Page 92 of Bound By Love

Securing Miranda’s favorite venue was the biggest challenge, but like with all things, money talks, and I had plenty to spare. I also knew Miranda wouldn’t care what day we got married. She only wanted to be my wife.

So my team of wedding planners had been hard at work, with my mother in charge. No question Claire St. James would use her clout in Southern California to get the job done. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her so happy. When Miranda and I had announced we were having a baby girl, my mother cried. My little princess would be one spoiled and deeply loved little girl.

“Will… I’m ready to wash you.”

Damn, I was one lucky man.

I couldn’t take my eyes off Miranda as she strolled through the Hidden Hills home. She looked positively serene, but then, she looked the same in the Malibu home I loved. House shopping wasn’t easy. We’d already been through fifteen and had narrowed it down to two. Neither were in Santa Monica. There weren’t any homes that met our requirements available, to my dismay.

“These aren’t the safest choices,” Axel mumbled behind me. “But she’s obviously in love with this one because of the kitchen.”

“I can replicate the kitchen in the Malibu house if she wants it that bad.”

“It’s a lot of house. Do you really need something so big?”

I snorted. “My parents’ mansion is twice the size.”

“True. But they also have an army protecting it. Maybe you should move in with them. I hear the east wing is available.”

I glared at him. Smartass.

“Miss Bradford, is there anything you don’t like about this house?” Laura, our realtor, asked.

Miranda turned around and faced me. She sighed, her eyes sparkling like sapphires. “It’s a lot of house.”

“Mmhmm.” Axel elbowed me.

I stepped in front of Miranda and wrapped my hands around her waist. “If this is the one you want, we’ll buy it.”

Her gaze flitted from Laura to Axel and back to mine, and she grimaced with uncertainty.

“Can you two give us a minute?” I asked Axel and Laura, then waited for them to exit the kitchen. “Tell me what’s on your mind, beautiful.”

“I know you want an ocean view, and I do love it, don’t get me wrong. But after everything that happened with Jason, I’m afraid. How do we know someone else isn’t out there wanting to steal from you or SJI again?”

“There will always be someone else, baby. That’s why we have bodyguards and a top-notch security system. I was too relaxed before when it was just me.” I put my hand on her stomach. “Now I have you and our little princess. You’re both my priorities. I’ll spare no expense to keep you safe.”

“And how will you keep us safe with a public beach in our backyard if we go with your choice?”

Damn, I hadn’t really thought about that, though I should have. It was what York and Axel kept bitching about. I was just being stubborn and not listening to them. But clearly, Miranda had been. Worry skirted across her face.

“You’re absolutely right. I can’t fully protect you. So we’ll go with this house. York will see to the outside security, and Axel will do the inside. We’ll make this place as safe as a fortress.”

“That seems a bit over the top.” She tugged on her earring. I hadn’t seen her nervous tic in a long time.

I gently removed her hand from her ear and reeled her into a hug. “I can’t promise you nothing bad will ever happen, but I can promise you I’ll do everything possible to keep you and our children safe.”

“I just want a normal life filled with family dinners and pool parties. I don’t want to worry about our kids being shadowed by guards. It’s not a life I ever dreamed I’d have.” She cradled my face. “But I chooseyou. I love you with all my heart. I can’t live without you, Will.” She popped up on her toes and pressed her delicious lips to mine.

I loved this woman so fucking much. I broke the kiss reluctantly. Miranda had to meet her mom and the others soon.

“Does that mean this is the house you pick?”

She smiled, shrugging a shoulder. “I do love the kitchen and the backyard. But maybe we should look a little more. Maybe in Pacific Palisades. Or maybe something in Santa Monica will become available. We have time before she gets here.” She patted her stomach.

“If that’s what you want to do, I’m fine with it.”

“Really? I just feel we’re exposed in the house you like.”

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