Page 36 of Can We Try?

“Good idea.” We step into each room and look at the closet size, as well as the bathroom. It has double sinks and a tub-shower combination.

“What’s that?” she asks. She points to a small door on the wall; at least, it looks like a door.

“I’m not sure.” I press it open and look in. “I think it’s a laundry shoot. I wonder where it goes?”

“I don’t know, but the previous owners really put their thinking cap on with that one. Now, if only there was a way to get it back up the steps the same way.” She chuckles.

“Come on. I need to go back to the laundry room.” We head back downstairs and to the laundry room. I open what I thought was just a storage cabinet by the washer, but it’s clear that this is where the shoot ends.

“Sold.” Maggie chuckles. “That’s so cool, and the primary bathroom, and the kitchen. Lachlan, this place is stunning. You have to buy it.”

“We still need to see the basement. That could be a deal changer,” I tell her.

“Not likely,” she mutters, but leads the way out of the laundry room and to the steps in the living room that lead us down to the basement.

“It’s like a whole other house down here.” She runs her hands over the small countertop in the mini kitchen.

“A giant rec room, a bedroom, a full bathroom, and another oversized room is how it was listed.”

“And you remember that?” she asks.

“I might have spent a lot of time going over the listing last night when I got home from my drive-by.”

“The walkout is a perfect spot to entertain, and the firepit has you and the guys written all over it.”

“I happen to agree. I’d pretty much decided last night that if everything was as great as the pictures made it seem, I would make an offer. It’s priced below market value because they just need to get rid of it. It’s a rare find for sure.”

“And you’d be neighbors with Maddox. It’s perfect since Roman, Forrest, and Legend all live on the same street.”

“Another good selling point.” I nod.

“It’s incredible, Lachlan. I can’t believe you’re buying this house because of the baby.”

“It was time.” I hold my hand out to her. “Come on. Let’s go find Lana so I can put in an official offer.”

“Every day should end with movies and ice cream,” Maggie says, scooping a huge bite of pistachio ice cream into her mouth. “You sure you don’t want to try this?” she asks.

“I’m pretty sure I’m not a fan.”

“Oh, come on. Try it.” She scoops out another bite, this one a little smaller than the one she just took and offers it to me.

Leaning in, I wrap my lips around the spoon and try not to grimace. “Not my thing,” I say, swallowing and taking a bite of my chocolate to wash away the taste.

“Really? It’s so good.”

“That’s the cravings kicking in,” I tell her. “Didn’t you say you’ve never liked pistachio ice cream before now?”

Her face lights up. “You’re right. This little one must really love it.” She rubs her belly affectionately.

“You’re beautiful, Maggie. You’re glowing, and I just need you to know, you’re beautiful.”

“You don’t have to flatter me. The deed has already been done.” She nods toward her belly. She takes her last bite of ice cream, and I take the bowl from her, placing it on the table to bring to the kitchen before I leave.

Discarding my bowl of ice cream, I move to the middle cushion that separates us on the couch. Slowly, I lift my hand and rest my palm against her cheek. “I’m not trying to flatter you, Mags, I mean it. At this moment, you’ve never looked more beautiful.”

She opens her mouth to speak, but I trace the pad of my thumb over her lips to stop her. “I don’t care what you’re wearing or that you already washed off all your makeup. You don’t need it, anyway. You’re glowing. Your eyes are lit up with happiness, and you’re carrying a part of me inside you. You’re stunning.” Knowing that I’m pressing my luck but unable to stop myself, I lean forward and press a kiss to the corner of her mouth.

She gasps, and when I start to pull away from her, she whispers one word, “No.” Her hands grip my shirt, and her breathing picks up. “I need—” She cuts off.

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