Page 27 of With You

“You said it yourself this morning,” he states. “There’s no such thing as being loved too much. And I don’t want to denyReese of that. Because the truth is, I have no doubt that my mother will, if she doesn’t already, love Reese.”

I mull over what he’s saying, trying to work out how that makesmefeel.

I know the woman has a lot of love to give, because that’s what she gave me. And that is what I want to give other children who need that extra love and attention.

But I will forever struggle to reconcile the woman who welcomed me into her home and the woman who pushed her son out of his.

“There’s going to have to be some stipulations,” I say. “Surely, some more groveling. I don’t want her thinking that she can just waltz back into our lives with a smile and an apology, and everything is okay.”

“I completely agree,” he assures. “No waltzing and no smiling. We’ll take it slow and make sure she knows there is no relationship with Reese if Victoria and Dad aren’t on board. I’m not ashamed to say we need their help to make this work, and if they can’t help, then that’s okay too,” he explains. “And her having a relationship with Reese does not mean it’s happy family times for her and us.”

“And what about her and us?” I ask, treading carefully, wanting to cover all the bases. “I heard what you said after you asked her about the wedding.”

Deacon brings his hands up to cup my face, lowering his mouth to mine. “I know where you belong.”Kiss.“You know where I belong“Kiss.“Rhett knows where you belong.”Kiss.

“You’re my heart.”Kiss.“My world.”Kiss.“My love.”Kiss.“Mine.”

Feeling every bit his, I attach myself to him, his mouth on mine. My tongue licks at the seam of Deacon’s lips, seeking entry, wanting more, wanting to taste him and claim him. Needing nothing more than the surety of his sweet declarationsto subdue the jumble of nerves rioting beneath my skin. I kiss him and kiss him and kiss him and kiss him till a light bulb of an idea takes root in the back of my mind, and I can’t help but drag my mouth off his and ask, “Does that mean you’ve changed your mind on how many children we show love to?”

It probably isn’t the best time for me to bring this up, but we’re under a time crunch, and I feel like his reference earlier to our conversation this morning has opened the door.

Chuckling, Deacon gives a slight shake of his head. “I see what you did there. Kiss me stupid and just see what you can get out of me?”

“Well?”

“I never said I only want one child,” he clarifies. “I’m just scared about having two.”

My head and shoulders sag momentarily, hating his rejection of the idea and knowing I have to accept and respect it. I know it’s more than likely a timing issue than him being completely closed off to the idea. But the thought of turning this little boy away, brings back memories ofbeingthat little boy.

“But I know how much it means to you.” Deacon places a finger beneath my chin and tips my head up so I’m looking at him again. “And I know how amazing you are at being a parent and a husband. And I know when it gets rough or rocky, you’ll know how to walk us through.”

“You’re too good to me,” I tell him, my gaze getting lost in his. “But I can wait. Unfortunately, there will be more children who need––”

“Julian,” he interrupts. “I want to do this with you.”

“You’ve dealt with a lot today. So many emotions,” I ramble. “We can talk tomorrow.”

“Julian,” he repeats, his voice stern. “Today has been a perfect day”

This catches me off guard. “It has?”

“It has,” he reiterates. “I started the day with a perfect husband and a perfect child, and I’m going to sleep with a perfect husband and maybe two perfect children.”

PART 3

WITH YOU

DEACON

Eight Years Later

“What the hell is that?”

My eyes dart to the nightstand beside our bed and the five-minute timer that is suddenly displayed on my cell phone screen.

“What?” Julian’s head peeks out from under the covers, where his head is resting awfully close to my very hard cock. “Our kids are going to roll up in here in five minutes, ten if we’re lucky, wanting breakfast, and I would like to start the day with your dick in my mouth.”

My body shakes as I laugh. “Well, I’m not opposed to it, but do we really need the timer?”

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