Total pages in book: 28
Estimated words: 26052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 26052 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 130(@200wpm)___ 104(@250wpm)___ 87(@300wpm)
“I didn’t say much, baby. Just that they got the story all wrong and you’re the furthest thing from a cheater. You’re everything that is good, honest, and beautiful in this world.”
My breath caught in my throat at his answer. “You really think that about me?”
“Of course, I do.” He brushed his lips against mine in a gentle kiss, his blue eyes softening. “I love you, baby.”
“You love me?” I whispered, happy tears filling my eyes.
He nodded. “And I want you to come home with me for Thanksgiving. It’s our bye week, and I’ve had my flight booked ever since the team schedule came out since it’s hard to get back when we’re in season.”
“I’d really love that.” I sniffled. “As long as you don’t mind leaving Wednesday night or Thursday morning. My break is only four days, which is why I didn’t bother trying to go see my parents for the holiday.”
“I’ll take care of all the arrangements,” he promised. “But first I want to hear you say something else you love other than our upcoming trip.”
Between the lack of sleep and everything that had just happened, it took me a moment to realize what he was hinting at. “Oh, I guess I should use that particular four-letter word another way now that you’ve said it first, huh?”
His jaw clenched, and he muttered, “Only if you mean it.”
Rigby was such a strong and silent type that it was incredible how vulnerable he let himself be with me. Beaming him a soft smile, I nodded. “Of course, I love you, Rigby. I knew there could be something special between us the moment we met, and that feeling was just reinforced when I thought you weren’t interested anymore.”
“Thank fuck,” he rasped, kissing me again.
I was surprised that he’d been worried I would give him a different answer, but I understood—there was no guarding against love. “I might still be young, but I know you’re the right man for me.”
“Good, baby. Because no other guy will ever get the chance to be with you. You’re mine and only mine.”
I loved the sound of that and couldn’t wait to see what the future held for us.
EPILOGUE
RIGBY
“They already love you, baby,” I assured Cleo as I tucked her hand into the crook of my arm. I guided her up to my parents’ front porch and shot her an encouraging smile as I reached for the doorknob.
I’d managed to talk her into spending Thanksgiving with my family even though we’d been together less than three weeks. In order to change the travel plan to make it for two, we had to travel on Thanksgiving Day, so we arrived just before dinner.
Despite having met my sister and video chatted with my parents a few times—just as I had with her family, including her three brothers who were almost as intimidating as I was—Cleo was still nervous about meeting them in person. Even though my mom had practically broken my eardrum with her scream of delight—a talent Nat had obviously inherited from her—when I told her I was bringing Cleo home.
I hoped she would be more at ease when she discovered my first surprise.
Before I could twist the handle, the door flew open and my mom rushed out and wrapped herself around Cleo. “You’re here!” she squealed happily, hugging her tight.
“Hello to you too, Mom,” I joked.
“You know I’m always happy you’re home, dear,” she answered without taking her eyes off Cleo. “You are even more beautiful in person! Come in! Come in!”
Cleo shot me a look that demanded I save her when my mom began dragging her inside.
“Mom. Think you could tone it down about ten notches?” I groaned. “You’re going to scare her away before I can get my ring on her finger.”
Cleo’s gaze flew back to my face, and I winked at her, but she had no more time to react because her own mother came rushing out of the kitchen.
“Mom?” Cleo gasped as she was engulfed in another hug.
“Rigby thought you’d be more comfortable if we all met for the holiday, so he flew your dad and I up here yesterday.”
Cleo’s eyes filled with tears, and as soon as her mom released her, she threw herself into my arms. “Thank you. That was so thoughtful,” she sniffled.
Fuck. Had I screwed up? I gently grasped her hair and pulled her head out of my chest so I could see her face. “Are you sure you’re okay with this?”
She bobbed her head and smiled, despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. “Happy tears.” Then she blushed and shrugged. “I don’t know why I’m feeling so emotional. Weary from travel, I guess.”
I wasn’t totally convinced, but she stopped crying as I wiped the moisture away, so I tried to let it go. “Paula,” I greeted Cleo’s mother with a one-armed hug. “Where are Rob and my dad?” I had a hunch.