Page 92 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“TJ, TJ, TJ,” he repeated, followed by a bunch of mumbled Norwegian words I didn’t know, which bummed me out. Still, I was getting better and better at learning the language each day.

Jack downloaded an app on my phone and I’d been picking up bits and pieces. Jack claimed I was a fast learner and that filled me with not only pride but the desire to be even better. So every time I went to the bathroom, or was sitting in the car as a passenger, I took out my phone and learned a few new words. It seemed I was great at hearing and saying the words but not so good at the written form.

TJ cuddled against my chest and pressed his face to my neck. “You guys want to head back? TJ needs a nap,” I announced to the group.

“You guys go on ahead. We want to walk around a bit more,” Erik said while taking his wife’s hand. “This place holds some good memories for us.”

“Cool. We’ll see you for dinner? Our mothers are preparing another feast,” I reminded them.

“We’ll be back in a couple hours,” Savannah answered.

Jack pushed the stroller while I carried TJ and he slept against me. It felt perfectly natural to be carrying him. I stroked his hair as we walked and took in the beautiful viewof what seemed like endless, lush greenery. Oslo was absolutely stunning. I didn’t think I’d been anywhere in the world more beautiful.

Jack broke the quiet during the walk back to the car. “You know, I never expected to see you being a mother so soon or ever. I wasn’t sure that was in the cards for us, seeing as our marriage was only supposed to be for three years.”

“Psssshhhhaaawwww,” I blurted. “I knew you were special after our elevator fiasco.”

He shook his head and grinned. “That’s not even a little true.”

“Okay, that’s fair. I knew you were hot, smug, and I wanted nothing to do with you,” I teased.

“You know, we still have to eat pizza from the place you used as your fake phone number.”

I snorted and covered my mouth so I wouldn’t wake TJ. “I forgot about that.”

“Baby, I’ll never forget it. The first time I asked for a woman’s phone number and she gave me the wrong one. My pride took a big hit, but it also made me want you ten times more.”

I shrugged. “You embarrassed me. Then you were snobby but still kind enough to help me through the elevator thing. Except for the panties…”

His gaze heated, and he licked his lips. “I’d give just about any amount of money to get into your panties right now.”

“Shut up!” I pushed at his arm as we made it to the car. “You can’t get me all horned up when I’m holding a sleeping baby. Jeez Louise!”

“Can I get you all horned up once we get TJ home and settled in his bed?” His dark eyes sparkled with salacious intent.

“Abso-fuckin’-lutely.”

“Then let’s get our boy home and in bed so I can get my woman into bed.”

I rolled my eyes, but the idea still made my heart beat faster and my cheeks heat with excitement.

* * * *

The flight to Tromsø was incredibly opulent. I’d never get over flying in a private jet. My parents, however, were living their best life, having the flight attendant pour multiple top shelf cocktails while oohing and aahing over every detail. When Erik asked for an ice cream for TJ, and they had it available on the plane, cone and all, you would have thought he’d asked for a million dollars cash to be delivered. They were blown away.

I was a nervous wreck. I’d started second guessing my big surprise, unsure if Jack would appreciate it or not. Even after talking to my mother, who was through the roof excited, and Autumn who’d told me the idea was sooooooo romantic, I was still worried the timing was off. Regardless, my heart was in the right place, and my gut told me this was exactly what was needed to help Jack through one of the hardest times in his life.

“You good,solskinn? You’ve been really quiet,” Jack whispered, dipping his head close to mine.

“Just thinking about tomorrow night when we chase the lights,” I half lied.

“It’s going to be whatever it’s meant to be.” He took my hand and kissed each of my fingertips, then nibbled on the very tip of my pinky, making me giggle.

“There she is. I much prefer my sunshine smiling,” he said and pecked me on the lips.

I hummed and pressed my lips more firmly to his, deepening the connection.

“Kysse, kysse, kysse,” TJ banged on the tray in front of him with the hand not holding a dripping ice-cream cone.

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