Page 174 of My Real Love Affair

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. She was laying it all out there, completely vulnerable, asking me for something that terrified her to ask for. Every time I saw a new side of Melody, I liked her more. Exceptlikewas too weak a word for what I felt. It had been too weak for a while now.

“I hear you,” I said. “And I respect the hell out of you for saying that. For being clear about what you need.”

“But?” she whispered.

“No but.” I met her eyes. “I went to my brother Isaac’s house for dinner last night. His kid, Conrad, wouldn’t leave me alone the entire time. He followed me around like a puppy and tried to show me every toy he owned. Kept climbing on me.”

A small smile appeared on Melody’s face. “That sounds sweet.”

“It was annoying as hell at first,” I admitted. “But then… I don’t know. I started playing along. Sneaking him food. Making him laugh. And watching my brothers with their kids? They were exhausted and overwhelmed, but they also looked happy. Really fucking happy.”

I ran my hand through my hair. “I’ve never thought about having kids because I never thought I’d want to settle down. Never thought anyone would make me want to change my entire life. But then you happened.”

Melody’s eyes were swimming now, tears threatening to spill over.

“I’m not saying I’m ready to be a dad tomorrow,” I continued. “I’m not saying I have it all figured out. But what Iamsaying is that when I picture my future now, you’re in it. And if kids arepart of your future, then they’re part of mine too. I want to figure it out with you.”

A tear slipped down her cheek. “You mean that?”

“I’ve never meant anything more in my life.”

She wrapped her arms around my neck, her face buried against my shoulder.

“I missed you,” she whispered.

“I missed you too.” I held her tight. “These past few days have been hell. I’m sorry I didn’t handle that conversation better.”

She pulled back to look at me. “No. You were honest. That’s what I need. I just needed time to process it.”

“And?”

“And I realize that life is uncertain,” Melody said. “There are no guarantees with anyone. But I’d rather be uncertain with you than certain with anyone else.”

I cupped her face in my hands, my thumb brushing away another tear. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

She laughed. “You’re not so bad yourself, Bancroft.”

“Baby girl, I have to tell you something.”

“What?” Her eyes locked onto mine.

“I’ll always wait for you. However long you need. Whatever you need to figure out. I’m not going anywhere.”

Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks, but she was smiling. “How did I get so lucky?” She kissed me. “I’m sorry I went MIA on you.”

“It’s okay. You needed space. I get it.”

“It’s not okay. I should have at least texted you. Let you know I was thinking about you.”

I raised an eyebrow, grinning. “Were you? Thinking about me?”

“Constantly,” she admitted. “Couldn’t get you out of my head. Cleo was ready to murder me because I was so distracted.”

I grinned. “Good. I like being in your head.”

“Where else would you like to be?” she asked, and there was a new heat in her eyes.

“Anywhere you’ll have me.”