I tug at my tie, my neck suddenly feeling like there’s a goddamn noose around it. Spinning around, I book it down the hall toward my closet. I need to get out of this suit.
I can’t fucking breathe.
I try calling for her again. “Babe?” I shout.
Fuck.
I’m tearing out of my suit jacket the second I step into my bedroom. I round the corner, step into my closet, and flip the light on.
I stop cold.
Her shit’s here.
All of it. In my closet: clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry. Her dressesare hung next to my suits, and I don’t know where the hell all my other stuff went, but I don’t even care.
A lump builds in my throat, my eyes stinging fast.
Christ.
I close my eyes, drawing in a breath that doesn’t quite reach my lungs, and let it sink in.
She didn’t leave.
And she didn’t just stay. She moved in.
She fucking moved in. After ten years of me asking, she finally said yes.
My next inhale is shakier than the last. “Fuck,” I mutter. I refuse to lose it over this, but I’m exhausted. I haven’t slept. My brain’s been spinning all day, and I just sent myself into a spiral of anxiety.
“Hey,” Jordan says from behind me, her voice soft. “You’re home.”
I turn around, swallowing down the stupid shit lodged in my throat.
There she is. My wife. Looking beautiful as ever. Her hair’s down, wavy and wild, just the way I like it. Leggings. Sports bra. Jacket zipped halfway. And she’s holding a tea from the place around the corner.
I gather my composure and lock my gaze on hers. “Your shit’s in my closet,” I finally say.
“I know.” She smiles faintly, sets down her tea, and walks toward me.
Her hands press against my chest. “Is that okay?” she asks, sliding them up and around my neck. I instinctively grip her hips.
“I kinda like it here,” she whispers, brushing her lips against mine. “Thought I’d stick around a little longer. You know, for the pool.”
A low chuckle rumbles through my chest, and I cock a brow. “For the pool?”
“Company’s pretty good, too.” She presses her mouth to mine, soft and careful. Then she grins. “Heard the guy that owns this place has a real slugger.”
I grin, bringing both hands up to cup her face. “You moved in.”
It’s more of a statement than a question, but I still need her to answer. To confirm it. I need to hear her saythe words.
“I did. I moved in.” Her smile shakes, eyes glistening. “I’m choosing you, Matt.” A tear slips, falling in what feels like slow motion. “I love you. And every day I want to wake up and choose you over and over again.” Her tears come faster now, her lips trembling. “Just like you have with me.”
Fuck.
Me.
My vision blurs. “Babe,” I say. It’s all I can manage.
