Page 103 of The Arrogant's Redemption

God help me.

An hour and a half later, I feel completely at ease with them. Knowing neither comes from old money brings huge relief. They’re straightforward and down-to-earth women, totally different from each other, but each one lovable in her own way.

"I’m nervous about this dinner," I admit, and Taylor says:

"Your mother-in-law’s not a bad person. She’s just a product of her environment, you know?"

"Not really. What do you mean by that?"

"I don’t know how to explain without sounding like a judgmental jerk."

"Go ahead."

"She’s kind of . . . empty. I can’t hold a conversation with Renee for very long—she runs out of things to say fast. Brooklyn’s better at that than I am. Patience really isn’t my strong suit."

Brooklyn laughs. "Well, from what little I know of her, I agree with Taylor. She’s not a bad person—but the one who’s truly friends with her is my stepmom, Eleanor."

"Eleanor doesn’t count," Taylor says. "Your mom loves the whole world."

"That’s true." She turns to me. "If there’s one thing I’ve learned since stepping into this world of the rich and famous, Alexis, it’s that they’re just people like us—as long as you don’t lower your head. Stay calm. Be yourself. And remember: LJ is the one who needs to love you. The rest? They’re just background characters in your story."

Alexis

CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

"You look gorgeous.Try not to be so nervous." He comes up behind me and kisses my shoulder, wrapping his arms around my waist.

"If your idea of calming me down is pressing your body against mine like that, let me just say, it’s having the opposite effect, sir."

"I can’t help myself. You look like a goddess in this pink dress."

"Hot pink," I tease, even as my cheeks heat up from the compliment.

He rolls his eyes. "I’m a man. I only recognize black, white, red, green, blue, and yellow. You’re lucky I didn’t call it red."

I suppress a smile. Even though I’ve finally accepted I’m completely in love with the father of my child again, I’m still insecure when it comes to showing how I feel.

"I don’t know how to act. Brooklyn and Taylor told me to just be myself, but the truth is . . . my real self is kind of weird. What am I supposed to talk to your mom about? The crimes I’m investigating?"

It’s been over a month since I returned to work, and I’ve never felt more certain—it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. But I highly doubt LJ’s mother will be thrilled about discussing the video I’m producing about homicides in the seventies.

"They’re right. Be yourself. Everyone falls in love with your quirks."

I start laughing and turn to face him in his arms. "You said that on purpose—to relax me."

"Yeah, but your quirks really are adorable."

For a moment, we fall quiet, and I feel a wave of anxiety as I try to decipher what’s behind his words.

"I love you, Alexis. I don’t think there’s a word big enough for what I feel, but I like naming things because I’m a control freak—so ‘love’ will have to do."

My heart starts racing. "How can you be sure you love me if you’ve never loved anyone before?"

"I’ve always lovedyou. I fell for you the day I saw you alone on that boat—and I hated not having control over myself. But the moment I made you mine, I knew you’d be my only, my forever. Our lives have been a mess until now. We got lost along the way, took wrong turns and hit dead ends—but in the end, we’re here again, together. Exactly how it was always supposed to be. If those.. ." He pauses, closing his eyes. "If so many tragedies hadn’t happened, I have no doubt we’d already be married."

"You’re awfully confident, sir," I say, my eyes misting over.

"It’s okay if you’re still scared," he adds, reading me like an open book. "I don’t need to hear you say it back. I’ve always known you were mine. Just stop fighting us, beautiful. I’m not going to stop chasing you."

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