My head nods and I pull my lips in, forming a firm line.
I’ve never been dead set on having kids or not having them. My first line of thought was always to find the woman I love and the rest—whatever that may be—will happen as it’s supposed to. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have fears about becoming a parentand ending up like my father. Despite actively working to be nothing like him.
“And my job—it’s important to me, and your career is important too. We’ve both worked hard. I’d hate for things with us to get in the way of that.”
I take my hand and bring it to her cheek, gently cupping the side as I turn her to face me.
“I love you, Dem. I think you were made for me. Somehow, someway—you and I were meant to find our way to one another. I’m so fucking certain of that. I don’t need to have kids. It’s never been a factor for me one way or another. I love kids, yeah, but I have a niece and some nephews. I’m with kids when I volunteer. I would never lie to you. I would never, ever put myself in a situation where I’d lose you. Becauseyou, Demetria Sanchez, are enough. You are who I want.You.”
She nods, placing her hand over mine resting on her cheek.
“And as far asmycareer?” I scoff playfully. “I won a Super Bowl. And I was named MVP. I hold the Knights record for most rush yards in a season for a quarterback. I’ve made the Pro Bowl, All Pro Team, and player of the week—many times. None of those accomplishments measure up when it’s between you and football. It’s not the most important part of my life anymore.” Her dark eyes soften. “I already told Kat that I’m open to a trade. And Coach Aarons knows it’s a possibility too—although he doesn’t love it.” I chuckle to myself. “But I won’t let you risk your job here. I know you don’t have news on the promotion yet, but I’m betting on you. I’ll bet on you every damn time. But I don’t need to play here. I just need you. If I could, I’d plaster how much I love you on every billboard in this goddamn city.”
“What?” Her eyes widen and her lips stay apart. “You—you love playing in Tampa. This place was your dream, I read it on an interview sheet, Liam.”
My head shakes back and forth as pink and purple colors sneak up in the sky.
“No,” I whisper, bringing my other hand to her face as well. “You are. You’re every dream I’ve ever had come true.”
“Liam.” I feel her knees weaken under her.
“Listen, Dem. I’m just getting the hang of sharing my emotions more openly, but I’ve never felt more sure about anything. I used to think that whatever bullshit I was going through in my head was something I had to ignore. Keep smiling through any pain or darkness. I never really…I don’t know, let myself process any of it. But you made me feel like it was okay to sit in the dark for a minute. To feel what I’m feeling and get through it without letting it swallow me. Like I wasn’t going to drown if I let myself show emotion. You helped me believe I could make it through any rough waters. You showed me how to build a boat.”
“I love you,” she whispers, eyes welling with tears. “I love you,” she says again before bringing her lips up to mine.
It’s sweet and soft. Warm and welcoming.
Home.
“My interview…” she says, shoulders pulled back in that confident way she does. “It’s in two days, then I’ll know within the week if I get it.”
“And once you ace it, we’ll know more about where we stand—publicly. For now, we can still do things on your terms. If we need to stay a secret, my lips are sealed. Ready to hold my hand in public? I’ll grab yours first. I’ve waited for you. God, I’ve waited years for the way you’re looking at me right now. I’ll do anything you ask me to.”
“I want to be with you.” I feel her thumb brush my hand. “Everything else we’ll figure out together. I just know I want to be with you.”
I pull her hand to my lips, brushing her knuckles with a soft kiss.
“Last thing,” she says, and I sling my arm over her shoulder as we walk toward the door.
“What’s that?”
“I know you’re doing something with my rent.” Her eyes narrow my way. “And that stops now.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I pull her closer, planting a kiss on the top of her head and I catch her eyes roll as she sighs with a smile.
A big fucking eye roll. And damn, I love to see it.
“Did we actually lose the last piece? I knew Birdie would eventually get sick of this puzzle all over the table and start swatting her cute orange paws at the pieces.” Demi huffs as she looks under the couch.
We ended up finishing the puzzle over chocolate chip cookies and flan last night. Well, we didn’t exactly finish it since there’s one piece missing.
“How dare you?” I tease. “Birdie is offended.”
“Ugh.” Demi stands, rolling her eyes as she walks down the hall toward my bedroom.
I should probably tell her I see the piece next to the plant by the sliding glass door, although it’s pretty hot seeing her all flustered over a missing puzzle piece.
“I can’t believe we spent all of that time working on this puzzle and we aren’t going to finish it.” She pulls her purse over her shoulder.
