Page 167 of Scandalous Contract

“My daughter is happy,” I said, setting the glass down and looking toward the house to make sure India wasn’t coming out. “I’m happy. And...” I took a breath and faced Ronnie before exhaling. “I’m in love.”

His brows lifted. “Hold up.In love? Not lust, but love?”

I nodded.

“That’s why you’re glowing?” he asked, leaning in like I’d just confirmed a juicy secret.

I blushed, heat crawling up my neck. “Keep your voice down before India comes outside asking questions I’m not ready to answer.”

Ronnie laughed loudly and shamelessly. “You’re in love,” he whispered, clapping his hands together. “Goddamn, it’s about time! You look so fucking adorable in love, Stef. And now you’re blushing. This is the fucking cutest I’ve ever seen you.”

I tried to frown at him, but it wouldn’t stick. “Shut up,” I laughed.

“No, I’m serious,” he said, tone suddenly softer. “You look relaxed. Unbothered. Like the weight you’ve been carrying finally got lifted off those shoulders.”

I looked down at my lap, twisting the fabric of my wrap between my fingers.

“He’s... good to me. Julian is,” I whispered.

“Good, how?”

“I feel seen when I’m with him. And not just because I’ve got big boobs and a big ass. But he sees me. He knows what I need before I even think to say it. He’s the kind of man who notices things. Small things. And he doesn’t just notice them and keep it moving. He notices them and does something about them. He’s a man of action. His love is active. It’s not just flowery words. He makes me feel safe. He puts me first, not just in bed, but in everything. His first thought is always me.”

Ronnie’s hand reached over, settled on mine with a warm squeeze. “That’s exactly what you needed. What youdeserve.”

I looked over at him, my eyes stinging just a little. “I didn’t think I’d ever get to feel this way about anyone. To be honest, I thought Archie had broken me, not just my heart. But me.”

Ronnie shook his head, tears shimmering in his eyes. “He didn’t break you. That’s why he left, because he couldn’t break you. You’ve always shone bright and given your best. And he didn’t change that. You’re not broken, just bent, like the singer Pink says.”

“I love that song,” I said with a teary chuckle.

“But seriously,” Ronnie continued. “Sometimes the right one doesn’t show up when we want him, but when we’re ready for him. Maybe you’re ready.”

I held onto that for a second, the words soaking in like sun on my skin.

“Thanks, Ronnie,” I murmured, squeezing his hand again.

He grinned. “I’m happy for you, Stef. Really happy.”

I replayed Ronnie’s words in my head.Sometimes love didn’t come when you wanted it, but when you were ready.I was finally ready. I closed my eyes, letting the sun kiss my skin, and for once in my life, I didn’t worry about what came next.

Because tomorrow, I’d be back in Julian’s arms, finally ready to say what my heart had been screaming for weeks. I glanced back over at Ronnie and found him watching me, one brow arched beneath those ridiculously oversized sunglasses. He didn’t say anything, just sipped his sweet tea and waited.

“I’m going to tell her today,” I said, voice low, like India might hear me through the glass patio door. “About me and Julian.”

“I was waiting for you to say that.” He whistled under his breath and sat up straighter. “About damn time.”

My fingers plucked at the edge of my floral wrap. “How do you think she’ll take it?”

Ronnie shrugged. “Depends on how you tell her.”

My brows drew together. “You think she’ll be mad?”

“I think she’s sensitive, like her mother,” he said. “And she’s going to be evenmoresensitive when she finds out you’re with her roommate’s brother.”

I groaned and leaned my head back against the lounge chair. “Shit.”

“But,” Ronnie added, nudging my ankle with his foot. “If you explain how he makes you feel and how he cherishes you... that might help.”