Page 167 of A Temporary Forever

Managing the theater my husband owns takes up all the energy that’s left in me. Hence, I don’t really feel like a party.

But I’m going to make the effort, because Caleb has been nothing but caring these past few months.

And while he’s been trying to hide it well, he’s also been quite worried about me. He deserves to enjoy a party, without me throwing up or falling asleep.

I trudge upstairs and gasp at the dress I find on the bed. The gift. It’s the exact model as the wedding dress he sent to me, but this one is emerald green, to match my eyes and the festive hue of the season.

I text Peter that I need forty minutes and then getdressed. With the color returning to my cheeks, I feel almost like my old self.

Peter waits for me downstairs and drives me to the school. Merde, I don’t even know who will be there. I should have gotten more involved.

Well, I can still try to be a delightful hostess at a party that is officially mine—and Caleb’s—but I haven’t prepared.

The car stops in front of the building, and before Peter comes around to open the door, my gaze scans the building that has been a home for many of my dreams, and hopefully many more to come.

My building.

My school.

And while I recognize I wouldn’t have gotten it back without Caleb’s help, a sense of pride and thrill at what’s coming descends on me.

After weeks of living in a stupor, I feel like I want to hit the ground running, and hire teachers and open courses.

The door swings open, and Peter helps me step out into the frigid winter evening. I pull my faux fur collar closer to shield myself from the wind.

“Have a nice evening, ma’am.”

“Thank you.”

“You got her here, great. Take the rest of the eveningoff, Peter.”

Caleb rushes to us. Not caring about the temperature, he slipped outside in only his tailored suit.

God, the man is breathtaking. No matter how many times I see him, he steals my breath, and brings a smile to my face.

“You’re going to get sick,” I admonish.

“Hush.” He kisses me. “How are you feeling?” Concern laces his face.

“I’m good. Sorry I’m late, I had a nap and it—”

He kisses me again. “Don’t worry, you and our baby needed the nap. Let’s go inside before my balls freeze.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t like that.” I giggle as we cross the sidewalk and enter the warmth of the building.

Mistletoe and Christmas garlands decorate the door to the main dance studio. “Aw, you made it very Christmassy. And thank you for the dress.”

He helps me out of my coat and hangs it up. “Let me see it.”

I twirl around for him.

“Gorgeous.” He yanks me to him and claims my lips. I immediately feel the outline of his hardness.

My all-day morning sickness has limited our sex life, and frankly, I’m relieved he still desires me.

I cup his erection, feeling a bit desperate suddenly. The world takes on new colors when one feels better. “Maybe we can skip the party.”

He groans. “We can’t skip this party. But we’ll fucking sneak out soon.” He points to a door to our side.

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