Page 120 of Nothing to This

“Happy birthday, baby.”He leaned closer.“You thought I forgot, didn’t you?”

“No, I didn’t think you forgot.You don’t remember something inconsequential for six years and then forget it when it becomes consequential.My birthday's just… not a big deal.”

“Me and the kids are going to make a big deal of it today.I’ve decided to give you exactly what you want.The only thing on your wish list.”When she crooked a brow, he opened his arms.“Me.”

“You’re my birthday present?”

He nuzzled closer.“Want to unwrap me?”

“Maybe later.Let’s get back to, you bought two apartments?”

“For you.For us.”

“How did you know I would…?What if I said I didn’t want us to be together?”

“That’s not the way my mind operates, Siren.If you said that to me, I’d have bigger problems than real estate.”He laid both hands on either side of her neck.“You want equal parenting.Want me at home with them at least as much as you are.”She nodded.“I want to get married.I really, truly do.Soon.”

“JD,” she said, pushing his arms.

He strengthened his hold.“I love you, Rylee.I love our kids, our life, and all that lies ahead of us.Sign your name with mine.Let this be forever.”

The pleading in his eyes begged her to yield.If it was important to him, and she aspired to it anyway, why should she fight it?

She sighed.“I knew you were trying to pick me up.”

His laugh was just so full of joy that she couldn’t resist reciprocating.Whatever he wanted, he’d get.Maybe she wouldn’t be perfect, but she’d make this man happy in every way she could.

“Of course I’m trying to pick you up.”He kissed her quick.“How am I doing so far?”

Looping her arms around his neck, her body sank against his.“Chaos theory, here we come.”

Forever and always, their chaos would be their bliss.

TO BE CONTINUED…