Page 282 of Billion-Dollar Attitudes

"It's not the pie," she hiccuped, clinging to me. "It's just...everything. The nerves, the relief... I guess I hadn't realized how tense I'd been until now and the pie just pushed me over the edge.”

I held her tighter, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We're safe now, Court," I murmured. "We're home. And no matter what, I'll be right here with you.”

As her sobs quieted, she remained in my arms, trembling slightly. "There's something else, Brad," she said, her voice muffled against my chest.

I drew back slightly, looking down at her. Her eyes glistened with fresh tears, but there was a determined set to her jaw that hadn't been there before.

"I need to call my dad," she confessed, biting her lip nervously.

"Is everything okay, Court?" I asked, concerned.

She nodded, pulling away completely now and wiping her eyes. She drew in a shaky breath, steeling herself before meeting my gaze. "Yes, it's just... when I left school to help with the investigation here, I never told him. I planned to when I told him we were getting married. But I just... I couldn't tell him about school. And now, with everything that's happened," she paused, a small smile crossing her face at the last words, "I think it's time I told him the truth about dropping out of school.”

Her confession hung in the air between us, another layer to the many emotions that had been wrapped around our day. I reached out, taking her hands in mine. "Court, you're one of the bravest people I know," I said, reassuringly squeezing her hands. "Your dad will understand and be proud of you, just like I am."

The phone call connected after the second ring. I watched Courtney's face as her father's familiar voice echoed through the speaker, calling her "pumpkin". I could see a spark of strength igniting in her eyes.

"Hey, Dad. I have something to tell you," she began, her voice steady despite the turbulence of emotions I knew she was experiencing.

After a brief pause, her father's voice filled with love. "Is everything alright?"

Courtney nodded, an automatic response even though he couldn't see her. "Yes, Dad, everything's fine. It's just... I need to confess something." She took a deep breath before diving into her confession, her voice carrying the weight of the secret she had been holding onto for too long.

"I... I dropped out of school, Dad. To help with an investigation here at Rosedale. It was important, and I... I just couldn't tell you then.”

The silence that followed felt like a chasm widening between them. I watched her, heart pounding in empathy, as she braced herself for his response. The words that eventually came, though heavy, carried a grudging acceptance.

"Oh, Courtney," he sighed. "I won't lie and say I'm not disappointed about the school, but I always raised you to do what you believe is right. And if this was important to you, then I trust you made the right decision."

Relief dawned over her face like the gentle caress of a summer breeze, bringing softness to her features that hadn't been there moments before.

"But you should've told me, pumpkin," he added softly. "No matter what, I'm your dad and will always support you."

Her voice was thick with emotion as she responded, "I know, Dad, and I'm sorry. I promise, no more secrets."

He chuckled then, a sound that seemed to lift some of the weight from her shoulders. "That's my girl. You've always had a strong sense of justice. I'm... I'm proud of you, Courtney. Always have been. I’ll be here to support you if you decide to continue with your degree.”

“Oh, that’s so awesome….”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she quietly thanked him more than once, the intensity of the moment palpable. When the call ended, she looked at me, her eyes brimming with relief and happiness. It was yet another step forward, another piece falling into place in our shared life. Together, we were stronger, ready to face whatever was next.

As I took in the relief in her eyes, I could feel the tension ebbing from her. She seemed lighter somehow, more herself. And in the quiet of the evening, amidst the scent of an overcooked apple pie and the shared sense of accomplishment, I couldn't help but let out a sigh of contentment.

"Come here," I murmured, pulling her into a warm embrace. She leaned into me, allowing herself to rest against my chest. I could feel the steady rhythm of her breath, the heat from her body seeping into mine, a familiar warmth that felt like home.

"Brad," she said, breaking the silence. Her voice was barely a whisper, a quiet echo in the stillness of the night. I tilted my head, prompting her to continue.

"Yes, Court?" I responded, my heart pounding in my chest. I had a feeling I knew what she was going to say, but I needed to hear her say it.

"I love you," she murmured, her words vibrating against my heart. I tightened my hold on her, a rush of warmth spreading through me.

"I love you too, Court. More than I can put into words." I kissed the top of her head, a silent promise woven into the motion. We stayed that way, the weight of our confessions seeping into the quiet night, intertwining with the soft whispers of the wind.

Then, I captured her lips once more, causing all her worries and fears to fall to the wayside as we sank to the carpet of my living room floor.

Our clothes came off in a flurry as I laid her on the carpet. I kissed every crevice and caressed very peak, tugging on Court's puckered nipples with my teeth. Effortlessly, she spread for me, each of us waiting for a release. Like a warm knife cutting through butter, and as my hands explored her body, I buried my face between her cleavage, allowing her curves to fully encompass me.

"Oh, Brad. I so need this," she moaned.

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