Page 27 of Love’s Patient Journey (The Relinquished #2)

Two Years Later

“ R yan, I can’t see anything. I feel so helpless. Where are we?” Jenna was reaching around, trying to get a clue as to where she was. “We have to get back to the kids. My parents are going out with friends tonight.”

Ryan chuckled, “I’ve got everything covered, baby. You just need to trust me.”

“Well, you know I trust you. I’m just scared that you are planning something crazy, and I want to prepare myself.” Jenna stopped when she ran into something soft and plush. “It smells like fresh paint—where are we?” Ryan removed her blindfold, and Jenna blinked against the sudden flood of light.

They were in a large room, probably someone’s family room.

The furniture looked new. Everything was warm and decorated beautifully.

The big windows that covered most of the wall looked out onto a gorgeous pond, with the sun setting behind it.

It was breathtaking. The light grey colors on the wall and muted furnishings made it feel like something out of a magazine.

The fireplace had a roaring fire, large enough for all three of her kids to toast marshmallows.

Jenna mentally cringed at the thought of thirty little sticky fingers, covered in marshmallow.

Ryan chuckled, “What was that face for? You don’t like the house, do you?” He seemed nervous and even disappointed when he thought that she might not like the house, but why?

“Ry, whose house is this? Why are we here?” Well, Ryan pulled her down into the comfy grey sofa, pushing some of the decorative throw pillows to the floor, and he lay down and pulled her down against him.

“Ryan,” Jenna gasped, we can’t lie like this on someone else’s furniture—it’s rude.” She tried to sit up, but Ryan pulled her into his hard body, kissing her while rolling her under him.

“You’re right, baby, I am feeling pretty rude right now. But it doesn’t matter, since this is our place and our furniture.” Ryan ducked in for another kiss, but Jenna covered her mouth with her hands.

“Kiss me, honey,” Ryan teased, but Jenna only shook her head. He laughed so hard; he almost fell off the sofa. Jenna took advantage of him being distracted and pushed him off her body. She stood and turned around the spacious room, taking it all in.

“How?” She looked at her husband, who was still laughing on the floor. “Ryan, seriously, try to pay attention. How did we buy this house?”

“Um, with money?” Ryan stood and pulled her back into his body.

“See, we need more space, honey. Paisley and Parker are both going to be two in a few months, and Zac is going to be starting kindergarten next fall. It’s time to move into a bigger house with a bigger yard,” he cupped her belly, “I’m guessing we are going to need more bedrooms.” Ryan grinned down at his wife.

Jenna crossed her arms across her chest, “How did you know? I just found out tonight and was going to tell you at dinner.”

“Oh, princess, we have been together for almost three years now, and I know everything about you. I think that I know how you act when you’re pregnant. I know about your morning sickness.” Ryan kissed her head, pulling her into his arms.

“I thought we were going to discuss your plans before you act on them,” Jenna chided. Ryan grimaced and bent for another kiss, causing Jenna to back away and cover her mouth again.

“Oh no, mister,” she said behind her hands, “I’ve learned not to let you distract me every time you want to avoid an argument.

You’re out of luck if you think I am going to back down and just let you—” Ryan had Jenna in his arms so fast, pulling her hands down behind her back, holding them in place.

“Honey, I haven’t even started trying to distract you.” Ryan kissed her, rubbing his erection on her belly. “I have lots of ideas on how to distract you, baby.” Jenna melted into his arms and gave in to him. She was always so pliant after a good distraction tactic.

“Are you okay with another baby?” Jenna panted her question as Ryan stroked his tongue into her mouth.

Ryan stilled, looking into Jenna’s eyes, “Honey, I’m thrilled about another baby, or two.”

Jenna slapped at Ryan’s arm, “Don’t say that! One set of twins is enough!”

“Well, no matter how many more babies we have, one thing’s for sure—we need more room. So, do you like the house?”

“Ryan,” she swirled around, “I love it! Can I see the rest?”

“Sure, honey, as long as we can end the tour in the master bedroom, I’ll gladly show you around.” Ryan winked and patted her ass, taking her hand to lead her into the kitchen.

The house was everything Jenna dreamed of for their home together, and more.

Ryan had enlisted Karlie’s help to furnish most of the house.

Karlie had a friend, April, who was an interior designer, and together, they did an amazing job!

Jenna made a mental note to send Karlie and April a big bouquet to say, “thank you” for making her house look so beautiful.

She could never have done the job that they did, especially dealing with twins and Zac and being pregnant again.

The kitchen was a gourmet cook’s dream, with white cabinets and dark granite countertops. She had more cabinets than she could ever fill. She was excited to move the rest of their things over so they could begin their lives in this new home.

“My favorite part is the backyard, let me show you the patio and playset for the kids,” Ryan pulled her to the back door.

He practically shoved her out to find all their friends and family out on the covered patio, shouting, “Surprise!” Jenna squealed and ran to her sister, both of them jumping up and down like teenage girls.

“I love it,” Jenna cried to Karlie.

“I knew you would! Welcome home, guys,” Karlie hugged her sister and Ryan.

Jenna couldn’t believe that Ryan pulled the entire surprise off without her even knowing.

Sure, she’d been distracted, but this was a huge deal.

As she walked around the party, hugging all the people who mattered most to her, she looked across the yard to where her husband was pushing their babies on the new play system he had built for them.

She couldn’t believe how perfect her life had turned out.

She waited a long time for Ryan Jackson to notice her since she was a skinny, bossy, thirteen-year-old girl.

Even then, she knew what she wanted—Ryan, and now, years later, her patience paid off.

The End

Here’s a sneak peak at book three of the Relinquished Series! Love’s Design is coming soon!