Page 50 of No Limits

“Well…but…owning a store is a lot of work. How does that make it better with time? I feel like you'd be even more busy.” Confusion swirls in my mind as I can’t see where the extra time would come from.

“If it’sourstore, because it will beours, we can hire somebody to run it. But I was also thinking that when the time came, which seems sooner as opposed to later now, that we could turn part of the back room into a kids’ space. Put a crib or whatever and toys and whatever else as they grow up so that we can be there together and have our kids close by. I actually found a location that I think would be perfect.” This planning, this family-oriented man, this is the one I’d been missing for months.

“Wait, you've looked at places?” He’sreallygone far into this idea.

“Yup. And financing, which for this one storefront, I wouldn't even need.”

“You've put a lot of thought into this.”

“Yeah, I have.” His nod matches the resoluteness in his tone.

“Why didn't you tell me?” There’s a tiny part of me that wants to be upset he didn’t talk about it first. But like all things Lochlyn does, there’s always a reason, and usually a bigger one.

“I wanted to have things all ready, make a big show of it, take you to the store and pitch it. But with revelations coming to light”—he slides a hand to rest over my lower stomach—“now seemed like the perfect time. So, what do you think?”

“You have bands up for this?” If the music is a big part of it, we need to be ready for them. Have them lined up.

“Mhm. Rolling Thunder, especially. They took a liking to you at that event last year.”

“Me? They saw me once for like two seconds.” And Jessup for a few minutes at the food tasting.

“You left a lasting impression. Every time I see them, not only do they ask about you, but are very sure to mention exactly how attractive you are. Johnny, the lead guitarist, actually said that if anything happens between us, he wants me to give you his number?” With a shake of his head, he rolls his eyes at their audacity. Though things were precarious, I’m not sure it was ever a possibility we wouldn’t work out.

“Oh God.” My hand flies up to cover my eyes and hopefully my embarrassment.

“I've made it exceptionally clear that you’re mine and mine alone.” His arms tighten around me as he pulls me further into his lap.

“Good.”

“Can't blame a guy for trying, though. I’m lucky to have you. And listen, I know this is more for me, so if you really want to still be an English teacher, then I fully, one hundred percent, support you in that.”

“Well, I think things have changed course a little now. I don't see how that would be possible since I'd be having to leave partway through my first year. But I don't know…helping with the store could be fun.” I twist my finger along the neckline of his shirt.

“Helping? We’re in this together, Shay. Especially the café. That’s for you, baby.”

“So, no loan needed, huh? I always forget how much money you have.” It’s a little tease I like to throw at him every now and again.

“Not me, Shay. It’s ours. Everything that’s mine is yours. Everything I have, everything I own, everything I am…is yours.”

Leaning my head onto his shoulder, I wrap my arm around his neck. “I say, let’s do it. I want to know the numbers. I want to see the plan and make sure we’ll be okay. Not that I don't trust you and your math, but I just want to be involved. And babies are expensive. Or so I’m told.”

“Of course, baby girl. I always planned to involve you. I just wanted to have the pieces figured out first.”

“You really think we can do all of this? A store, a baby. In our mid-twenties?” I have doubts. So many. Not that we can’t, but that it’ll be harder than the last year, that we’ll lose our connection all over again, just after we got it back.

“It’s you and me, Shay. There are no limits to what we can do.” His confidence still astounds me and makes my heart soar.

Putting a hand on his cheek, I tip his face down and pull his lips to mine. His tongue sweeps in and explores my mouth. He loses a hand in my hair as I tangle my fingers into his shirt. Pulling myself further onto him, he smiles against my mouth and pulls away.

There’s a hint of shock in my features. Why is he stopping? Taking my hands in his, he rests them in my lap.

“I want to know how you’re feeling.” There isn’t a need for him to specify what he’s referring to.

“Oh. I’m fine. I think. I've been really tired lately, but I kind of just chalked it up to school and the wedding. I never would have even thought to take a test, except I was two weeks late.”

“Two weeks? And you didn't tell me?” Hurt laces his words, and I can't meet his eyes, fearing the pain I’ll see in them.

“Babe, I swear, I thought it was stress. Zero part of meeverwould have expected this. I've been so diligent about taking my pill. Really, I kind of just took it on a whim.”

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