Page 64 of Sophia, Property of Tracker

“I want that too, you know.”

“Mmm…”

Placing my fingers under Sophia’s chin, I force her to look up at me. “I want everything you mentioned before about the house, the beach, a family, and a dog. I want that too.”

She smiles, a big smile, and I can’t help but smile too. “What are you smiling at?”

“I’m smiling at you, dummy. I love that you want the same things as me.”

She sits up, her torso is turned toward me. “I love you, Ryan. Nothing is ever going to change that. When I’m with you, I feel like I belong, and I’ve never felt like that with anyone else.”

She runs the back of her fingers down my cheek. “You are one of the best men I’ve ever known, and I know it must have hurt you when I turned down your offer of becoming… what was it? Um… you’re ol’ lady?”

“Yeah, that’s right,” I say, feeling my chest ache remembering how she said no. “But I understand why you declined my offer. I want you to know that I’ve decided I will get a paternity test. I must know the truth.”

She tilts her head to the side. “I’m here for you, no matter what, and if it turns out that he is your son, then we will do everything we can to help him.”

“You saidwe.”

“Ah, yeah… we, as in you and me.”

“Yeah, I get that, but I just want to make sure I’m not going to lose you over this.”

Her hand playfully slaps my chest. “Ryan, what kind of woman do you think I am? I’m not going to run for the hills because you have a child. I’m not that kind of woman.”

Hugging her, I say, “I know that, babe. I don’t want anything to change with us. I love you so much it hurts.”

Her eyes shine with unshed tears, and she leans down and kisses me softly.

She pulls back and runs her thumb across my bottom lip. “You’re never going to lose me, Ryan. Never. I’m yours whether you like it or not.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, really.” She giggles, and I stand with her in my arms, bridal style, and start walking inside.

“Where are we going?” She laughs.

“I’m going to make sweet love to you.”

“Oh…”

SOPHIA

Present

The next morning, I wake to the sound of the waves smashing against the sand. Unable to help myself, I slide out of bed, leaving Ryan asleep as I open the bi-folding doors and head down to the water, wearing only a slip. Even this early in the morning, the sand feels warm.It’s beautiful. With Ryan and me spending most of the day yesterday making love, we didn’t get a chance to come out here and enjoy a swim, but today, I promised myself that we will.

“Hello, Sophia, I see you’re enjoying the weather.”

Turning around to the familiar voice, I find Matt standing there. This time he’s wearing a white T-shirt and again denim shorts. “Oh, hey there. You’re back.”

He smiles. “Yes, I’ve still got work to do in the gardens. The roses need pruning, and the lawns require a cut. How are you enjoying yourself so far?”

I think about his question and smile because I’ve enjoyed myself immensely so far, but Matt doesn’t need to know the fine details.

“Great, thank you.”

“I couldn’t help but hear you both yesterday.”

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