Okay, that is not how this played out in my head.
I thought Eddie wanted me here. I thought he only wanted to send me away to protect me.
Seems I was wrong aboutallof it.
“No?” I echo, happiness seeping out of me like water through a sieve.
He presses my fingers to his lips, a smile softening his face. “I’ll give you a million chances, Kiki. That’s what you do when you’re in love. You don’t give up. You believe in them.” His gaze locks on mine. “I’ve never stopped believing in you.”
Heart, you can resume beating again. He’s not going anywhere.
“So, that’s a yes to us being together, right? Just double checking.”
Eddie laughs, pulling me into a bear hug and sweeping me off the ground. “That’s a yes.”
I swear, it’s magic in his arms, and I could stay here forever… or until Deirdre decides to infringe on our moment.
“Sorry to interrupt,” she says, earning a side-eye from Eddie. “Hey, I’m not trying to kill your vibe but practice is almost over and we’re all going for pizza. Come with us, Kiki.”
I clasp my hands to my chest, warmed by her offer, even if I can’t accept. “That’s really sweet of you, but it’s family time. You three have fun.”
“No way,” Eddie cuts in, grabbing me by the shoulders. “It’s not going to work like that. You want all in, Kiki? Then this is all in.” He jerks his thumb toward Deirdre. “You’re going tohave to deal with my ex, who is a real pain in the ass on occasion but overall a really nice person.”
Deirdre flicks her gaze toward the ceiling for a second. “I can’t really deny that fact.”
I giggle. “Honestly, I’m the same way.”
“She is,” Eddie concurs, before returning his attention to me. “And you’re going to have to deal with Theo, who is cute ninety percent of the time and an ungodly terror the other ten. Then there’s me. Most of the time I’m happy but sometimes I’m a real grump.”
“Are these your selling points?” I tease.
“This is me. Because if you’re all in with me, that’s what it means. But I’m all in if you are.”
Am I okay with his ex and his son as major components of my life? Absolutely.
But there’s more to it than that.
He has no idea how much thinking I’ve done on this subject. Weighed every option—life with him, life in LA without him, life as a nomad in the Sahara. Hey, options are options.
A lot has changed in a year, and I’m not the woman I was then. Now I understand what makes me truly happy. It’s him.
And I know a life with Eddie means relinquishing the dream of having a child of my own. He has his family and he’s good with that setup.
But I’d have Eddie and Theo and Gus. Three terrific guys who adore me.
My life looks totally different than I planned. Different than even a year ago. But why can’t the sequel be better?
Universe, I’m testing that theory.
If he’s willing to take me and my mangled past, then I’ll gladly take on all of his life too, no questions asked.
We’ll figure outthe rest together.
Eddie’s brows arch. “Okay, you’ve been quiet for a little longer than expected. Did I freak you out? Are you ready to tear out of here screaming?”
I shake my head, planting my hands on my hips. “Trust me, I don’t scare that easy. I’m in.”
He tries to bite back the grin, but it wins, as he slides his hands along my face and kisses me for all the world to see. “Then I’m yours.”
