Page 173 of Faking It With the Small-Town Bad Boy

months of pregnancy. I wouldn’t even let you if I knew you could do

it and not get hurt, but I don’t know that.”

“No, I just mean,” I breathe, my voice no longer my own. “I don’t

want you to quit the band.”

He seems stunned by that remark. “Why not? I have to help you with

the shop, and I can’t let you do that alone. I need to help bring in

more money for us and the baby.”

“We will figure it out, okay? You’re not quitting the band. I can find

help in the shop. You have to pursue your dreams, Percy.”

He hesitates for a long moment, but seeing that he probably doesn’t

want to argue with me, he gives up pretty fast. He leans forward, his

hands on my knees while I play with my new ring. It’s a tad bit big

for my finger, but I’m okay with that. He was right. It does look

perfect. He eyes the jewel closely with a grin.

“She would have loved to meet you. I think she would like that you’re

wearing her ring.”

“Really? It’s stunning. I love it.”

“And I love you,” he breathes against my lips. “I also ran into the city

clerk in the town square.”

“Yeah?”

“She gave me some paperwork we can file and return to her this

week.”

“What kind of paperwork, exactly?”

“A marriage license, Leah.”

I can’t help but chuckle. “How were you so sure I’d say yes?”

“Well, I love you, and I know you love me. Besides, knowing we were

going to have a baby meant one of two options. Either we try this out

for the long haul—and for real—or you and I part ways.”

My stomach flips with just that thought alone. “I can’t lose you.”

“And same for me,” he adds, moving beside me on the soft blanket. I

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