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The sincerity in his voice made her heart giddy. This was what had been missing before, genuine appreciation, honesty, connection.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” she teased, straightening his bow tie even though it was already perfect. “Very James Bond but way sexier and chocolate rich chocolate.”

Brooks grinned, his fingers tracing small circles against the small of her back. “What else?”

Taylor had been fighting the urge to jump his bones. This pregnancy was already showing up. It seemed that it was dragging her through the mud until she acknowledged it. Her nausea, fatigue and headacheshad slowed down a bit.

She was happy and ready to coast and enjoy her pregnancy.

Taylor melted into him, her arms sliding around his neck, her body fitting against his perfectly like puzzle pieces. The scent of his cologne, the warmth of his skin, the gentle pressure of his lips against hers it all combined made her thighs shut closed.

When they finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, Taylor rested her forehead against his chest, mindful of her makeup.

“If we keep this up, we’re never going to make it to the gala,” she murmured.

Brooks chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “Would that be such a bad thing?”

“Yes,” she said firmly, though a smile played at her lips. “You’re up for an award, remember? And I want to see you get the recognition you deserve.”

He sighed dramatically, but his eyes danced with amusement. “Fine. Gala first, then I get you all to myself.”

“Deal.” She stepped back, smoothing her dress.

“I need tell you something first. I may be in the doghouse.”

He guided her to sit on the edge of the bed, then took a seat beside her, taking her hands in his. “I went to see your father today.”

Taylor blinked, surprised. “Really?”

“Man to man. I didn’t like how we left it at dinner. I’m a father now and from the second you told me I felt something.”

A knot of anxiety tightened in her stomach. “Brooks, we agreed we’d tell them together. Is he livid?Did he spray you with oil?”

“I know,” he cut in gently. “We will. I needed him to know that I’m serious about you, about our family.”

Taylor searched his face, trying to gauge how the meeting had gone.

Brooks’ thumbs traced circles on the backs of her hands, a soothing gesture. “It was... not as bad as I expected. He wasn’t thrilled and I respect that. But he listened. And by the end, I think we reached an understanding.”

“What kind of understanding?” Taylor asked cautiously.

A slow smile spread across Brooks’ face. “The kind where he called me by my first name and offered me a drink.”

Taylor’s eyes widened.

“And he said congratulations. On the baby, and on...”

“Thank you, baby. You just keep showing up for me in ways I never expected.”

Brooks cupped her face in his hands, his gaze locked on hers.

“I’ll always show up for you, Taylor. Always. Get used to it.”

They stepped outside into the cool evening air, Taylor slipped her hand through his arm and gave it a light squeeze.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“For talking to my dad. For everything. I love you.”