Page 42 of Where We Belong

Cory takes a step back, eyes wide. “Whoa, what happened to taking it slow?”

“I did say we would take it slowly, and I meant it,” I assure her. “But that doesn’t stop me from wishing for more, Cory. I want it all with you—your love, your heart, and yes, a future filled with you, Bernie, and maybe a few more little ones.”

Cory takes a long, deliberate sip from her coffee, her gaze drifting away momentarily. When she finally meets my eyes again, there’s a hint of uncertainty. “You already have Bernie.”

I rub the back of my neck. “You don’t want more kids?”

Cory bites her lip. “Does it matter what I want? What if I don’t want more children?”

“Then we’ll only have Bernie,” I say gently.

She cocks her head, regarding me curiously. “You seem really sure this relationship is going to happen.”

“I’m not giving up on you easily,” I murmur. “You’re too important to me. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you we’re meant to be together.”

Cory’s cheeks are stained with a pretty blush. “You always were stubbornly persistent.”

“Only when it comes to you.” I brush a tender kiss over her forehead. “I’ve never stopped caring about you, Cory. And I never will.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at the screen. It’s a text from the receptionist saying my first patient has arrived.

“I gotta run,” I say regretfully, shoving the phone back into my pocket.

Cory exhales, shoulders losing some tension. “I’ll see you later then.”

“I’ll be back around noon,” I promise as I step out the door. Before shutting it completely, I pop my head back in with a grin. “This is as slow-ish as I can go.”

Cory’s melodic laugh follows me out. The sound makes my heart relax yet swell with hope. This just might work out the way I want, after all. With a spring in my step, I hurry off to start my day, counting down the minutes until I can see her again.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ben: Miss you.

Cory: You said slow. Missing me makes this sound fast-ish.

Ben: I’m trying my best. You should be thankful I didn’t kiss you.

Cory: Look at you, restraining yourself. I’ll give you an award.

Cory: Don’t you have work to do?

Ben: I’m in between patients and wanted to check on you.

Cory: I’m at the winery with Lysander. Apparently, Cami is expecting a baby.

Ben: Oh, we’re making it official?

Cory: You know about it?

Ben: I’m the doctor. Of course, I know what’s happening with your siblings. Two weeks ago, Cami was puking her guts up, and they called me to see if she was dying of a weird virus or if Lysander had finally knocked her up.

Cory: I didn’t know they were trying to have a baby.

Ben: Are we seriously discussing your brother’s sex life?

Cory: No, I’m… it’s like all of them suddenly have families and children and… I don’t have anything.

Ben: Sorry.

---