Page 50 of Rockstar's Accidental Marriage

“That’s not the point,” I snap, crossing my arms. “You can’t just—”

When Sam removes the blindfold, my heart stops. The wide front porch, the wraparound windows, the faint scent of salt and cedar—it’s the same beach house Cass and Kendrick rented last summer. The one I spent an entire evening raving about. It's more than just a gesture; it's proof that he's been listening all along, even when I thought he wasn't.

“You didn’t,” I whisper, looking at him wide-eyed.

His grin broadens as he leans casually against the porch railing. “I did.”

For a moment, I’m speechless.

“You said you loved this place,” he says, his voice softer now. “So I rented it. I figured we could use a little space to ourselves.Especially with the baby coming. Somewhere quiet, away from the rest of the band.”

I glance at the house, the waves crashing softly in the distance, and feel my irritation melt away.

“You rented it just because I said I liked it?” I ask, my voice quieter now.

“Pretty much,” he says, shrugging like it’s no big deal. “I had our stuff moved in while we were at my dad’s.”

“Sam,” I breathe, the thoughtfulness of his gesture sinking in.

“Come on,” he says, holding out his hand. “Let’s take a look around.”

Inside, the house is just as I remembered—bright and airy, with ceiling-to-floor ocean views. The living room opens to a wide deck overlooking the beach, and the kitchen is roomy and modern, with white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Sam sets our bags neatly in the corner, and when I peek into the fridge, it’s fully stocked with everything from fresh fruit to my favorite beverages.

“You didn’t miss a thing,” I say, glancing at him.

“Told you,” he says, leaning against the counter with a smug smile. “I pay attention.”

A lump forms in my throat, and I look away, pretending to admire the view out the window.

“It’s perfect,” I finally say, my voice sincere.

He steps closer, his hand brushing against mine as he stands beside me. “Good,” he says quietly. “That’s what I wanted.”

For a moment, we just stand there, the sound of the waves filling the silence, making words unnecessary.

Later, when I walk into the master bedroom, I see my clothes hanging neatly in the walk-in closet alongside Sam’s. My eyes widen, and I stand stock still. How do I feel about this? I think back to sharing the smaller bed with Sam at the farm. After the first few nights, it felt good to snuggle up to him. And the sex? It just keeps getting better and better. That day at the swimming hole was a turning point in our relationship.

I glance up as Sam walks in. He pauses when he sees me just standing there with an unreadable expression.

Casually, I murmur, “I get the left side of the bed.”

His face splits into a wide, relieved grin. “That’s fine with me.” Stepping up behind me, he wraps me in his arms, his broad hands covering my stomach. “This chemistry we have—it’s rare, Em. Special. I—I want this to be a real marriage.”

Exhaling a long sigh, I lean my head against his shoulder. “I want a real marriage too, Sam.”

“Good,” he whispers softly in my ear, his lips caressing my neck, sending a shiver down my spine.

Later, after we’ve unpacked and settled in, we sit on the back deck, watching the sunset paint the sky in shades of pink and orange.

“This is nice,” I say, leaning back in my chair.

“Better than nice,” Sam agrees, his voice low and content.

I glance at him, my heart tightening as I take in the way the golden light softens the edges of his features.

“Thank you,” I say, my voice quiet but earnest.

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