Page 98 of If the Ring Fits

“The sexiest.”

We kiss again, and he lifts me up and puts me on the table, pushing between my legs and grinding against me in a way that’s not even remotely appropriate for a conference room with glass walls. I couldn’t care less.

I catch my breath and pull back slightly, my fingers still tangled in his hair. “So what would you do in California?”

“I’m sure one of those hippie start-ups could use a good CEO.”

“And you wouldn’t miss New York.”

He hesitates just a second too long for his answer to be genuine. “No.”

“Pity, becauseIwould. All my friends are here.”

His grip on my hips tightens. “But you said…”

“I lied. I was mad at you and I wanted to hurt you. But we don’t have to move. I turned down the offer from California months ago and signed with MC Toys the same day.”

“When?”

I beam up at him. “Oh, about five minutes before going into labor.”

His eyes search mine. “Why have you waited all this time to tell me?”

“The tiny human I was trying to push out of a very private place was a bit of a distraction, and after Soleil was born…” Tears fill my eyes again as I try to explain. “I kept it to myself because I was lost. I felt like I was failing at everything and didn’t want to burden you with one more thing. I felt invisible, like my achievements didn’t matter when I couldn’t even handle being a mom.”

He hugs me. “I’m sorry I didn’t notice earlier what you were going through.”

I shake my head in the crook of his shoulder. “It’s not your fault. I did everything I could to hide it.”

He pulls back slightly, his eyes filled with determination. “We’ll take it one day at a time, Rowena. We’ll find the right support and get through this. I’m here for you, always.”

I lean into his embrace, the weight on my chest easing a bit.

“You’re not alone. You have me. Every day.”

I nod, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. “I don’t want to hide anymore. I want to be honest with you, with myself.”

He smiles, a warm, genuine smile that makes my heart ache in a good way. “That’s the first step. We’ll figure out the rest together. No more secrets, no more hiding.”

I blow air through my lips, feeling lighter than I have in months. “Together. That sounds right.” I sniffle. “Now can we please leave this awful place as our first mature, functional couple act?”

“Actually.” Adrian scratches the back of his head, suddenly nervous. “There is something else I’d like you to sign before we go. It’s the whole reason I made you come here in the first place—well, that and because you refused to tell me where you were living.”

“You had a diabolical plan not to divorce me?”

He nods.

“I hope it was better than my improvised coffee spill?”

Adrian scratches his neck self-consciously. “I had a grand speech prepared.”

Excitement bubbles inside me. “Please tell me you have talking points saved on your phone.”

His nostrils flare in fake annoyance. “I remember things better if I summarize them in a list.”

“Oooooh, so it’s back to bullet points, you little secret nerd. Show me.”

“Never.”

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