Page 46 of Just a Little Promise

First, he stripped them both down and put Skye in a warm shower, washing her hair and body as she stood and let him care for her. No need for her to know it was also his way of being able to run his hands over every inch of her skin to assure himself that she was truly unharmed. She didn’t seem to mind his attentiveness, or how he insisted she eat something, before bundling her in a warm blanket, sitting down on the couch, and cuddling with her on his lap.

She burrowed against his chest with a soft sigh, and he held her close while stroking her hair. Only then did he really allow himself to process what had happened, and how close he’d been to losing Skye to a deranged madman.

The cop who’d taken Skye’s statement told them that Jack would most likely be put away for a very long time. Between the kidnapping, the aggravated assault, possession and use of a firearm, and ignoring the protective order still valid against him, he had a lot of serious charges stacked up against him.

“Move in with me, Skye,” Tripp said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. He hadn’t planned the words but he meant them.

Yes, he was aware that he was probably rushing things after what had occurred, but it was that same ordeal that made him not want to waste any more time. He couldn’t bear being separated from the woman who was his entire world. He wanted to be a part of her life and their child’s life, every single day.

“Okay,” she said softly, shocking him with her easy acceptance.

He continued threading his fingers through her hair, wondering if she misunderstood what he meant. “In case you’re wondering, I’m not asking you to move in with me because I want to protect you. There’s no reason for that any longer. I’m asking because I love you and I want to spend my life with you.”

She lifted her head from his chest, her smile so damn sweet. “I know,” she replied, her eyes crystal clear as she pressed her palm against his cheek. “I want that, too. You and our baby are my future, and everything I’ve ever dreamed of. I love you, Tripp, and that’s not going to change. I just need you to be patient with me because I need to take things a little slow.”

He groaned, beyond grateful and happy with that compromise, and the fact that she finally admitted her feelings. “I’ll take you any way I can have you.”

He understood her need to take things one day at a time after everything she’d gone through with Jack.

She pressed her lips to his and kissed him, pouring so much emotion into their connection, he knew she’d completely lowered her walls and let him in. No more uncertainties or doubts. Just the kind of love that was always meant to be.

Today was just the start of their lives together. He had faith the rest would come.

Epilogue

Five months later...

Skye grimaced ather reflection in the mirror as she adjusted the form fitting dress she’d put on for her birthday dinner, still trying to get used to her new curves—mainly, her six month pregnant belly that looked like she’d swallowed a basketball, and her very voluptuous breasts.

Tripp walked out of their bedroom closet, and it didn’t help matters that he looked absolutely gorgeous in his tailored black trousers and light gray dress shirt. While he’d remained in great shape, she’d already gained sixteen pounds, and there was no denying her hips were a bit wider, too.

She sighed, wondering if she should change into something more flowy, then decided to ask Tripp his opinion. “Does this dress make me look fat?”

Tripp raised a brow at her question, though she could tell he was stifling a chuckle at her pouty question. “No, it makes you look pregnant and sexy as fuck,” he said, coming up behind her and sliding his hands around her stomach while burying his face against her neck. “If you need me to prove it, I’m up for the task before we head to dinner.”

His amorous response alleviated her worries and gave her that boost of confidence she’d needed. She truly loved being pregnant. Everyone said she “glowed”, but being on the petite side, there were days when she felt, well,big. And she still had three more months to go.

Resting his chin on her shoulder, Tripp rubbed his palms lovingly over her belly. “How are my two little sprouts doing today?” he asked, just as one of the babies kicked his hand.

She laughed. “Does that answer your question?” She shook her head, feeling another swooping somersault happening in her belly. “I’m sure these two are going to be acrobats right out of the womb.”

Yes, they were going to have twins—a boy and a girl—and while Tripp was thrilled—and she was, too—he wasn’t the one carrying around two rambunctious babies.

“Ready to head out?” Tripp asked, stepping away.

“Yep.” She nodded and picked up her purse.

They left his apartment where she’d been living for the past five months, and got settled in his car. Once he pulled onto the main street, Tripp glanced at her and smiled, his eyes glimmering mischievously.

“I know we have plans to meet family and friends for dinner,” he said, reaching across the console and taking her hand. “But I pushed up our reservation by an hour so I could give you your birthday gift before we meet up with everyone.”

She rubbed her hands with excitement. “I can’t wait to see!”

She was definitely curious about whatever present he’d bought her, since he’d been so secretive about it.

They drove out of the city, taking the Cross County Parkway, then the Bronx River Parkway and finally she couldn’t stand the suspense. “Where are we going?” she asked.

“It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?”

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