Page 38 of The Way We Collide

Blinking a few times, I wish he didn’t tug at my heart so. “I trust you, too.”

“Okay, then.” He exhales a laugh, patting his little girl’s back. “Let’s do this.”

Relief floods my veins. My eyes drop to my hands in my lap, and I blink against the mist clouding my vision.

Maybe it’s my friendship with Dylan or what I know of his family. Maybe it's a leftover connection from our night so long ago, but I do trust him.

He’s a player, but he’s honest. He cares about his daughter and being a good dad. I know he wants to take care of us. He already said as much.

Turning to face the screen again, I swallow the lump in my throat. “How about tomorrow?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“We can be there at eleven.”

“As you wish.”

That makes me grin, and my heart beats faster.Tomorrow. I think about standing beside him, holding hands, and reciting vows in front of a judge.

It’s not a real marriage. Hendrix is doing me a favor so I can get my trust fund so I can take care of our daughter and follow my dream. The end.

I have no reason to feel anxious or even excited. It’s a business arrangement. It’s temporary, not life-changing.

It’s only life-changing when it’s real.

His eyes are on the screen, and I wish I knew what he was thinking. He’s so handsome and confident and sure. Am I the only person who makes bold decisions then secretly freaks out about them?

I’m tired and jet-lagged, and I’m sure my self-doubt has something to do with my mother. It always does. She taught me to second-guess everything. I wish I had some popcorn.

Swallowing the growl in my throat, I settle in beside him to watch this movie, hoping it puts our baby girl to sleep.

Hendrix Bradford is acting exactly how I should be acting.Calm.

There’s no reason for either of us to be nervous. We’re simply checking items off a list, and I’m not losing sight of my goals… in this gorgeous mansion with this sexy man who smells like warm, woodsy vanilla and who treats my daughter like a little princess.

I’m a meteorologist. If I plan to face down hurricanes, I’d better be able to marry Hendrix Bradford without being seduced by his charm.

Trust yourself, Raven.

Ninety minutes later,the sun is setting on the screen, our heroes are sitting on white horses, and Wesley leans forward to give Buttercup a kiss.

Hendrix has been quietly asking questions and making comments throughout the movie, but for the last several minutes, he’s been silent. I hesitate, watching the kiss occur, before turning to notice his eyes are firmly shut.

A puff of air slips through his lips. It’s almost a snore, and I realize he’s out cold. Haddy is equally out, her little baby body is spread across his stomach like it’s the most comfortable thing in the world.

I happen to know that’s not true. His chest is like a slab of granite. Still, it’s the most adorable sight. Slipping my phone out of my pocket, I take a quick photo of the two of them happily sleeping hard on each other, thinking one day we’ll want to have documentation of their first bedtime together at Dad’s house. Their first time falling asleep together in front of a movie.

Only… Glancing at my watch, I wonder if I should wake them. I look around the comfortable home theater, and decide against it. The lights are dim, and the sofa is wide and cushiony. It’s perfectly fine for sleeping.

Standing, I walk over to where a square bin is placed beside the wall. I take out a plaid, flannel blanket and carry it to my sleeping people. I spread it gently over the two of them before I straighten, crossing my arms over my chest.

I try to decide what to do with me. I’d rather sleep in the large, king-sized bed in my room on the other side of the house. At the same time, I know the rule—never wake a sleeping baby. But what about a sleeping daddy?

I decide to let them be. Haddy is secure, Axel is in her arms, and the sofa is wide. I lean down to kiss the top of her head, inhaling her sweet baby scent before going to the basket and taking out another blanket.

As much as I want to try out my own luxurious bed, I feel kind of lonely leaving them here. Maybe we’re not a real family, but…is that true?

The wedding might be temporary, but the bonds between the three of us are lifelong. Hendrix wants to be a good father and a supportive co-parent. We can be a family and still be friends, can’t we?

---