“I think it will take Scott as many years to forgive me as there is an age difference between me and Billie,” I quietly muse.
He lifts a single shoulder, releasing my hand as he moves toward his door. “You don’t seem like the kind of guy to let that deter you.”
As he twists the handle and I step over the threshold, I turn back to him, never more determined to make Billie and Blake my future.
“By this time next season, when we’re sitting inside this office and discussing the announcement of my imminent retirement, Billie Quinn will be my wife.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
One Week Later
BILLIE
Idon’t think I’ll ever be over the sight of Emmett with Blake strapped to his chest in a baby sling. Or the way she gazes up at him like he holds the moon and stars in his addictive gray eyes.
Approaching Luna Park in Coney Island on a bright spring day, Emmett reaches out for my hand as we walk along Riegelmann Boardwalk and into the main park itself.
He wiggles his fingers when I hesitate for a second.
“We don’t have to hide anymore, Mama. Not now that the news is out.”
He stops alongside me when I grind to an abrupt halt, eyes still focused on his outstretched hand.
“Aren’t you worried about people taking photos and posting them to social media? Those close to us might know, but we haven’t gone public yet.”
He fixes the pink band around Blake’s head, making sure the bow is at the exact angle I like. True to form, the second our week of “distance” was up, Emmett was sliding into my text messages, asking when he could see me and Blake. The playoffs scheduleis insane, and the Blades are going deep into the finals, which only allowed for us to do something this afternoon.
When I told Emmett that I needed time, I didn’t know where I would find answers about what to do next. Whether they came from a conversation with Mom or Dad, I wasn’t sure, but since neither of them is ready to talk yet, I spent a lot of the week taking local walks with Blake and going over everything with Collins, Darcy, Kendra, and the rest of the girls.
Felicity advised me tosit in my feelingsa while longer, and the others agreed.
Initially, I thought that was crazy thinking because how can doing nothing lead you forward? Turned out, it was the best advice I could ever receive. As the murky waters from last week’s storm settled, the way I missed Emmett confirmed that regardless of what other people might think, I’m falling in love with the man standing in front of me, and so is my daughter.
Blake needs him as much as I want him, and walking away to keep my parents happy would only break their daughter in return.
I’m still waiting for a chance to speak with Mom since I think she will come around before Dad, although the painful truth is, they might never be able to accept our relationship.
Turning to face me fully, Emmett takes both of my hands in his. I know we’re being watched by onlookers—my boyfriend’s face is famous in Brooklyn.
“How much longer do I need to go without claiming you as mine in front of everyone?”
His brows knit together, and I rise onto my tiptoes, still not close enough to his lips.
“Not much longer,” I softly whisper.
With a grin, Emmett leans down a little further, Blake sandwiched between the both of us. His attention drops to my mouth, and I smooth my tongue across my bottom lip, memories of how good he tastes urging me to kiss him for the first time in days.
He closes his eyes, savoring our close proximity as the wind whips my hair around us.
“I know there’s still so much we need to talk about,” he breathes. “But for now, I’ll take you and Blake being here with me as the win I desperately needed.” He casts his eyes around the park, glasses rising slightly on his nose when he grins. “I hope you didn’t mind me bringing you here. I thought we could spend a couple of hours on the rides and then eat on the beach. I have a blanket and picnic basket in my trunk.”
He casts his gaze down my body. The black ankle boots, skinny blue jeans, and green sweater I’m wearing were a practical and safe choice when Emmett only gave me a single clue that we’d be outdoors today. Although the heat burning in his eyes tells me he appreciates the simple outfit way more than I predicted.
I reach up and smooth a hand down his black jacket. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Mr. Richards. And, no, I don’t mind at all; a fun afternoon sounds perfect.”
His grin grows even bigger, morphing into something more childlike. “I think Blake wants to try out the carousel first. Right, B?” He directs his question straight at my daughter, and I struggle to stay upright at the loving way she glows in response.
Leading us toward the carousel, Emmett brings my knuckles to his mouth as we walk, kissing across each one in turn. “Can I ask you for a favor?”
