Page 29 of Clean Sweep
"Mm?"
"My brother is an idiot if he doesn't marry you."
I laughed; tension I hadn't realized I was carrying easing from my shoulders.
***
The rest of the week was a flurry of activity as we wrapped up filming. In between takes, Erik had done his best to manage his business, meet our filming requirements, and juggle his daddy responsibilities.
I found myself falling more in love with the man who seemed bound and determined not to let anyone down.
Love.
That was a word that hadn't passed through either of our lips yet. But it hovered on the tip of my tongue like a secret waiting to be shared.
Maybe today.
I'd woken up early, finding the house strangely quiet. Yesterday had been our final day of filming. After I'd returned home to pack up my life, I'd be returning in a few weeks for the recap and to move in with Erik.
A terrifying thought.
I couldn't wait.
I'd slipped out of the bedroom, leaving Erik passed out on the bed. He'd immediately shifted, pulling my pillow into him and burrowing deep. The man was a shameless snuggler.
I took a cup of coffee out to the jetty, dangling my feet over the side of the dock, sipping coffee as I watched the rising sun twinkle across the water.
"Last day today," Erik remarked, settling down beside me some time later. He handed me a fresh cup of coffee; a donut balanced on the lid.
I grinned, taking a bite.
He placed his own cup and donut beside him, pulling the baby monitor from his sweat pants pocket and setting it down behind us.
We sat in companionable silence, enjoying the morning light.
"Once upon a time," Erik said. "I dreamed of something like this. Kids in bed, sleeping peacefully. Sharing an early morning with my woman." He glanced at me, his heart stopping grin in place. "This is better than any dream."
I sighed, relaxing into him. "I didn't see you coming, Erik Larsson."
"Is that a bad thing?"
I chuckled. "No, definitely not."
"I love you, Laura."
The words registered and my heart expanded, warmth washing over me as his declaration settled in my soul.
"I love you, too."
We sealed our declaration with a kiss then pressed our heads together, grinning.
Applause interrupted our moment. Heads still pressed together, we turned, finding Erik's family – his entire family – as well as the crew watching us.
Correction, filming us.
Erik sighed. "Sure you want to join this madhouse? There's still time to bail out."
With all the love in my heart I answered, "nope, you're stuck with me now."
