Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
At this, I am totally spazzing. “Talon, how’d you read my thoughts?”
The glittery gaze reignites. “Love to say it’s a talent of mine, but you told me.”
“I told you? That’s impossible. Those were my dreams.”
“Apparently, you narrate your dreams in your sleep.”
Mortification washes through me. “That’s never happened before.”
“And you slept like the dead.”
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“Because you need your rest.”
“You snuck out on me in the middle of the night. I’ve been waiting to hear from you for weeks, worried sick. You don’t call or text, instead finding me at my dad’s asleep and don’t wake me up?” My attitude kicks into gear.
“Took one look and all the bullshit of the past twenty days faded away. I needed to hold you, feel you, watch you sleep, knowing I finally have you back. My world settled.”
My heart soars and attitude turns to mush. “That’s strangely romantic.”
“Glad you think so. A few months ago, someone told me they wanted to watch their fiancée sleep, I’d call them a stalker.”
At the term fiancée, I’m right back where this began. This time, he does read my mind, his hand tightening.
“Princess, I told you this was forever. Made it clear we were permanent. I’ve had that ring taunting me for too long. The only thing stopping me was giving you the time for your exam. Leaving you was brutal, but placing that ring around your neck kept me sane. You want a grand proposal, tell me and I’ll make it happen.”
“I don’t need a grand proposal.”
“Then say yes.”
“You didn’t ask me anything.”
“I’ll love you ‘til my last breath. It was always you. But knowing you’re having our baby and more in the future is more than a man like me deserves.”
“That’s not true.”
“Already told you, I’ll give you anything in the world. Give me this one thing. Make me the happiest motherfucker on the planet and say you’ll marry me.”
He holds my eyes, so much swirling between us. The truth crashes in. There is no ‘popping the question’ with a man like Talon Simms.
Traditional went out the window a long time ago.
He’s not asking me to marry him, because with us, it’s always been a given.
My overly-possessive, bossy, obsessive, neanderthal boyfriend has his own brand of romance.
And I love it.
But he isn’t off the hook this easy. Time to play with him.
“Next year, after the baby comes, we’ll set a date.”
That does it. His body locks, his jaw ticking. The love lingering in the air turns frosty as his eyes flame.
“Wasn’t willing to wait a shitload of time before I knew about the baby. Not fucking waiting ‘til he is born. You want to see a madman, even mention it again.”
This is fun.
“Christmas is a beautiful time of year for a wedding.”
He jerks, his teeth grinding. “Six fucking weeks is generous. You worried about getting everything you want, the women can make miracles happen. Ultimately, it’s your decision.”
Even in his irritation, his sincerity has my eyes misting again.
“Everything I want is right here.” I press our hands deeper into my stomach and give him my answer. “We’re getting married. I’m going to be a bluebird.”
“What the hell is a bluebird?”
“It’s a new name I just created for being a cop’s wife. Not sure if I like it.”
He blows out a breath and kisses along my mouth. “I love you.
“Honey, I have something else to tell you.”
“You took your exam this morning.”
“How’d you know?”
He quirks an eyebrow, the playful glint returning.
“That damn tracker on my car has to go!”
“Not a chance.”
“Have you been watching my every move since you left?”
“Didn’t have my phone, Princess,” he reminds me.
“Exactly how long have you been en route home?”
“Too long. Took everything in me not to call.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Protocol is no calls until on US soil. By that time, you were on your way to the testing site. I didn’t want to fuck up your head space.”
“I’ll forgive you this once. But next time, definitely call. Let me worry about my head space.”
He sits calmly… too calmly.
“I can’t believe I told you we’re having a baby in my dreams! And you’re not even fazed.”
He grins mischievously.
My gut turns with suspicion.
Outside of the one test in my purse, all others are hidden far back in a drawer.
No way he’d find them.
The day in Target flashes in my head. Joseph’s accusation… but no one was there.
The huge man appearing around the corner.
The nagging feeling of recognition.
My ankle, the tampons, the pregnancy tests.
It hits me with so much force, I fall out of his lap.
“Declan’s bodyguard! Tender, Trainor, or —”
“Tavers,” he finishes for me.
“I knew he was familiar. Was he following me?”
“Not exactly.” He situates me again on his legs and shares the story from Robbie.
Once again, I find it oddly romantic how he was watching out for me. I remember the other part. “So, you also know about…?”