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“Shh.” He presses a kiss to my forehead, his touch grounding me. “I know it’s a lot. But I meant what I said, Abby.” His voice drops, and I feel the truth in every word. “I’m all in. Wherever you and Jake are… that’s where I want to be.”

My heart swells, and for a moment, I can’t breathe.

“Beck…” I whisper, my voice trembling.

“Come see it.” His smile is warm and full of hope. “I think you’re going to love it. But remember, this is your decision, not mine. I can and will sell it in a heartbeat, whatever you say.”

***

He opens the door, all but carrying me across the doorway.Maybe that will come soon?

Walking through the house feels like stepping into a dream.

The farmhouse style kitchen is bright and open, with enough space for Jake to do his homework on the island while I cook. The sink is almost big enough to put Spotty in – not that I would, and not that he would let me. I’m loving the blue walls and white cabinets that make me happy just looking at them. When Jake opens a door I’m totally in awe – what looked like a large cabinet door opens into a room full of shelves and a laundry. Holy cow!

The living room has a cozy fireplace where I already can picture us gathered around on cold winter nights. The first floor has all the usual rooms but with the addition of a huge office space which will be enough for both of us to share.

Going upstairs I’m just as impressed. There are four bedrooms plus the primary. Now THAT makes me stop and gaze at the big guy next to me. My eyebrows shoot up, and he gets my message. He just shrugs with a looney smirk on his face. Oh yeah, I get his return message loud and clear.And quite frankly I’m all in.

And the one he has already designated as Jake’s room? It’s perfect.

“Mom, look!” Jake’s voice is filled with pure excitement as he races into what he has already figured is his future bedroom. “It’s huge! And there’s space for all my hockey stuff!” Beck tells him that he can paint it any color he wants – Except! he says, the colors of his team’s arch enemy, the Thunderhawks.

I laugh softly, my chest tightening as I watch my son bounce around the room like he’s won the lottery.

But when I turn back to Beck…

My heart nearly stops. He’s watching me. Not the house. Not Jake.

Me.He’s watchingme.

“Beck…” My voice catches, but he’s already moving toward me, closing the distance between us.

“Do you like it?” His voice is soft, but there’s a vulnerability in his eyes that takes my breath away.

“I love it,” I whisper, my throat tightening. “But… you didn’t have to do this.”

“Yes, I did.” Beck’s hands cradle my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek. “Because I’m not going anywhere, Abby. I’m done playing defense when it comes to us.”

My chest tightens, and this time, I can’t hold back the tears. “Beck…”

“I love you.” His voice is steady, full of conviction. “And I love Jake. This… this is where I want to be. Always.” He makes a full circle with his hands and arms raised.

My heart is pounding so hard I swear he can hear it.

“Say something, Abs,” Beck whispers, his forehead resting against mine.

“I love you,” I breathe, my voice trembling. “So much.”

Beck’s lips capture mine in a kiss that steals the air from my lungs and seals a promise that’s been building between us for so long.

After the house we go on a tour of the land and the barn – a real barn! There are stalls for horses. Maybe? Or goats or donkeys. “But no pigs!” I tell the boys who are already talking about what goes where. Or who goes where.

I’m intrigued by the chicken yard with overnight coops for safety. And the garage next to the house for all things boy-toy. I hope I can have a corner for a girlie motorbike.I’m thinking of pink and white peppermint stripes. Oh yeah! That will be a test of Beck’s true devotion. I can see the guys from his team now, unmerciful in their teasing.

Then, some serious contemplation sets in. I feel ready for this step, but I still need to protect Jake. Deep in my heart I know that with Beck, he will not need my protection. That is how sure I am of Mr. Superstar Hayes.

This…