Total pages in book: 45
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 43198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 216(@200wpm)___ 173(@250wpm)___ 144(@300wpm)
He pulls his phone from his pocket and hands it to me. I see a text from Mike, and when I open it, I see a smiling Eli painting a picture. I look at the drawing, and I gasp when I see it’s him standing hand in hand between Miller and me. I know when this is over, this is going to devastate Eli. He loves Miller so much.
I hold the phone up and show Miller. “He’s painting a picture of us.” I give him back his phone and then hold my left hand up. “You can probably take this back.”
I’m about to remove the ring when he grabs my hand, threads our fingers together, and lays it on the console between us. “Keep it. It’s yours.”
“Miller. I can’t keep this. It’s yours.”
He shrugs. “You can keep it. I bought it for you.”
“It’s expensive, Miller. You’ve already done too much, I can’t—”
“We can get you another one if you would feel more comfortable wearing something less expensive.”
I freeze. “Miller Brody. How much did you pay for this ring?”
“Does it matter?”
My eyes bug out. “What if I lose it? What if—?”
He cuts me off. “It’s insured.”
I hold my hand out. The diamond is huge. “Miller, you could have bought me a fake ring, and I would have been just as happy.”
He nods and lifts my hand, kissing my finger. “I know. That’s why I bought you the real one.”
Tense, I look at our entwined fingers. Somehow, someway, I’m going to have to prove to him that I’m not just using him. I was desperate when I called him, but I’m going to need to show him that this is more than just what I need from him. I don’t dare to hope he really wants a future with me, but for now, I let myself lean into the protection, the safety, and the comfort he offers.
CHAPTER 20
MILLER
It’s been six days since the extension of the restraining order. Six days that Lindsey has been cooped up in this house and is going out of her mind. Afraid she might try to escape, I set this up, but maybe I should have talked to her about it first. I’m about to let her in on it when the doorbell rings. Shit. I’m out of time.
Eli, who is also in on it, is practically vibrating next to me. “Is that them? Are they here?”
Lindsey looks between us. “Is who here?”
The bell rings again. If there’s one thing my family isn’t, it’s patient. I give an apologetic look to Lindsey. “Remember how you were talking about missing taking photos, and there’s only so many pictures you can take of the flower garden?”
She eyes me suspiciously.
“Well, get ready because everyone, including my mom and dad, are here for photos.”
She stands up. “Your parents are here? I’m meeting your parents looking like this?”
She is plucking at her T-shirt and jean shorts, and to me she looks beautiful.
But she squeals and takes off running to the stairs. Eli and I look at each other and shrug.
I walk to the front door, and sure enough, everyone showed up. Even Penn was able to make it.
They’re all dressed casually, and they slap hands or hug me as they walk in. My mom stops in front of me. “Where is he?”
I’m surprised because when I look down, I see that Eli is hiding behind me. I pull him out and go on one knee. “Hey buddy, I want you to meet some people. Eli, this is my mom and dad.”
My mom can barely contain herself. “But you can call me Gran.”
I admonish her. I don’t think we should do nicknames until we talk to Lindsey, and I’m already pretty sure I’m in trouble for springing this on her.
“Gran?” Eli asks.
My mom nods. “You can call me whatever you want.”
My dad chimes in and puts his hand out to Eli. “And I’m Pops.”
Eli shakes my dad’s hand and then immediately returns his hand to mine.
My mom practically melts watching me with Eli, and she pulls out a big purse. “Miller told us you liked baseball, so I brought some baseball cards we can open, and I brought a wiffle ball and bat in case you wanted to get a game of wiffle ball later.”
Eli eyes widen. “Yes!” he says, pumping his hand in the air.
I’m closing the door when the bell rings again.
I open it and find the caterers. I let them in and tell them to set up. I knew Lindsey would stress about feeding everyone, so I thought I’d get some BBQ and make this easy.
Leaving Eli with my mom and dad, I wait at the bottom of the stairs for Lindsey to join me. She returns in a long skirt, T-shirt, and makeup. I hold my hand out to her, and she puts her hand in mine. “You’re beautiful. Of course, you’re always beautiful.”