“I’m sorry about that. I know we have to figure this out. The whole of Laurel Creek thinks we’re together, my parents think we’re together, but now, with my house done, I know we can’t keep this up any longer and I have no idea how we’re going to get out of this …”
I know I’m talking a mile a minute, but with my parents now questioning why I’d keep my house, I know we’ve come to the end of Asher and Iplayinghouse. I just don’t know how I’m going to—
“Liv.” Asher’s calm tone settles me instantly. “I can see your mental gymnastics from here.”
“It’s just …” I take a deep breath. What I’m about to say is gonna make me feel either better or worse. But at least I’ll feel like I’m speaking the truth. Fuck it.
“I haven’t been very honest with you, Asher,” I blurt out, staring out the window as the countryside passes us by in a sea of oranges and reds. Running a hand over my swollen belly, I hope with everything in me this doesn’t make him feel trapped or like I broke our pact. Most of all, I hope it doesn’t make himfeel obligated to agree to something he doesn’t want to. “I’ve been pretending that I’m okay with right now and temporary.”
I turn to face him. “But, Asher, I’m not,” I say softly, my heart thudding in my chest as if my entire future rests on this moment I definitely didn’t plan.
“I know we were supposed to stay friends, co-parents. But—and I think this is entirely your fault because you’ve been so damn incredible—I think …” I look down at my lap. “I know, I’m falling in love with you.”
My voice is a whisper, and the moment the words leave my lips I start to panic. Because Asher is silent, a tic in his jaw, as he turns down his driveway. The mere moments it takes us to park feel endless, until he cuts the engine, turns to face me, and reaches out to cover my hand with his.
“I think there’s something you need to see, Liv.”
He gets out of the truck and comes around to my side.That’s it? I confess my love and there’s no “I’ve been pretending too” or “I feel the same way”?
“Stopspiraling,” he reiterates, kissing my forehead with a chuckle as he opens the door. His big hand swallows mine and I have to remind myself that he’s always been a man of few words as he leads me up the steps to his house. The smell of freshly fallen leaves and wild winter pansies drifts through the crisp fall air as we walk, reminding me of all the nights he’s made me hot apple cider with cinnamon, and the mornings we’ve explored the creek with Duke. All these small moments that have made this house feel like home.
I don’t know how I’m ever going to say goodbye to it.
Once inside, I toe off my sandals as Asher does the same with his boots. My heart flutters in my chest as his knuckles come up to graze my cheek, and then his hands move through my hair to pull the orange scarf from my head before folding it into a blindfold.
“You know I’m not the best at expressing my emotions, Liv.When I was young, I was told it was a sign of weakness. But, for you, I’m learning.” He pauses for a beat before pressing on. “I’m much better at working with my hands when I’m inspired. And I’ve never been more inspired than I have been since you tripped into my life …”
Asher lets out a chuckle and I smile softly as he ties the blindfold securely over my eyes. When he’s sure I can’t see anything, he runs a hand down my arm, sending goosebumps over my body, before peppering a kiss on my cheek.
“Now, come with me, mama,” he whispers, “and watch your step.” I can almost hear the smirk as he leads me to the end of the long hallway where his office is.
I hear the door open. “If you think for one second, Olivia, that I’ve been doing any kind of pretending with you, then you’re wrong.”
Asher places his hand on my lower back as his lips move to under my ear. “All I’ve wanted to do is respect you. I never wanted to push you; I wanted you to wantme.I just never in a million years thought I’d be lucky enough to get to keep you. I always thought there’d be a time when I’d have to give you back, let you go, because I’ve never had anything good …”
His words trail off as the scarf is untied and slips from my face. At the same time, he flicks on the light and my eyes fly open. I’m standing in the doorway, only his office isn’t his office anymore, not really. I swear my heart stops beating at the sight before me.
Asher’s desk has been moved against the wall beside me and, in the center of the room, amid some storage totes and a filing cabinet, sits the most beautiful crib I’ve ever seen. It’s been crafted from natural wood and engraved with intricate sleigh details.
“It’s olive wood. Rare.”
I watch as he moves closer, running a hand along it. I follow suit. The wood is so smooth and the design is breathtakingly beautiful. I can tell how much time, care, and love he must have put into making it. “As rare as someone like you giving me a chance.”
My heart stutters with the raw honesty and, when I lift my gaze, I notice two words laser-cut in cursive hanging above the crib.
little bear
My eyes grow wide. It’s too much. All the emotions this man is making me feel; cared for, safe, wanted.
“A-are you asking me … to stay?” I stutter out.
He grips both sides of my face, stroking my cheek with his thumb and looking deep into my eyes. They’re so intense—vibrant gray—and his pupils are blown wide.
“I’m not justaskingyou to stay, Liv. I’m trying to tell you that living with you, loving you, is the easiest thing I’ve ever done.” He bends down and presses his lips to mine. “I’m fuckingbeggingyou to stay.”
My entire body tenses. The words are so unexpected, so raw, that I feel them everywhere.
“Say it again,” I whisper, tears spilling over my cheeks as I close my eyes.
