Page 47 of Where the Blacktop Ends (Whitewood Creek Farm #1)

It’s been almost two weeks since our trip to North Carolina to visit Troy’s hometown, and things have mostly returned to normal.

Our routine with Liam has resumed. Troy commutes into the city for work most days, while Liam, our new bodyguard, and I explore the Hamptons.

I’ve noticed that Troy makes a point to come home early most evenings—even if he misses dinner—just to kiss Liam goodnight and make love to me before I fall asleep wrapped in his arms.

With the colder weather and the arrival of November, the tourist season is long over.

But as the pressure of the upcoming election looms, I’ve started noticing more tabloid articles focusing on Troy and his personal life.

They speculate about his family in North Carolina, about Liam and Max—and, worst of all, about who he’s dating.

I’ve tried to ignore them like Troy does, but I can’t help the pang of jealousy that hits every time I see multiple outlets suggesting he’s still involved with Minnie. The constant questions about Liam’s paternity don’t help, despite my best efforts to protect him from the public eye.

Even though we haven’t discussed anything official, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m still Troy’s dirty little secret—despite knowing, deep down, that he isn’t seeing any of the other women mentioned in those articles. There wouldn’t be time when he rushes home to see me every night.

“Hi, Georgia! You look beautiful today,” Eleanor greets me as she steps into the kitchen of the beach house.

It’s Friday afternoon, which means she’s here to pick up Liam a few hours early—at Troy’s request. He’s taking me to a new seafood restaurant that just opened in the Hamptons for a date.

Our first official one.

Well, that’s what I’m calling it in my head, anyway.

That’s how I described it to James earlier on the phone.

Troy only called it “dinner,” but I can’t help the flutter of excitement that stirs in my stomach at the thought of us finally being out together.

Not as a nanny and her boss. But as something… more.

Don’t get ahead of yourself.

“Thank you!” I chirp back, spinning in my fitted black dress with long sleeves that flare at the wrists, giving me a sultry, fall-inspired look.

I’ve blown my hair into soft, voluminous waves and painted my lips with a deep maroon lipstick from my favorite little beauty store back in Texas. Total witchy vibes.

“I hope you two have fun tonight. Troy deserves a break from the constant scrutiny he’s been under lately,” Eleanor winks as she turns to leave, carting Liam out to her car.

The rest of the afternoon is spent finishing my outfit with knee-high black boots and my sexiest black lace lingerie, hoping to surprise him later when he inevitably rips it off me.

He rarely gets a glimpse of what I’m wearing underneath, too eager to have me naked but tonight feels different. Special.

With fifteen minutes to spare, I move to tidying up the house—cleaning up toys, tossing a load of Liam’s clothes into the washer, and vacuuming his bedroom—when finally, I hear heavy footsteps entering through the front door.

I step out, ready to greet Troy with my most seductive look, but the voice that reaches me is definitely not his.

“Dad?”

Dad ?

Oh my god. It’s Max.

I freeze. Because what else can I do when I’m about to meet my boss-slash-sort-of-boyfriend’s twenty-two-year-old son for the first time?

It’s way too late to hide since he’s already at the top of the stairs now, his eyes widening as soon as they land on me. I suddenly feel very self-conscious in my too-sexy, too-short dress, witchy boots, and sultry lipstick.

“Holy shit. If I’d known Liam’s new nanny was this hot, I’d have come back sooner,” Max says teasingly, a smirk pulling at his lips.

I burst into laughter and move toward him with my arms outstretched. “And you must be Max. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

Max looks so much like Troy, it’s uncanny.

Twenty years younger, a little shorter, and not quite as built—but still, a near replica.

His jawline is softer, his face untouched by the years and stress that have carved Troy into the man I adore.

But his eyes? A lighter shade of hazel. And his smile— that’s just like his dad’s.

Seeing him in person for the first time feels like looking at a grown-up version of Liam. Three generations of the Marshall men—it’s a beautiful thing to witness.

When Max steps forward and wraps me in a hug, I don’t miss the way he holds on a little longer. A little tighter than he probably should.

“Yep, I’m Max. I guess Dad told you all about the son who left him with a grandson to raise,” he says with a grin.

“He loves spending time with Liam, and he’s happy to do it. Plus, I lucked out. I get to enjoy him too.”

Max smiles, but I notice the slightest bit of sadness lingering behind his eyes.

“You heading out for the night?” he asks, his tone casual.

“Uh, yes…” I respond. I’m not prepared for this conversation. Troy hadn’t mentioned Max was coming home for the weekend, so this is going to surprise him too. I’m not sure how much to say about... us or if there even is an us.

“Damn. Whoever the guy is, he’s lucky as hell,” Max says, shaking his head as his eyes continue to roam over my body. “Where’s my rascal of a son, anyway?”

“Troy—uh, Mr. Marshall—had Eleanor pick him up about an hour ago because he has plans for tonight.”

Max’s brows knit together as he rubs his jawline. “I can’t remember the last time Dad had Friday night plans that didn’t involve politics. I don’t even want to know what he’s doing tonight. Shaking hands, kissing babies... yuck. I have no idea how he does it all.”

I shake my head and chuckle lightly because I know what his dad is doing tonight, and it doesn’t involve shaking hands... “ the only thing I plan on touching tonight is your pussy.”

The front door downstairs opens again, signaling Troy’s arrival, and I instinctively straighten up, my heart racing. I hope he’s not upset that I met his son without him.

“Georgia?” His voice carries up the stairs.

“Up here! With Max !” I call out, trying to sound casual.

“Max?” His surprise is obvious by his tone which makes me feel a little bit better.

Max heads down the steps with me trailing cautiously behind.

“Hey Dad, surprise!” he grins as Troy catches my eye over his shoulder.

“Son, I wasn’t expecting you back this week.” Troy’s surprise melts into a warm smile as he pulls Max in for a hug.

“I hope it’s a good surprise?”

“The best. It’s always great to see you. Any particular reason you’re in town?”

Max shrugs, still smiling. “Saw the announcement about the election and figured you could use some family support, though I’m guessing all my uncles and aunt have that covered.”

Troy raises an eyebrow, studying him. “That’s the only reason?”

“Actually, can I talk to you for a minute? Alone?” Max asks.

“I’ll give you guys some space,” I offer, moving away from the doorway as Troy nods at me. Grateful for the momentary escape, I slip into the kitchen, trying my best not to listen in on their conversation while I wipe down the countertops and light a candle.

I hear Max’s voice soften just slightly. “I miss Liam.”

Troy responds after a pause, his voice soft but firm. “I knew you would.”

“I want to come home.”

“You’re always welcome here, Max. This is still your home.”

“No, Dad. I mean I want to take him home with me.”

“New York?” Troy asks, but there’s something cautious in his tone.

“No. I mean home, home. North Carolina.”

Troy stays silent, so I take the hint and give them some space, slipping out onto the deck that connects to the kitchen.

The cool fall breeze brushes over me, carrying the scent of salt and the distant crash of waves against the shore.

I close my eyes for a moment, letting the sounds of the ocean settle the anxious thrum in my chest.

Time stretches out, each minute feeling longer than the last. Just when I start to wonder if I should go back inside, the soft slide of the glass door breaks the stillness behind me. I turn, and there they are—Troy and Max. Looking so much like each other and happier together.

Max’s grin is wide, easy, and a little too telling. Whatever they talked about in there… it must’ve gone well.

“I should’ve known my dad would be banging the hot nanny. It’s like every cliche ever,” Max says, smirking.

Troy sighs, but I catch the corner of his mouth twitching into a reluctant smile.

I laugh, shaking my head. “It’s a bit unconventional, but here we are.”

Max claps his dad on the shoulder, still grinning as Troy walks towards me, wrapping an arm around my waist protectively.

“I’m happy for you two. I knew something was up when I saw you smiling so much in the recent press conferences.

It’s rare for the king of political grumps to be that happy unless someone’s finally got to him. ”

Troy chuckles. “Alright, alright. I’ll see you in North Carolina next week, son.”

“Yup.”

Troy pulls him into one more hug and then Max turns to me. “It was great meeting you, Georgia. Can’t wait to see you down South when my dad kicks ass and fixes everything he’s been fighting for.”

I smile. “Looking forward to it.”

The moment the door clicks shut, Troy is on me. His hands find my waist, pulling me flush against his body, holding me like he never wants to let go. His lips crash onto mine, stealing the question I was about to ask, replacing it with something far more urgent.

By the time we break apart, I’m breathless, my pulse hammering against his. His eyes are dark, burning with heat, and I know—whatever I was about to say doesn’t matter anymore.

“Everything okay?” I ask softly.

Troy nods, his thumb brushing over my cheek tenderly.

“Yeah. Max is back, and it caught me off guard how relieved I am to have him here. His opinion has always mattered to me. I wouldn’t have gotten into politics without his support.

We grew up together in a way, and even though I’d like to say I wouldn’t care if he didn’t approve of me running for governor, it means a lot knowing he’s here for the election. ”

I nod. “I’m glad I got to meet him I’m looking forward to spending more time with him. He’s coming to North Carolina?”

“He’s moving back to North Carolina, permanently,” Troy says. “He’s done with school. Got a job near Whitewood Creek and wants to be in Liam’s life. It’s good. He’s ready.” His voice is full of fatherly pride.

“That’s incredible,” I say, genuinely happy that Liam will have his dad back.

Troy kisses me again, lingering this time before pulling away. “Now, I’ve got everything I want. My son, my grandson, and you. There’s just one thing missing...”

I tilt my head, confused. “What?”

He takes a deep breath, his expression turning serious.

“The election’s next week, and I’m going to tell the world about us before it happens.

You’re not some secret to me, Georgia. Calling you my girlfriend doesn’t feel right—it sounds too small for what you mean to me.

I’m a grown man. I don’t need to date for a long time before I know what I want, and I’ve known it since that first night we connected after the Hampton’s party.

You’re my future wife if you’ll marry me. ”

I gasp as he pulls out a small velvet box from his pocket. Inside is a massive, glimmering diamond ring set on a delicate rose gold band. My heart nearly stops as I realize what’s happening.

“I love you, Georgia Cameron,” he says, his voice steady. “I know it’s soon. It might not make sense to anyone else, but it does to me. And as long as it does to you too, please say yes to forever with me.”

My mind races. “But... my parents haven’t even met you yet. I’ve only been working for you for two months.”

Troy shakes his head, his gaze locked on mine. “That doesn’t matter to me. What matters is how I feel about you. If you’re not ready, I’ll wait. But I want you to know—you’re everything to me. And I want forever .”

I swallow hard, a rush of emotions colliding—overwhelmed, thrilled, completely blindsided. This is what I wanted—proof that I mean as much to Troy as he means to me—but I never expected this. Not tonight.

But maybe this is what happens when you stop wasting time on boys who can’t make up their minds and finally meet a man—a real man—who knows exactly what he wants and isn’t afraid to claim it.

“Just give me a few days, okay? I need to talk to my parents before the whole world sees me with this... this gigantic, breathtaking ring.” I can’t take my eyes off it.

Troy laughs softly, nodding. “Take all the time you need. But I’m telling the state of North Carolina about you, whether you’re wearing this ring or not. Just tell me what you want me to tell them.”

My heart melts as I realize the weight of his words. This is real. This is forever. And we’re just getting started.