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CHAPTER

FORTY-ONE

AMBER

Ford Remington marrying me to save me from extreme medical debt was heroic. And having him kiss me was hypnotic. But having him ask my daughter’s permission to stay married to me forever? That was just the cutest thing I’ve ever heard in my life.

Standing at the top of the steps to eavesdrop on their conversation was probably a little shady of me, but it was too adorable for me to step away.

I glance in the floor length mirror of Ford’s closet and do a spin. I braided my hair back in a Dutch braid and pulled out a few strands around my face. I threw on some mascara as well, then donned my prettiest sweater—pink with white daises—and a pair of wide-leg boyfriend jeans. Deciding I look pretty cute but probably not as hot as Ford, I waltz back downstairs, excited for this date.

When I’m downstairs, Ford has Nella secured in her infant car seat and is being meticulous with packing the diaper bag. I can practically see the internal script he’s running. Diapers, check. Wipes, check. Bottles, check.

I clear my throat, and he glances up. His eyes widen and trail down my body, a slow perusal. He swallows. “You’re beautiful.”

Feeling suddenly shy, and unused to my best friend complimenting my looks so freely, I offer a quiet, “Thank you.”

“You ready to go?”

“Yeah, but can you please drive?”

He rolls his eyes. “Still paranoid you can’t park the truck?”

“I know I can’t park the truck. From real-life experience.”

Ford blows out an annoyed breath. “I got you the truck because it has?—”

“Amazing safety ratings.” I finish his sentence.

He laughs, then pauses like he’s thinking. “Now we’re finishing each other’s sandwiches?” The joke comes out of his mouth awkwardly, as if he’s unsure I’d think it was funny.

And a week ago, I might not have understood it, but Farrah made me watch Frozen with her a few days ago. Apparently, she and Felicity are obsessed with it.

“That’s what I was gonna say,” I sing it, just like Princess Anna does in the movie.

Ford chuckles, grabbing the car seat and the truck keys. I rush forward and take the diaper bag before he can load himself up like a pack mule. His big muscles are rather useful, but there’s a lot of other fun ways I’d rather put them to use.

“Farrah made you watch Frozen , didn’t she?”

“Yep.”

Once we’re in the car and on our way to wherever Ford is taking us, he reaches across the center console and places a hand on my thigh. It’s comforting and intimate in a different way than holding my hand or kissing me. I love it. And it makes me wish this truck wasn’t so large so I could sit closer to him. He has his glasses on, and I stare unabashedly, admiring his profile.

Nella babbles happily in the backseat, I glance in the small mirror secured above her rear-facing car seat and smile at her adorable face.

“So, where are you taking us for this spontaneous date?”

His hand tightens on the steering wheel. Knowing him, he’s probably itching to tell me since he hates keeping secrets. “We’re going to lunch at a café West told me about.” He looks over at me and smiles. “Then, I thought we could pick out some real furniture for Nella’s room. She’s growing. I’d like her to have a dresser, some wall art, and maybe a rocking chair.”

I laugh. “That’s very thoughtful of you, but you really don’t have to spend your money on that.”

Abruptly, Ford slows the truck, turning on the blinker and pulling into a random parking lot. He stops the truck and puts it in park before turning his big body to look at me. Being the focus of all this man’s attention is new and thrilling, but this look isn’t a heated, sexy one. No, I said something to upset him, maybe even anger him.

“Amber,” he starts. It’s not a good sign he used my full name instead of Ambs. “You need to understand something.”

He pauses, and I nod. “What’s happening between us, not the fake marriage stuff, but the real stuff. It means something to me. I take this seriously. It’s my honor to take care of you both—it’s a privilege. And I plan to take care of you very, very well. For as long as you’ll let me.”

Okay, forget that I said the way he was looking at me wasn’t heated or sexy. Everything he just said is very hot. Probably the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.

“I understand,” I tell him, unbuckling my seatbelt so I can lean across the console and place my hands on his square jaw. A jaw that’s been tense for too long—for a lifetime. And if he’s going to take care of me, I’m going to take care of him too. Starting with getting that gorgeous jaw to relax as much as possible. “I take this seriously too. What’s happening between us—it feels like a dream. You feel like a dream.”

He leans in and kisses me. “Well, I’m real. And I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good.”

He pulls back, leveling me with a stern look through his dark-rimmed glasses. “Now put your seatbelt back on.”

“Yes, sir.” I mock-salute him.

When he pulls back onto the road, busy with D.C. lunch-hour traffic, he’s wearing a smug smile on his face. But as long as that jaw is relaxed, I’ll allow it.

Twenty minutes into the drive, my phone rings. It’s not a number I recognize, but Ford tips his chin, like he’s telling me to answer it, so I do.

“Um, hello?”

“Amber! This is Peter from Luxurious Lather. How are you girl? And how’s that hunk you’re married to?”

I chuckle. “Hey, Peter. He’s great, actually. Sitting here right next to me.”

“Wonderful. Well, I’m calling to let you know I’m the new manager here at the salon—about time they promoted me.” I can hear the sarcasm in his voice, and picture him winking as he says the words. “And we have an open booth for you, if you’re still interested.”

I hold in the excited squeak that wants to come out of me. Instead, I widen my eyes at the man next to me and mouth the words, I got a job.

Ford’s mouth widens into a handsome grin, and he gives me a thumbs up.

“That’s great news! I’d still love to work there.”

“Fabulous!” Peter says, and I hear the salon door jingle in the background. “Well, babe, I gotta go, my twelve o’clock is here. Why don’t you stop by later and we can talk more? ”

“That sounds perfect! Thank you so much.” I hang up the phone and finally let out the scream I’ve been holding in. “That was Peter from the salon! He said there’s a booth for me to rent. Maybe I can start as soon as Farrah comes back to nanny!”

“Congratulations. You deserve it.” Ford smiles, and it warms my heart. “Oddly enough, the lunch place we’re going to is right by the salon. So, this works out perfectly.”

“No way! Everything is falling into place.” I sink into my seat with a happy sigh.