“Or we can live in both homes. I love this house and don’t want you to give up running on the beach.”
He opened his eyes. “Darren, I waited long enough. I don’t want to keep living separately. I hate it every time you leave me.”
I tugged on his bearded chin. “I’m not saying I don’t want us to live together. Why can’t we live in two homes? It’s a forty-minute drive.”
“Without traffic. It’ll take you an hour from here to get to Home Remedies. You’re already tired when you leave work,” hecomplained. “In fact, we can find a home closer to the store, and I’ll take the longer commute.”
I smiled at his thoughtfulness. “We still have months to figure it out, and if Elle knows we plan to live together, she’s going to want to stay home with us and not live on campus. Know she loves her Poppy.”
He beamed. “I wouldn’t mind that at all. We could ride together to UCLA every morning. I love it when she stays here with me. Nothing would make me happier than waking up in the same house with both parts of my heart.”
I kissed his soft lips. “Nothing would make me happier either.”
“Elle called me to tell me she’ll miss practice since she’ll be staying with Carter for a few days. I hate that I still get jealous of their closeness instead of pride that she has always been mature enough to embrace both of us,” he quietly admitted.
“I know, Sweetie,” I cooed, wishing like I often did that I’d been honest with Grey about my pregnancy.
The sounds of the seagulls and the waves crashing against the shore lulled us closer to each other. Grey’s arms tightened around me, and I pressed my head to his chest. I loved hearing his heartbeat. He’d been my calm and respite for so many years. We’d been open and transparent with each other even through the hard conversations.
Grey finally broke the silence. “Still haven’t told me what’s bothering you.”
“Thought we were going out since you asked me to wear this.” I tugged on my rose-pink sweater dress. “If I knew we would be at the house, I would’ve worn leggings over here.”
“I’ll get up in a minute. Won’t take me long to get ready. Already showered.” He tilted his head to see my face. “What’s on your mind if it’s not Ethyn?”
I softly began, “Carter wants to try again. Said he’s changed. Realized that he’d been a fool to let me go because no matter how deeply I felt for you, I still loved him and was willing to give you up for him. He wants to be the husband he should’ve been to me.”
“You owe me a home-cooked meal, preferably you naked in my kitchen while I watch.” He chuckled. “I told you he would try to get you back one day.”
“We made that bet when he and I first separated. It’s been ten years since we’ve been together, and he hadn’t even looked at me like he had any interest until today.” I propped my leg over his. “You’re not remotely worried?”
“Should I be?” His heartbeat didn’t increase as he gazed into my eyes.
“No. But it’s kind of weird that you’re not, especially if you’re jealous of Carter’s relationship with Elle.”
“Move,” he said roughly as he disentangled himself from me.
“Wait. Don’t be mad. I didn’t mean anything.” I tried to hold on to him, but he promptly removed my arms and stood over me.
He jabbed the air with his index finger. “For years, I dealt with knowing you were married and had children with him. I hated how often my stomach and heart burned with regret and loss. Knew that being with you meant he would always be a part of our lives, so I left that jealousy shit behind me. I’m at peace, though you apparently like all that drama and mess. I’m not going back there. If he’s who you want, I’m not stopping you.”
I quickly grabbed his hands and pulled him back to me. “I don’t want him. Just being honest with you.”
“I know.” Grey crinkled his eyes into a smile.
“Were you just playing?” I released his hands in disbelief.
“Yep. You love to see me get mad because it makes you all hot and bothered for me, so I gave you what you wanted.” Grey moved toward the door.
“That’s not funny.” I jumped up.
He took off into the house, laughing and running from me. We were both fully aware I would never catch him unless he wanted me to. We’d played this game countless times over the years like big kids. We ran through his house twice. Grey finally stopped on the other side of his bed. “You give up?”
I bent over, breathing hard. “Yes.”
He climbed into his bed and snatched me into him. I tumbled into him, bumping his head, and we laughed together as I settled on top of him. Grey winced as he touched his forehead. “I don’t know why you’ve never outgrown being clumsy.”
“Shut up.” I moved his hand and kissed the spot he rubbed before I rested my chin on his chest.
