Page 90 of The Lake House

I suck in a deep breath, and Declan’s woodsy scent enters my nostrils. He always helps put my mind at ease. “Thank you,” I manage to say.

“I’m glad we already had plans for me to spend the night here. But I want you to know that even if we didn’t, there’s no way in hell I’d be leaving you alone tonight. Or any other night, for that matter.”

I look up into his eyes. “But how? I hate that I have to be afraid of staying here because of what Toddmightdo. This is my home. I can’t always run to your place or you to mine. You have a little girl to think about.”

He nods, understanding. “Yes, I know that. But maybe on the nights when we can’t be together, we can arrange for you to stay at Liv’s.” He pauses for a moment and then continues. “I don’t want you alone. Especially at night. I know we already changed your locks and everything, but what happens if he tries some stupid shit again and I’m not here to protect you?” He sucks in a breath and then searches my eyes. “Eventually, I’d love for us to live together.”

My eyes widen. It’s a pleasant surprise. “I would love that,” I say.

He smiles softly, placing a kiss on my forehead. “Good. Now, let’s go relax in bed and get our minds off things.”

I’m so thankful for Declan. He’s right though. I don’t want to be alone, especially over night so maybe asking Liv if I can stay with her when he can’t be here is a good thing. Todd is a sick psycho. Lord knows what he’s capable of, and I don’t want to find out.

ChapterThirty-Two

GIULIANA

It’s been a quiet few days, and for that, I’m so thankful.

Of course, when I told Liv about the letter from Todd, and if she thought I could spend a few nights a week at her house, she said there was no need to ask. I’m so grateful.

Plus, staying at Liv’s gets me a head start on decorating for the baby shower, which just so happens to be today.

I’ve got pink and blue balloons outlining her whole backyard, and the lake in full view. I love that from here I can see my house and monitor it to make sure nothing fishy goes on.

Since the letter, there has been no word from Todd. He sent nothing else, and of course, he didn’t just show up. I knew it could be a possibility, but I really didn’t think he’d be stupid enough to do so. Both Declan and Liv insisted we can’t be too cautious with a crazy man like him. I don’t blame them for feeling that way, but I just can’t imagine him trying anything further.

The gentle wind blows, and the calmness of Silver Mist Lake engulfs me. I wrap my arms around myself and just take in this moment.

It’s so beautiful out here. I just don’t know how someone could hate it.

I shake my head, inhale deeply, and finish the last-minute preparations for the party. There’s another couple of hours before the guests start arriving. Liv, Dave, and Josie stepped out for a bit, allowing me to make sure the surprise will be perfect. I really hope they like the reveal I planned. I guess we’ll see soon enough.

I’m brought out of my thoughts as my phone goes off. I fish it out of my pocket and see it’s a text from Declan, and a smile immediately forms on my face.

Hey pretty lady. What are you up to?

Getting the last-minute things set up for later. What about you?

About to head over to see you. I wanted to see if you needed help?

Sure, I would love some :)

Great, then I’ll be right over, beautiful.

I place my phone in my back pocket and continue decorating. Everyone will be here before I know it.

* * *

Declan stands beside me, and he squeezes me tightly. He places a kiss on my cheek and says, “You did such a great job, honey.”

I take in the whole scenery: pink and blue balloons line the backyard facing the lake, a table off to the right holds presents for the new baby joining the world in just a few months, and in the middle, a large box with a question mark waits patiently to be opened.

I revel in his embrace. “Thanks, baby.”

The Carmichaels’ backyard is full of family and friends just two hours later. There’s music, lots of food, laughs, and a beautiful woman getting ready to find out if she and her husband will have another girl or a little boy.

“Are we ready, everyone?” Liv shouts as she and Dave stand next to Josie, getting ready to reveal the sex of the baby to the world. They stand in front of the box, ready to open it.

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