Page 96 of Enforcing the Rules

She stayed quiet.

“The MC might be my world, but you’re my heart. I need you. I want to wake up every morning to your beautiful smile and go to bed every night with you in my arms. Can’t say it more plainly than that. You’re it for me, girl. And I guess what I’m asking is, I hope I’m it for you.

She wiped the tears from her cheek. “I just need a minute.”

“I’ll give you as much time as you need, but I want you to understand something. I love you, Kate. And that scares the hell out of me.”

“Why?”

“Because it gives you the power to destroy me.”

“I love you, Utah. I don’t want to destroy you. I don’t want to hurt you at all.”

“That’s what I’m trusting in, babe.”

She wrapped her arms around my body, pressing her check to my bare chest. “I know why you had to do what you did, but it’s going to take me time to get past it. I need you to give me that and know I won’t give up on us.”

“That’s all I can ask, then.”

She lifted her head and met my eyes. “I know you’ve been hurt in the past, but I’m not those other women.”

“You’ve proven that.” I kissed her lips. “I love you.” I pushed her head to my chest. “Try to sleep, baby. You need rest.” I kissed the top of her head and was thankful she hadn’t pushed me away and stormed out when I’d told her about her father. We’d get past this, and I’d be here to help her, no matter how long it took.

Epilogue

Kate—

It was late September, and Utah and I strolled hand in hand down Main Street. It was a beautiful day, and I was enjoying the fresh air.

He pulled me into a cute little boutique and asked me if there was anything I wanted to try on. My clothes weren’t fitting anymore—even the loosest shirts and even with my pants unbuttoned.

I shrugged. The idea of looking at cute dresses and tops didn’t hold the allure it once had now that my body was changing. Utah was sweet and assured me every single day I was beautiful.

He browsed a rack and pulled a pretty cream dress out. It had long puffy sleeves with tight cuffs and a placket of embroidered silver ribbon at the cleavage with two tasseled strings. The rest of the dress was flowing and fell to mid-calf.

“Like this one?”

The saleswoman came over. “I have a pair of cream suede boots that look incredible with that dress.”

“She’ll try it on,” Utah said, handing the garment to the clerk.

“Wonderful. This way.” She led me to a small curtained off dressing area with a tall gilt mirror leaning against the wall. I slipped the dress on, and she brought me a pair of boots in my size. Studying my reflection, I had to admit, it did look good, and I felt pretty in the flowing dress.

“Let me see,” Utah called from out in the shop.

“Shall we?” The saleswoman smiled and held the curtain aside.

I stepped out and did a twirl.

He let out a low whistle. “Gorgeous.”

“One more thing,” the saleswoman murmured, stepping away and returning with a circlet of dried flowers and crystals. She put the headpiece on me, and I looked in the mirror. With my blonde curls, it made me feel like some woodland fairy.

“We’ll take it,” Utah said, handing over his credit card.

“Baby, it’s beautiful, and I appreciate the gesture, but I have nowhere to wear something like this.”

“You do today.”

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