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I want to savor this.

As I rest my forehead against his, our breaths mingling, I feel the shift inside me.

I’m not running this time.

I’m not hiding.

“I’m ready, Beck,” I whisper, my heart pounding as I finally let the truth settle in. “I’m ready to find out where this can take us, if we are truly meant to be together, to be a family.”

And this time…

I mean it.

Chapter fifteen

Beck

Ican’tstopsmiling.

Ever since Abby kissed me—really kissed me—I’ve been walking around like I just scored a hat trick in Game 7 of the playoffs.

It’s more than the kiss, though.

For the first time, I feel like Abby’s walls are coming down. She’s not running anymore. She’s choosing me.

And Jake? That kid’s already carved out space in my heart.

This… this feels like something real.

So, I’m making the next move.

***

“BBQ at my place this Saturday,” I tell Wes and the rest of the guys after practice. “Casual. Just friends, family… no pressure. And bring whomever you want.”

“BBQ, huh?” Wes raises an eyebrow, his grin widening. “Trying to lock it down with Abby, are we?”

I smirk, not denying it. “Just giving her and Jake more reasons to stick around.”

Wes chuckles, but there’s warmth in his eyes. “Smart move, Hayes.”

“Bring Quinn,” I add casually, watching his expression shift.

The corner of his mouth quirks up.

“You think she’ll say yes?” I nudge Wes.

“Oh, she’ll say yes,” he retorts. Unable to resist needling him I add: “The real question is… can you handle her?”

Wes just laughs, but I see the flicker of anticipation in his eyes.

“Challenge accepted. And you know, Hayes, you’re the only person I know who lives in a penthouse and can still invite people over for a picnic. I guess owning the building is a start.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just don’t make a deal out of it, ok?” I hope his snicker means yes.

***

The week drags by, and Saturday finally arrives. The sun’s dipping lower as I set up the last of the lawn chairs and toss the burgers on the grill. I invited my folks, so Dad’s helping. Jake’s running around the yard, Spotty close on his heels, while Abby’s inside with Mom putting the final touches on the salads.