Page 29 of The Last Thing (Baker Girls #4)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

HALLIE

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were getting a new car,” Wilson grumps from beside me in the passenger seat of my new-to-me Jeep Renegade.

I brought him lunch so we could spend his break together and I could show him the car. We’re parked at a scenic overlook about ten minutes from his job site.

“Why? Would you have insisted on going with me? Being the man ? Because honestly, Patio, I can live without that kind of toxic masculinity.”

He grumbles, and I laugh. It’s always fun to poke his buttons. Especially because eventually it helps get that cranky attitude out so we can make way for the fun.

“Still doing the name thing? I thought we were past that.”

He takes another bite of his sandwich, and it’s cute how he fights showing that he’s enjoying it. When he gets grumpy, he really commits.

“I’m reserving the use of silly names for when you go back to being curmudgeon Deck instead of the man I know you actually are. Now tell me why you’re grumpy.”

“It’s my job to take care of stuff like this,” he growls.

“Do you think I can’t handle it? Trust me, I got a great deal. I know when to bat my lashes and when to give a withering glare. You, of all people, should know I’m anything but a pushover.”

“I know you can handle it. You’re a badass and God help anyone who tries to play you. I’m grumpy because getting you a car is supposed to be my job. I’m your partner. I take care of you.”

I blink at him because I wasn’t expecting that. Not that level, at least.

Running my hand up his thigh, I draw his gaze to me.

“Hey, I appreciate that, but I’m still my own person. Despite how quickly we’ve moved, we haven’t known each other that long. It’s not your job to do all this for me.”

“But I want to. You talk about the man underneath the curmudgeon? This is me. I don’t take care of you because I have to.

I do it because I want to. I like it. That’s how my dad was with my mom, and I always admired that.

The way he loved her was profound, and he made sure she had everything she could ever need or want.

Simply because he liked to do it. For his own peace of mind and to see her smile. I want to do that for you too.”

Ugh, my heart.

Where did this man come from?

How did I end up with him?

As much as I could say it’s because I’m pregnant with his child, I know that’s not the reason. Our connection was instantaneous from the moment we met.

I set my sandwich on the dash and turn in my seat, grabbing his hands.

“You already do all that for me, and I appreciate it more than I could ever say. There have been times in my life where I felt like an afterthought, a little left behind, but you always make me feel like I’m front and center.

Even though you have Sophia to take care of and worry about, my needs are still a priority for you, and while I’m not used to that—and sometimes I’m afraid to get used to it—it means a lot to me.

The way you care for me is big and beautiful.

But this wasn’t yours to do. No matter what’s happening with us, it’s always going to be important to me to maintain my autonomy.

I needed my grandmother’s help, but I still solved the problem on my own, picked a car on my own, and handled it all.

Not because I had to. I wanted to. And I’ll let you wash it, change the oil, and make all the appointments for it if you want to, but I needed it to still be mine. Does that make sense?”

“Yes.” He lets out a rough sigh and runs a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to be a dick. There’s just something about you that makes me a little possessive. It’s like a primal urge to take care of you, and I truly love doing it.”

“That’s part of why you’re an amazing dad. And an amazing partner. But I needed this for me.”

He nods in understanding. “We need to talk about what happens when you have the baby. I barely feel comfortable paying you now, but at that point?—”

“I know.”

“You’ll still have everything you need. I don’t want you to worry about that.”

“I appreciate that. I’m trying to figure out… exactly what I want. No. I know what I want. I’m trying to figure out how to make it work.”

“Tell me.”

“I want to be a stay-at-home mom. I love kids. I love being a caregiver to them, if that makes sense. I’ve even thought about homeschooling, but then I see Sophia off in the world and making strong friendships, and I want our baby to have that chance too.

So I need to figure out the logistics so I can stay home but still make money. ”

A wave of emotion crosses his face, and he squeezes my hand. “I told you I’ll take care of everything. You don’t need to worry about the financial side of things.”

“You’re not made of money. And… even if you were, it’s important to me to have something of my own. Even if it’s not a lot, it needs to be something. I have some ideas—maybe bad ones?—”

“I want to hear them.”

Of course he does.

“Well, obviously, I could take on another child or two for nannying. But I wouldn’t want to do that until this little one is a bit older.

Maybe closer to a year. One thing I thought about was either being a homeschool helper or creating some kind of coursework for it.

I helped two different families do it, and between my degree in early childhood education and the amount of research I’ve done about homeschooling, I know a lot.

I’m not sure if there’s really a market for that though. ”

“I bet there is. I’m sure there are plenty of families out there who don’t know where to start. If you want to do that, you should go for it. As for paying you, let’s plan on me doing that until the baby’s born. Or… whenever I can convince you to move in with me. Whichever comes first.”

“Just throwing that in there, huh?”

It should terrify me, but it doesn’t. My fears have never been about whether things with Wilson are right. They’ve always been about the idea of falling in love and then losing that love and having to survive the crushing pain that comes with it.

He gives me his most charming smile. “What can I say? I’m hoping I can convince you sooner. I like waking up with you in my arms.”

“I like it too.” I let out a little laugh. “We didn’t even know each other three months ago.”

“Three-months-ago me was missing out. I wish I’d have known you then. I wish I’d known you all this time.” He grimaces. “Okay, maybe not all this time. That wouldn’t be a good thing.”

I laugh at the tortured expression on his face. “Aw, does our age difference bother you?”

“Only when I remember that you were fifteen when Sophia was born.”

“I can just tell everyone I was a teen mom, and you robbed the cradle.”

He gives me a warning look. “Yeah, I don’t need people thinking I robbed the cradle like that.” He shudders. “No. I wish I would’ve known you for like a year longer.”

We both laugh.

“I know it’s fast, but I’m happy with where we are. Beyond the first week, I’ve never questioned any of it,” he says, more serious now. “But what about you? How does it feel to you?”

“Right. That’s how it’s always felt. It scares me sometimes, but…

” I laugh lightly, though I’m suddenly feeling more than a little emotional.

“My grandparents were only together for three months when they got married. It truly was love at first sight for them. Falling for someone—building a relationship with them—doesn’t have a timeline.

It’s about what feels right. I’ve never felt anything but at home with you. And Sophia.”

“That’s how I feel too. I say we keep making our own rules.”

“I like that plan.”

“So… moving in?”

I throw my head back, shaking it. “You finally got me to admit I’m yours. Now you want to lock me in the tower so I can’t leave?”

He leans over and kisses my jaw. “No. I want to give you a warm, comfortable space to grow.”

I suck in a sharp inhale, and he moves his lips slowly down my jaw, then lifts them, his breath tickling my lips as he speaks.

“You’re mine, Hellion. And whenever you’re ready, I can’t wait to build a home with you.”

Wrapping my hand around the side of his neck, I pull him to my lips.

Keep your distance. You’ll only end up hurting. Don’t give in.

The little voice in the back of my head is loud.

But my heart as it thumps for Wilson, Sophia, our baby, and the life we’re building together is so much louder.

“How many more houses can we go to?” Sophia bounces in front of us in her adorable little witch costume.

I found orange and black striped leggings, got her a black long-sleeve leotard, a black tulle skirt, and a witch’s hat. We also found an old-style broom at the antique store and last night I put her hair in tight braids while it was wet, leaving it in messy, crimpy waves for tonight.

I’m dressed as a “mummy” that accentuates my tiny baby bump with the gauze wrapped around it. And Wilson is a Frankenstein’s monster type of character. Sophia said she picked it because he’s so good at grunting.

He grunted in response, and the prophecy was fulfilled.

He’s been the opposite of grunty tonight though. He’s been smiling more than a monster should, and the happiness in his eyes is even more than what I normally see. His eyes dance every time he steals a piece of Sophia’s candy. There’s a lightness about him tonight.

“Let’s finish this block, okay?”

Sophia gives him her poutiest face. “But that’s only five more houses.”

“And your candy bag is practically overflowing.”

“But—”

“Besides, if we don’t finish up soon, we won’t be able to go to the Halloween block party.”

“What?” she gasps, and I fight back a laugh. “We get to go?”

“Only if you finish up trick-or-treating.”

“Let’s go!” She charges for the next house, and Wilson wraps his arm around my back.

I lean into his touch, soaking in all the fall Halloween vibes around me. This is my favorite time of year, and getting to experience all the fun stuff through Sophia’s eyes has made it even better.