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CHAPTER

FORTY

FORD

Wow . That’s the only thought in my brain.

What do you do when all your dreams come true after a lifetime of pining? Where do we go from here? How will I ever use brain cells again?

My brain is muddy, scrambled, relaxed. Since Amber has been sleeping in my room, I’ve slept better than ever before. I don’t even have to do my usual bedtime routine, trying to will my body to sleep like it’s supposed to. But this is different. It’s like my entire body is in a state of relaxation.

I could get used to this. No wonder all the guys are in such a hurry to get home to their ladies.

Wow.

“What are you thinking about?” Amber is lying beside me. The early morning light streaming in through my bedroom window illuminates the red strands of her hair like flames.

I grab her hand and bring it to my mouth, taking the time to kiss each fingertip and noting the pale pink polish on her nails.

“Ambs, my mind is mush. I’m thinking nothing. I’m just…happy. ”

She smiles, her pretty pink lips separating. “I’m happy too. Really happy.” Amber sighs, scooting closer and burrowing her head into my chest. “You told me earlier that you have strong feelings for me and that mine are probably not as strong.” Her emerald eyes search my face. “Ford, my feelings might be new, but they’re no less strong. I promise you that.”

She pauses, bringing her hand to my chest. “Your feelings for me started when we were young and grew for a long time. They’re sturdy and steadfast…like you.”

I smile, loving the feel of her soft skin and loving even more the way she’s looking at me. The trust and adoration there. “But my feelings are wild and unreserved…like me.”

The love inside my chest seems to swirl and erupt inside me. My stomach flutters wildly, and my skin erupts with heat. Wanting to be closer to her, I move an arm around her waist and draw her into my chest. I pull her forward until she’s completely pressed against me, her arms moving around my neck.

I kiss her neck, remembering the feverish way it made me feel when she kissed me there earlier. I relish the feel of her soft skin against my lips, I savor the sweet taste of her skin, I inhale the hypnotic scent of her, a scent now mingled with my own to make something new. Something exciting and full of hope.

“My wife,” I whisper into her ear.

She hums softly, and I note that the area of skin right under her ear is extra sensitive. I want to explore that spot for a while.

A wail from the baby monitor startles me. I chuckle against Amber’s ear, unable to help it. Honestly, it’s a miracle Nella has slept this late. That we’ve had this precious time together. But I’m also anxious to see Nella, to hold her. To watch Amber in her role as a mother .

Amber laughs too. It’s low and husky and makes me want to ignore the baby monitor…for just a few minutes. But I remove my arm, knowing Nella needs Amber right now more than I do.

“Do you want me to get her?” I ask as Amber slides out of bed.

She grabs the hoodie hanging on the peg by the bathroom door, turning and looking at me over her shoulder. I admire the view, until she winks and tugs the hoodie over her head, covering her body. “That’s okay, I’ll nurse her.”

I watch as she walks out the door, then turn on my back and lace my hands behind my head. As I stare at the vaulted ceiling in my room, the texts from Theo come flooding back, souring my mood a little. I try to push the thought away, but the unanswered questions continue to torment me.

When Amber comes downstairs with a fed and happy Nella, I stride toward her, holding my arms out to take the baby. “I’ll hold her. You go get ready.”

She quirks a brow but hands Nella over. Nella grins the moment she’s in my arms. “She likes me.”

Amber laughs. “I think she likes you better than me. She’s such a traitor.”

I move Nella to one arm and use my free hand to gently push Amber toward the stairs again. “That’s not possible. Now go. Get ready.”

She tries, and fails, to dig her heels into the tile. “What for? What am I supposed to wear?”

I step back, giving her a satisfied smile. “Wear whatever makes you feel good. I’m taking my girls on a date.”

Amber squeals and rushes toward the steps. Halfway up, she pauses and turns back to look at me. “You know, I like you too, almost as much as Nella does.” She rushes the rest of the way upstairs and leaves me grinning like a fool.

While she’s upstairs, I sit on the sofa, holding Nella on my lap in a sitting position. She babbles and blows bubbles with her mouth. “Nella,” I say seriously. “You and I need to have a chat.”

She coos, then grins.

“You see, I never asked your permission to marry your mom.”

Nella splutters.

“So, I’d like your permission to stay married to her. I’d like your stamp of approval, because as much as I’d like you two to be mine forever, I want my girls to choose me too.”

She grins, and I smile back.

“Good. I’m glad we agree on the matter.” I clear my throat. “Now, how do I look?” I glance down at my dark jeans and white polo. Nella burps loudly and my eyes widen. “Wow. That seems harsh. Is it really that bad?”