Page 74 of This Means War

Okay, now this man is quoting scripture to me, and why is that the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard? Every last ounce of resentment I’ve ever felt toward him–everything from when he rejected me back in middle school to the moment only hours ago when I found out about his kiss with Ashley–disappears as gratitude for him settles in my heart. And it’s that feeling of gratitude that knocks down the last of my defenses. I believe what he’s saying: Cole loves me. Still, maybe I’ll make him repeat it. It’s only fair given the tumult of the day.

Also, I just want to hear it again. I’m needy like that.

“Lydia?” he prompts, looking nervous. “Did you hear me?”

“No,” I shake my head, but can’t stop my lips from curving up, “say it again.”

Cole grins. “I love you, Lydia.”

“I love you too, Cole,” I whisper, and his whole body seems to relax as if my confession wiped away every bit of the stress he’s been feeling. “I think I always have.

“Lyddie,” my name rumbles from his chest, the desire he puts in just that one word sending delicious heat rushing through me. He drops to one knee, then reaches into his pocket. “Will you be my wife again?” His hand emerges with the ring I threwat him earlier.

I don’t make him wait. “Yes!” I charge into his arms and, since I’m pregnant, he doesn’t scoop me up and swing me around like they always seem to do in the movies. He does something even better. Cole slides one hand up to cup my cheek, then lifts my hand and places it over his heart. Beneath my palm I feel his pulse race.

“Lyddie,” he breathes, resting his forehead against mine, “can you feel that?” His voice is laced with longing. All I can do is nod, my whole body alight with desire.Kiss me! Kiss me now! I want to cry, but his touch has rendered me incapable of speech.

“Before I kiss you,” he goes on, “I just wanted to make sure you knew exactly what you do to me.” Now his breath is in my ear, “You captivate my heart.”

Then, without any further delay, he kisses me and it’s even better than any of the other kisses we’ve shared, because this time I can feel just how much he loves me.

Chapter 54

Cole

We lose track oftime up there on that sand dune. Kissing and laughing and kissing some more. The happy bubble we’ve created blocking out all the problems we’ll have to face when we climb back down. I can’t care about any of that when I have Lydia here in my arms, loving me as much as I love her.

It’s only when I hear her stomach growl that I allow any trace of reality back in.

“Okay,” I say, patting her belly, “I think we need to get mama something to eat.”

“Mama?” She laughs.

“What, you don’t like that?” I ask with a chuckle. “Do you prefer mother? Mom? Mommy?” I lower my voice huskily, “Mamacita?”

She laughs again, slapping me gently on the arm. “I think I like mommy, actually. At least for when they’re little.” She rubs her hands over her stomach, and my happy glow grows even brighter.

“We’re going to be a family,” I marvel.

“I know,” she grins up at me. “Speaking of which,” she looks suddenly nervous, “I’ve been wanting to tell you that over this last week I’ve been praying about the idea of staying home with the twins, like as a stay-at-home mom, I mean.” She twirls her hair anxiously. “I know it’s not impressive and obviously it doesn’t pay well–”

“Lydia,” I hold my hand up to stop her, “I love it.”

“You do?” Sunshine lights her face.

“I do,” I confirm. “Of course, hopefully I won’t also be a stay-at-home dad.” I try to sound nonchalant, but she’s not buying it.

“You’ll find another job,” she says adamantly. “God will provide.” Our eyes meet and I see the question in hers–has she scared me talking about God like that?

“I think you’re right,” I agree. “It’s about time I start trusting God with my problems.”

Lydia shakes her head in wonder as a smile slides across her face. “What happened to you, Cole Jacobson?”

“You,” I say simply. “You happened to me, Lydia Jacobson.” Then we do that thing where we stare lovingly into each other’s eyes, that thing that would make me cringe if I ever saw another couple doing it but that I never want to end now that I’m a part of it.

“Who knows,” Lydia finally says, “maybe you’ll end up winning the mayoral race after all.”

I give her a “ha-ha, very funny” look and she giggles. “Sorry, too soon?”

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