Page 136 of Rival Hearts

“I did it because it was the right thing to do,” I said truthfully. “It’s because of you opening my eyes, but this wasn’t just for you. If I’m going to be a father, then I need to focus on the importantthings, and a part of that is doing what I can to make this world a better place for our children to grow up in.”

Charlotte’s face crumpled again, but this time, she was smiling, and it shifted the constellation of freckles on her cheeks and nose.

“This feels too good to be true.”

“That’s how I felt since the moment I met you,” I said. “But, my sweetheart, something this good has to be real.” I cupped her cheek and leaned forward, looking deep into her eyes. “I love you, and I want forever with you. With you and our baby.”

“I love you, too,” Charlotte whispered.

I closed the distance between us and pressed my lips against hers.

Something coursed through my body, but it wasn’t electric and filled with lust the way it had been before. It was soft and warm and filled with love.

Charlotte wrapped her arms around my neck, and I pulled her closer. She lifted herself off the armchair and climbed onto my lap, and I wrapped my arms around her body, holding her. We kissed, and then she buried her face in my neck. More tears rolled over her cheeks—I felt them against my neck, soaking into my collar.

I didn’t care. I would hold her like this and protect her against the world for the rest of my days. She was my everything, and this… this was the happy ending I realized now I deserved.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“For what?”

“Being amazing.”

“And thank you,” I said.

“For what?”

She pulled back so that I could look at her.

“For fighting for me, too.”

She leaned in and kissed me again, and there wasn’t a happier man in the world than me.

39

CHARLOTTE

Alex’s apartment looked different from the first time I’d seen it. But now that we weren’t fueled with lust and I wasn’t here on a wild one-night stand, I had the time to really look around.

The apartment was fancy, with luxury furnishings, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and views that looked over the entire city. It took my breath away.

“Do you think it will do?” Alex asked.

When I turned to look at him, he looked worried.

“What are you talking about?”

“The apartment,” he said. “For you.”

I blinked at him. “For me?”

“We don’t have to rush anything—you can take your time and let me know when you’re ready—but I want you to move in with me eventually.”

My heart melted. “This place is incredible. I don’t care where we are, Alex, as long as I’m with you.”

“We can stay here, but as soon as the baby arrives, I’d like to find a new place, with a garden, maybe. So we can have a dog, too.”

I laughed. “That sounds perfect.”