Page 33 of One and Only

Turning the screen toward Olive, I made sure to give her plenty of space. “I took this picture today when I was at work. It landed on my car while I was eating lunch.”

She fought a smile as she stared at the picture, eyes darting up to mine and back to the photo.

“Maybe we could try to find one,” I told her.

Olive set the phone on the counter, and without holding eye contact, she allowed the tiniest nod.

Beckett’s gaze snapped to mine, and I grinned.

That’s when the knock sounded at the door, about ten minutes earlier than expected.

Through the glass, I could see a pretty, petite brunette and a tall redheaded man. She was staring at me with a polite, curious smile on her face, and I straightened, letting out a slow exhale as I did.

Olive hopped off her stool and ran to greet her mom.

“We’re a little early,” Josie said apologetically, picking up Olive as she wrapped her arms around her mom’s neck. “I wanted to say good night to her first.”

Beckett smiled easily. “No problem.”

He joined me by the island, his shoulder brushing mine. Our eyes met and held.

Here goes nothing.

Josie gave me a cautious smile. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know anyone else would be here. I’m Josie, and this is my fiancé, Micah.”

The man next to her gave me a friendly smile, and I returned it.

“Greer Wilder,” I said.

Before Beckett could say anything further, Olive lifted her head and whispered something to her mom, just loudly enough that everyone could hear.

“Miss Greer and Daddy were hugging in the kitchen,” she said.

Josie’s eyes widened.

Beckett exhaled a quiet laugh, his eyes darting over to mine incredulously.

Micah smothered a grin. “Well … I guess someone let the cat out of the bag first.”

“Really?” Josie asked Beckett. “Are you two…?”

Beckett slid his arm around my waist. “I was going to tell you tonight.”

Her smile was immediate and relieved. “Oh Beckett, it’s about time,” she said with a laugh. “How did you two meet?”

“My brother,” I told her. “He plays with Beckett.” Then I nudged Beckett in the stomach. “He hired me to help fix the most boring little girl’s room I’ve ever seen in my life, and we just … clicked.”

Beckett’s hand tightened on my waist as Josie watched us with undisguised glee. “Oh thank goodness, that room is horrible. You’re an interior designer?”

I nodded. “I brought some samples if you want to give me any input based on what Olive likes.” Then I winked at the little girl. “I might have some butterflies in there if you’d like to help too, Olive.”

Olive nodded against her mom’s neck. Josie’s eyes actually filled with tears. She slapped a hand over her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she said behind her fingers. “I didn’t expect to get so emotional about this.”

Beckett dropped his chin to his chest, and only I was close enough to hear his relieved sigh. “Thank you,” he breathed.

Taking a chance, I tilted up and placed a featherlight kiss against his cheek.

I didn’t look at his face as I walked toward Josie and Olive, and I didn’t look at his face as I picked up the box of samples and took a seat on the couch to show them some of my ideas.

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