Page 106 of Where We Call Home

I sat up, pulling my feet beneath me. Whatever just happened here would live rent-free in my brain forever. There was no way I’d forget the way Rhodes could move those hips.

Bow wow.

“Not that I don’t love seeing you all,” I said, looking around at my unexpected audience, “but why are you here?”

“Rhodes had this idea to brighten your spirits,” Aspen explained, settling cross-legged on the floor. She placed a box, muffins, if my guess was right, on the coffee table.

“We thought we’d bring the fun to you this time,” Penny added, sliding onto the couch beside me. She leaned her head on my shoulder, her familiar warmth an unspoken comfort.

I glanced up and caught Rhodes leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen, his arms crossed casually over his chest. Our eyes locked, and my heart gave a little kick, as if it had just noticed what my brain had been processing for a while now. His smirk deepened, the corners of his eyes crinkling in that way that made me feel like I was the only person in the room.

Warmth and joy spreading through me like the first sip of hot chocolate on a cold day.

These were my people, my messy, wonderful, mismatched family. They listened when I spoke, cared when I needed it most, and showed up in ways I hadn’t realized I needed.

Even with the room full of laughter and love, my focus stayed on the man leaning in the doorway. The one who made all of this happen, who orchestrated this ridiculous, perfect moment, because he knew exactly what I needed, even when I didn’t.

By the time the sun had dipped below the trees, casting the world in darkness, my friends finally decided it was time to leave. My body felt heavy with exhaustion, but my heart was full, brimming with joy and the warmth of their company. After lingering goodbyes and promises to see each other soon, the house grew quiet, leaving just Rhodes and me to recount the day.

“Thank you,” I murmured, snuggling into his side. His arm wrapped around me, pulling me closer, his body radiating warmth. Rhodes’ thumb traced soft circles on my side, a soothing rhythm that matched the peaceful quiet settling over us.

“I’m glad it turned out well,” he replied with a chuckle. “Trying to teach Mac to dance, though, that might go down as one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

I laughed, the memory of their hilarious attempts to dance flashing in my mind.

“I can’t believe you pulled it off. What did you bribe them with?” I teased, glancing up at him.

“Nothing,” Rhodes said simply, his voice steady and sincere. “I just asked if they wanted to do something to make you feel better, and they were all in.”

His confession struck me silent. My throat tightened as a wave of emotion washed over me.

“I—we love you, ya know,” Rhodes added, his hand moving to my hair, his fingers combing through it with gentle affection. That single slip-up hung in the air, heavy and meaningful.

“I know,” I whispered, my voice thick with the effort to hold back everything I wanted to say but couldn’t yet bring myself to admit.

He shifted, his tone soft yet firm. “I’ve been thinking. I think you should sleep in my room. After the other night, I’d feel better keeping a closer eye on you, at least until the baby comes.”

His confidence left no room for argument. It wasn’t a suggestion; it was his way of protecting me, of easing his own worries.

I tilted my head to look up at him, our eyes locking. “I’m just down the hall, Rhodes. You know that.”

“I haven’t slept through the night since,” he admitted quietly, his voice raw with vulnerability. His words settled over me, making my skin prickle.

I swallowed hard, the intensity of the moment wrapping around us like a cocoon. His gaze didn’t waver, and neither did mine.

“Consider it you doing me a favor,” he added, his voice a low rumble that sent a shiver through me. “I need to know you and the baby are okay.” He reached up, his hand cupping my jaw as his thumb brushed against my bottom lip. The tender touch undid me.

“Okay,” I breathed, my voice barely above a whisper as I gave in quickly. My heart was overwhelmed by the depth of his outward concern.

He leaned down, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that was soft and unhurried. I melted into him, letting his touch and his warmth drown out everything else. His kiss was all-consuming, a quiet promise that I could stay wrapped in this feeling forever.

Time stretched as we sat there, lips moving together in a dance that felt both endless and fleeting. When we finally parted, my lips tingled. The moment left me breathless, my thoughts spinning in a haze of him.

Eventually, we decided it was time to head to bed. For the first night of many, I fell asleep wrapped in Rhodes’s sheets, surrounded by the rich, clean scent of him.

Safe, warm, and utterly content, I drifted into a peaceful sleep, cradled by the man who made me feel cherished in a way I never thought possible.

Thirty-Eight

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