Page 125 of Broken Deal

We’re standing in front of a gorgeous suburban house, with a sprawling front yard wrapped in a perfect white fence. The house itself is beautiful, modern yet warm, with large windows that reflect the evening light. The patio is wide, with a swing and a space that could easily fit a garden or a few kids running around.

Lorenzo stands beside me, his eyes tracing the same path mine are, and after a moment, he breaks the silence. “This is our home, Sophia. Where we’re going to build the life of our dreams.” His voice is soft but certain, each word settling deeper in my chest.

I turn to look at him, my heart pounding erratically. “What do you mean,ourhome?”

He smiles, taking my hand in his. “Come inside.”

We step through the front door, and my eyes widen in disbelief. The house is already furnished—elegant but cozy, with little touches that screamus. And then I see it. Familiar frames on the walls, a few of my favorite books stacked neatly on the shelves, a blanket I’ve had since I was a kid draped over the couch.

My things.

I whip around, eyes wide. “How…how did you?”

Lorenzo grins, pulling me closer. “Let’s just say there was a reason the girls wanted to have one last night with you.” He laughs softly. “To distract you while your mom and the guys flew back with your things to get everything ready.”

I blink, completely overwhelmed. “But what about my mom? I don’t want her living in Kentucky all by herself anymore. She needs?—”

Before I can finish, he squeezes my hand, pulling me gently toward the back patio. My heart stutters when we step outside. Just past the big patio and pool, there’s a charming guest house, small but beautiful, tucked neatly into the corner of the yard. The lights inside are already on, casting a welcoming glow.

“Your mom knew about this from the start, she’s been helping me plan this for weeks,” Lorenzo says softly. “She will be living in the guest house. It’s already set up.”

Tears prick my eyes as I stare at the guest house then back at Lorenzo. “You did all this for me?”

His thumb brushes against my cheek. “I did it forus. Imeant what I said, Blue. I want everything with you. And that means making sure the people we love are taken care of, too.”

I can barely find the words. My chest is so full it hurts. “I don’t know what to say.”

He presses a soft kiss to my forehead. “Say you’ll stay with me. That’s all I want.”

A tear escapes down my face, and before I can wipe it away, he does it for me. Like always. I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. “For a girl who doesn’t like showing emotion, I sure show a lot when it comes to you.”

Lorenzo pulls me into his arms, pressing a tender kiss to the top of my head. “You never have to hide from me. I love you, no matter what.”

I tilt my head back to look at him, taking in every inch of his face. His eyes, filled with so much adoration, find mine, and I get lost in them for a moment. How did I fall so deeply for this man? This man who sees me so completely and loves me anyway.

“Lorenzo?”

“Yes, Blue?”

“I love you, too.”

The smile that spreads across his face is radiant and infectious, I can’t help but match it.

“Ready to build a life with me?” he asks, his voice light but full of meaning.

I pretend to think it over for a moment then bite my lip with a nod, which earns me a soft laugh from him.

“This is crazy. What if I had said no?”

Lorenzo places both hands at the nape of my neck, his fingers threading through my hair as his lips capture mine in a way that makes my entire body melt. The kiss is slow,but it’s deep and consuming, both of us pouring every ounce of love and promise into it.

When we pull back, he rests his forehead against mine, his breath warm against my skin. “There was never any question, baby. You and I were always destined for each other.”

One year older, and how my life has changed.

For my birthday, we decided to go to Panamá. It seemed fitting.

It’s funny how a year ago, I was celebrating my birthday feeling sad, empty, and overwhelmed by the life I had. That day had been one of the darkest moments in my life, yet it became the turning point I never knew I needed.

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