Page 85 of A Sweet Mess

“Landon, I love it. This nursery is perfect for her. And thiswonderful house, we’ll make it our home. For us and the rest of the munchkins to come.”

He nodded again and again, the lump in his throat preventing him from speaking. Landon didn’t know what he’d done to deserve Aubrey, but he would live the rest of his life becoming worthy of her.

Aubrey’s gaze shifted from his face, and a strained silence fell. She walked around the room, running her hands over the furniture. “When did you do all this? The house? The nursery?”

“As soon as I found your message in a bottle. Aria and Lucien were a huge help. Annoying as hell, but helpful nonetheless.” His words tripped over each other. “Will you and the baby live here with me?”

“Of course.” Aubrey cocked her head and gave Landon a mischievous look. “Where else would we stay? You’d better not be trying to get out of diaper duty.”

With a burst of nervous laughter, Landon rushed to her side and grasped her hands, falling into the depths of her warm, brown eyes. Hardly believing she was real, he leaned down and kissed her until they were both breathless.

“Aubrey Choi, I love you with everything I am.”

“And I love you more than words.”

“Are you really mine?” he said, running his thumb across her rosy cheek.

“Yes. I’m yours forever and ever.” She turned her head and placed a kiss in the palm of his hand.

“What did I do to deserve you?”

“Some guys just have all the luck.”

25

Landon stepped out of the kitchen, drying his hands on a dish towel. He had some time before he needed to grill the meat, so he joined his younger brother on the porch.

“Lucky bastard,” Seth mumbled, taking another bite out of the brownie cookie. Another Aubrey Choi masterpiece—a perfect amalgam of rich, dark chocolate and chewy cookie. “You get to eat this stuff whenever you want?”

He chuckled at his brother’s envy, his eyes traveling to Aubrey at the other side of the backyard. She was laughing at something his mom said, her nose crinkled in the way he adored. His heart stopped for a split second before it kicked up double time. God, he loved her so much. As though she’d heard his thoughts, Aubrey’s gaze sought his. When their eyes met across the way, time slowed and sound faded, and it was just the two of them. A soft blush spread across her cheeks, and love glowed on her face. He really did have all the luck.

“Close your mouth.”

Seth’s wry words brought him back to earth, and Landonturned toward him, failing miserably to wipe the bliss off his face.

“I think you drooled a little, too. Here, let me wipe it off,” his brother said, reaching out with his thumb.

“Watch it, kid. I’m yourhyung.Show me some respect.” Landon pushed away his hand with a huff of laughter. “Or I’m confiscating the cookies.”

“Not cool, man.” He managed to look injured before he stuffed a whole cookie in his mouth. “Not. Cool.”

“I asked you to put those on the picnic table, not hoard them for yourself.” Aubrey stood across from Seth, eight months’ pregnant, with her fists placed firmly on her hips. “Besides, you have to save room for Landon’s tri-tips andgal-bi.”

“I’ll take them there right now.” His hotshot photographer brother rose to his feet, smiling sheepishly. He apparently would do anything for Aubrey, even give up his precious cookies.

“Thanks for putting up with my bossiness.”

“You? Bossy?” Seth widened his eyes, shaking his head vehemently. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Enough,” Landon said, laughing at Seth hamming it up for Aubrey. “Go put the cookies where they belong.”

Seth swaggered off with a wide grin, heading toward the far table where Tara stood. Landon had caught his brother watching her with his mouth gaping and had felt a brief pang of concern. Seth had a reputation as a player, but Tara was in a league of her own. He shook his head. It was none of his business.

“Take a break, sweetheart.” Landon tugged Aubrey down onto his lap and cradled her in his arms.

“Not you, too,” she groaned. “Everyone keeps telling me to sit down. All I’ve done is take breaks. Now let me up before your mom sees us.”

“My mom isn’t that old-fashioned.” He kissed her forehead and settled her more comfortably on his legs.

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