It didn’t take him a week to win over my dad. It took him two days. We didn’t make it back to Crescent Ridge in time for Christmas, but my parents were forgiving. My brothers on the other hand haven’t shut up about winning our bet.
“Did Jodi tell you what we bet?” Jeremy asks Reid.
“The right to name her firstborn child,” James answers without giving Reid a chance to talk.
“I’m thinking your first son is going to be named Earl,” Jeremy says before the pair starts laughing.
They’re almost exactly a year apart but anyone would think they’re twins. They have the same shade of dirty blonde hair and dusty blue eyes. Plus, they love to finish each other’s sentences.
“I think we’ll name him Jeremy,” Reid replies before shooting a wink my way. “To honor your memory.”
“I’m not dead,” my brother mutters.
“Not yet,” I growl. “But if you try to stick any child of mine with that awful name, I’ll kill you myself.”
“Relax, Jodi,” James cuts in. “I’m sure you’ll love little Chadius Maximus the way only a mother could.”
“Boys, don’t tease your sister,” my dad cuts in. “She’ll be pregnant with her second child before either of you boneheads gets a date.”
“Hey!” they shout in unison.
My father slaps Reid on the back before ambling across the living room to park himself in his recliner. My teenage brothers follow at his heels, arguing the entire time.
“I’ve been on a date!”
“So have I!”
“Ready to run?” I ask Reid as he slings his arm around me. Resting my head against his chest, I find it impossible to remain irritated by my brothers.
“And leave you to raise a Roman general as a single mother?” he teases with a grin. “Never.”
“They’re getting a list to pick from,” I mutter into his shoulder.
He squeezes me tightly, until only my toes touch the floor.
“We have an appointment on Tuesday,” he says when he lets go.
My eyebrow raises.
“You know I’m not pregnant right? I’m on birth control.”
He rolls his eyes good naturedly.
“Not a doctor appointment. I made an appointment with a realtor so that we can start looking for our own place. I’ve got some money saved up, and I still have income from the garage I’m part owner of in Chicago.”
My vision starts to blur, and I bite my lip to distract myself from the sting of my tears.
“We don’t have to move out,” Reid rushes to say. “I just thought it would be nice.”
Blinking rapidly to clear my eyes I try not to sniffle. This man couldn’t be any more perfect if he tried.
“I love you,” I tell him.
It’s only been a week, but the length of time doesn’t make the words any less true or heartfelt. He stares down at me, awe and joy warring for dominance in his expression. His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows. When he speaks his voice is thick with emotion.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
He kisses me softly like he’s scared I’ll break if he doesn’t hold back. Reid always tries to be gentle with me, but I never let him. This is no different. Our kiss turns filthy in a heartbeat.
