“What’s the first?” I try hard to get my lungs to work.
He lifts a hand and traces the line of my face, which isn’t helping with my breathing problem.
“The first is for me to never see you again. I could date a popular actress, and everyone would forget about any scandal.”
“Oh.” I really don’t like that plan.
He traces my frown. “Want to hear Plan B?”
“Yes, please,” I say against his finger.
“Plan B is to lean in to this. I come back to Snowflake Harbor. I bring Belle with me, and the three of us get photographed doing wholesome family things. Maybe we give a few select interviews. We act like we’re in love. Completely, deeply, hopelessly in love.”
He drags his finger down my neck and to the neckline of my shirt. I close my eyes. I’m concentrating on his words, truly, I am. But I’m having a hard time deciphering them.
“You’re an actor,” I say. “And, you know, I always like to help.”
“The thing is, I don’t have to act.”
My eyes pop open. I push him away slightly, enough that I can breathe. Enough that I can think.
“What are you trying to say?” I whisper, afraid to hope.
“I’m trying to tell you I love you. And I’m doing a damn poor job of it.”
“B-but you left. Belle’s mom threatened to take her. I’ve been so worried. I needed to know what happened, if you had Belle still, if she was safe with you, if the two of you were happy, but I didn’t want to risk someone finding out that I messaged you.”
“She’s staying with me. I have custody. Belle’s mom and I worked out a deal.”
“Oh my God,” I cry and jump at him, engulfing him in a tight hug. My arms can’t reach all the way around him, but I still give it everything I have. “I’m so happy for you—and for her. I’m so happy.” I wipe away my tears.
“I wanted to talk to you. But Claire made our deal contingent on there being no more scandals.”
“But even with the PR company, it’s still going to be a big story if we’re together,” I say. “You can’t risk that.”
“That’s what I thought at first. But then Belle gave me a lecture. You must have rubbed off on her. And I remembered that the only thing Claire likes more than money is society stature and clout.Couturemagazinehas promised to do an interview and photo spread of Claire and her home in England, naming her one of their Top Ten Women to Watch.”
“But she’s not famous, is she?”
“No. But Chase, Sebastian, and I all promised them exclusive interviews and a cover photo shoot with the three of us in exchange for it. And we called in a few other favors.”
“But why would Chase and Sebastian do that?”
“Because they know how much you mean to me. And to Belle. And we need you in our lives. I may not be able to fight my way out of this with my fists. But I have friends I can call on and a lot of capital in Hollywood I’ve never put to use.”
“So Claire is okay with this, even if it causes more publicity?”
“She is. Belle and I need you,” Ronan says, desperation in his voice. “You make everything better. I want to wake up with you every morning and go to bed with you every night. I want to listen to every single one of your proclamations on the wonders of glitter glue, and I want to cut down whatever Charlie Brown tree you choose. And I want Belle to be there with us every step of the way and—Poppy, you have to stop crying now.”
I laugh and sniff and wipe at my cheeks. “I’m trying. I can’t help it. I’m a crier. I cry at dog food commercials and Christmas movies and those baby goat videos. If you love me, you’re going to have to love my tears.”
He kisses first one cheek, then the other, his lips catching the moisture. “I love all of you, even your tears, unless they’re sad tears.”
“These are super-happy tears, big guy. You know why?” I ask.
“Why?”
“Because I love you.”
