Page 79 of Worship Him

He lifts my face to look at him, his hands cupping my face. "Destiny, listen to me. We're not the same people we were before. We've grown, we've learned. And now we have Avery. This isn't just about us anymore."

I nod, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "You're right. I'm being silly."

"No, you're being cautious," he says, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. "And that's okay. But I want you to know that I'm all in. This is it for me, Des. You, me, Avery."

His words wash over me, soothing my fears. I lean into him, breathing in his familiar scent. "Okay," I whisper.

We spend the day taking care of our various work-related tasks until the sun starts to set. I take a warm bath and get dressed before putting on my favorite dark red dress and applying make-up.

Adam is taking me out for dinner tonight and we’ll be taking Avery to a pair of babysitters who can’t wait to see her.

Once I’m ready, I meet Adam in the living room, and he’s already ready to leave. Avery’s bag has been packed, she’s been bathed and fed, and he’s wearing the black tux I love so much.

I’m about to compliment him but he rushes me out the door, mumbling about being late.

"Okay, okay. Jeez, it’s just a dinner, calm down, mister."

"No time for that, come on, let’s go, let’s go."

Chuckling at his haste—something unusual for someone who’s always prepared for anything—I strap Avery into her car seat and get in the car.

He sighs dramatically. "Finally."

With a roll of my eyes I playfully swat his arm. "We won’t be late. I must admit that I’m impressed that you took care of Avery so quickly."

"Of course I did. Did you forget who your husband is?"

"Oh, whatever." I laugh, not missing the grin on his face as we drive off.

I smooth down my dress as Adam and I approach Jackie and Barrett's front door. My stomach flutters with a mix of excitement and nerves. It's our first real date night since getting back together, and I can't help but feel like a giddy teenager.

Adam rings the doorbell, his free hand resting on the small of my back. "Almost didn’t get time to tell you…You look stunning tonight," he murmurs, his eyes roaming appreciatively over my figure.

Before I can respond, the door swings open, revealing a beaming Jackie. "Well, don't you two clean up nice," she says, ushering us inside.

Barrett appears from the living room, eager to take Avery into in his arms. "Look who's also nice and cleaned up. Ready to say goodbye to mommy and daddy?" he says, holding his arms out.

I inhale Avery's sweet baby scent, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Be good for Aunt Jackie and Uncle Barrett, okay, sweetie?"

Adam leans in, tickling Avery's chin. "Daddy's gonna miss you, princess," he coos, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

As we reluctantly hand Avery to Barrett, Jackie gives us a knowing smile. "Don't worry about a thing. We've got this. You two go enjoy your night."

Back in the car, Adam reaches over and squeezes my hand. "Ready for a night to remember, Mrs. Ryder?"

I laugh, the sound light and carefree. "Always, Mr. Ryder. But fair warning, I've got some questions for you tonight."

His eyebrow quirks up, intrigued. "Oh? Do tell."

I shake my head, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "Uh-uh. You'll just have to wait and see."

As we drive towards the restaurant, I can't help but wonder how Adam will react to my questions about our future. It might be soon, but it feels right. After all, we're just picking up where we left off, aren't we?

I nervously fidget with the hem of my dress as he navigates through the city streets. The anticipation is killing me. "Come on, Mr. Mysterious. Where are you taking me?"

His lips quirk into a smirk. "Patience, Des. You'll see soon enough."

"Patience isn't exactly my strong suit," I huff, crossing my arms. "Can I at least get a hint? Throw me a bone, please."

---