Page 84 of Beautiful Storm

Amelia’s smile widens, but it still holds an uncertain edge.

“And now we’re here, talking like adults,” I joke because that’s what I do. That’s one of my default settings. That and making irrational decisions to protect the people I care about. “Who the hell are we?”

Amelia giggles but a yawn cuts her off, drawing my attention to the time.

“Jesus. It’s after midnight.”

“That explains why I’m being nice to you. My brain is obviously sleep-deprived.”

“Obviously.” I smirk.

“But I should go.” She stretches her arms over her head before standing up. “What time should I be here tomorrow? Do we need to go over anything else before we dial in? Dial in.” She laughs. “I can’t believe I’m getting married via a webcam. In fact, I still can’t believe it’s possible to get married via a webcam.”

“Anything is possible these days. And it’s the best way to ensure no one finds out. But don’t think of it like a wedding. Remember? You’re taking the necessary steps to protect our child, via webcam.”

“True. So… time?”

“You should stay.”What?

“What?” Amelia voices my thought as I grimace before snapping out of it. It’s not a bad idea. In fact, it’s a good one.

“You should stay. We have to be online at nine a.m., and I don’t want you driving home when you’re tired. For Jelly Bean’s sake.”

“So what? You think I couldn’t stay awake enough to protect my baby? That I’d risk that?”

“No, I wasn’t—” Amelia's smile cuts me off. “Very funny. I’ll show you to the spare room.”

I turn to lead the way, but Amelia grabs my arm to stop me. “Jokes aside, I don’t know if this is a good—”

“You’re staying. Stop whining about it.”

Her jaw drops, but I can tell by the heat in her eyes that she’s impressed by my assertiveness. I told her I’d protect her and Jelly Bean and I meant it.

“Do you prefer hard or soft pillows?” I ask as I walk, not letting her hit me with another smart-ass response.

“Hard, please,” she responds, making me smile.

“Done.”

“And I need an extra one for in between my legs.”

Huh? I come to a halt as I process that before lifting my shoulders in a shrug. If that’s what she needs, that’s what she’ll get, but I need to learn more about pregnancy. “I’m on it.” I wave my hands, motioning up the stairs. “It’s the first door on the left.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Amelia

So much to unpack that I don’t know where to begin. But the kiss wasreal.

A dog’s bark echoes through the air, waking me before my alarm the next morning, and I startle until I remember where I am.

My body sinks into the plush bedding as I stretch out my legs, making myself comfortable in the over-the-top king-size bed. I haven’t slept that well in weeks. Months even. And considering how much is currently playing on my mind, that’s saying something. I’m in heaven. And I bet the bed in Luke’s bedroom is even more luxurious, knowing him. What I wouldn’t give to sneak in and sl—Woah, Amelia. Nope. Let’s not go there. Even if the thoughts are innocent.

Reaching for my phone, I grab it as it vibrates in my hands, alerting me to the time. Eight a.m. In an hour, I’ll be marrying the man of my nightmares. I laugh at my own joke, but for the first time in as long as I can remember, my negative thoughts make me cringe. Especially after our talk yesterday.

And while there is so much to process, maybe Luke’s right and we need to move on. We were both young. We both did and said things we shouldn’t have. And while we’ll never be as close as we once were, maybe we can be friends again. For Jelly Bean’s sake.

I imagine co-parenting would be so much easier that way.

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