I glance around the small space and there in the corner of the limited seating area is my husband. His elbows rest on his knees, his head in one hand, phone in the other.

I’m so out of breath that I need a second before I can speak. “Mark.”

His head pops up, and then he’s charging toward me. “What are you doing here? I was getting ready to have the car come back and get me.”

I hold both my hands to my stomach as a damn contraction squeezes.

“Lex . . . are you ok? What’s wrong?”

I give it a second to ease. “I was wondering . . . if you might have time this week to do a little house hunting.” I wince as another takes hold. “Something near Shane and Maggie would be nice.”

He frowns, stepping closer. “What?”

“One that has an extra-large garage or space to build one.”

His large hands move to his hips. “Baby, I need you to be a little clearer on what’s going on here, or I’m taking you to the hospital for questioning or whatever the hell it is they do when pregnant women start talking crazy.”

I smile. There’s my man. “I got a call when I was dropping Bree off.” I step closer, sliding my arms through his and around his back, holding on. “Linda signed the papers.”

“What?” he exhales. “Giving up her rights?”

I nod, pulling him even closer, although it’s difficult with the twins between us.

“Seriously? I was sure she’d never do it.”

I raise and lower one shoulder. “Maybe she understood it was time to do the right thing again.”

He stares at me, and tears glisten as he finally wraps his arms around me and holds me tight. “I couldn’t do this without you again. I need us . . . every day.”

I hug him so tight. “Me, too. So, go join that team, play your ass off in camp, and find us a house in the mountains. After these babies are born and Bree is done with school and her recital, we’re moving.”

He chokes out a laugh. “Are you sure? What about help when I’m gone? What about Bree? Do you think she’ll be ok?”

I relax against him, my heart finally settling into a normal rhythm. “It’ll be another big change, but we’ll talk to her. She’s already missing you and worried you won’t have time for her.”

He stares at me like he’s trying to make sure this is real.

I push up as much as I can, pressing my lips to his. “What I can’t do is be without you.”

When I pull back, he still looks in shock. “Besides, if Slade buys Grandpa out, I bet the old man can be talked into fancy plane rides,games, and late-night feedings. And if we’re close to Shane, he’s got a gang of kids for Bree to hang out with. That’s something she’s never had.”

He hugs me hard, and I can’t breathe. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too. Now, go get us that house while I try not to evict Peyton and Eli from their cozy little den.”

He cups my face, kissing me again as a pilot swings open a door.

“Flight check is complete. We’re ready when you are.”

Mark doesn’t look at him but stares into my eyes. “I’m about ready.” His mouth spreads into a wide, boyish grin like he just won at the game of life. “Howbig of a garage?”

Chapter 52

LEX

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