Page 128 of Catch You

“What are you saying, Harlow?” He closes the space between us, his hands resting on my hips as he waits for my answer.

“I’m suggesting that we make this place our home. Our family home.” Taking one of his hands, I slip it around to my belly.

He shakes his head as if he can’t believe it.

“You want us to live together … here?”

“I do. We can’t stay at mine; it comes with Brooke,” I laugh. “And your place is nice, but it’s an apartment, and don’t youthink our little one deserves this?” I say, gesturing to the floor-to-ceiling windows at the other end of the kitchen that looks out over the land and ocean beyond.

“Do you know that I think?”

I shake my head shyly, not able to get a read on his expression.

“I think you are the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, and I think you’re going to be an amazing mom.”

“Yeah?” I can’t help the wide smile that spreads across my lips at the prospect.

“Yeah. You know what else?”

I shake my head.

“I meant what I said last night. I love you, Harlow. The good, the bad, the ugly … and everything in between.”

A sob erupts at his words, that he’s accepting those parts of me that I struggle to accept myself most days.

“Corey,” I sob. “I love you, too.”

He takes me in his arms and kisses me until we’re both breathless.

“I guess you’d better show me around the rest of our home, then.”

“You’re really okay with this?”

“Baby, I’d be okay anywhere. As long as you’re there.”

My heart soars at his words, but one look in his eyes and I know he means it.

Some missing part of me fell into place that night he caught me, and I’m not sure it’s a piece I could ever live without again.

Without knowing it, he’s given me the strength to really embrace who I am, who I was. And he’s allowed me to finally get over my fears and, for once, to look to the future and be excited for what’s to come.

EPILOGUE

Harlow

Three months later…

“Are you nervous?” I ask Corey, whose fingers are incessantly fiddling with the underground ticket in his hands.

“Um …”

“Why? I’ve spoken to your mom countless times on the phone.”

“I know that. I’ve just … I’ve never brought a girl home before.”

Lacing my fingers through his, I rest my head on his shoulder. “You’re cute.”

“I’m anything but cute, Harlow.”