Page 100 of Love Is Ale You Need

“I can’t believe he’s blaming you for Abby not wanting to spend time with him. Maybe if he didn’t bail on her every damn time it’s his weekend, she’d want to see him. Apparently, nothing is his fault. If he’s done this, who knows what else he’s capable of.”

His thumb brushes over the back of my hand. “He was pretty drunk. I don’t think he would do this under normal circumstances.”

“Drunk or not, it’s not an excuse. Every time I go to my car, I’ll be looking over my shoulder. Normally, I’d be able to hold my own, but it’s not just me.”

Trey releases my hand and spreads his fingers over my growing belly. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to my girls and Acorn.”

If there’s anything that can distract me from all the chaos happening in my life, it’s Trey being sweet. So sweet that I want to veer the car to the shoulder and do what started this pregnancy in the first place.

Once we’re at my apartment, we fill in Marcie about what happened before she leaves. I poke my head in Abby’s room and she’s curled up on her bed. In the corner of her room, I grab a blanket and spread it over her.

Back in the living room, Trey’s sitting down on the couch, his head tilted toward the ceiling. His suit jacket drapes over the edge next to him. Bags droop under his normally full of life eyes.

I stop in front of him, straddling his knee, and cup his cheek. “I’m sorry this happened.”

“What do you have to be sorry for? You didn’t stab me.” The corner of his mouth tips up.

I rest my hands on his shoulders. “I know. But Kyle is my ex and this would have never happened if we weren’t involved.”

His head rolls to the side and he places a kiss to my wrist. “None of this is your fault. It’s all on him. Got it? Either way, I would fight until the end of the world for you.” He nudges me with his nose, softly running the tip up and down my arm.

Tears well up in the corners of my eyes. I’ve never had someone care this much for me. To fight for me. For once, I might not have to do this on my own. Not wanting to be vulnerable in front of Trey, I step away. “I think I have one of your shirts in my room. I may have borrowed it after our first date.”

While strolling to my bedroom, I brush away the tears that have now fallen. He’s been there every step of the way, never demanding more than what I can give him. It’s only fair I meet him halfway. I’m ready. After regaining my composure, I pull the thread bare Onyx Stone concert tee from a hanger in the closet. When I’m back in the living room, Trey stands, holding out his hand and I place the shirt in his open palm.

Starting at the neck, I pop the button through the hole. I’ve thought long and hard about this, but after tonight it’s a no brainer. I need to be willing to accept help, not just for me, but for Abby and our acorn. Deep down, I know Trey will do whatever it takes to ensure our safety.

“My answer is yes.” I work the next button through the hole and push.

Trey presses his hand against mine, halting my progress. “I’ve asked you a few questions recently. Which one are you saying yes to?”

I peer up at him. His steely gray eyes meeting mine. “Yes. We’ll move in with you. I can’t fathom the idea of Kyle possibly doing that again. He knows where I live. I’m sure if he tried, he could find out where you live too—”

“But I also have security cameras. It’ll be harder for him to hide.”

“Exactly, and you’re right. Abby needs somewhere to run around and play. Acorn can have their own room. This will be more than good.” I press my lips together, once again fighting back tears. “It will be the start of our new life together.”

“And the answer to my other question?”

“One thing at a time.” A smile plays on my lips. “But it’s still on the table.”

“That’s all I need to hear.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

HE’LL KNOW WHAT IT IS

Rylee

As soon as I agreed to move in with Trey, he didn’t hesitate on arranging a moving company. He wanted us moved in and settled with plenty of time before the baby came. His strict instructions were to pack everything I wanted to keep, set aside the donate or throw away items, and the moving company would take care of the rest.

After Acorn finishes using my bladder as a punching bag, I use the bathroom and wash my hands. In my bedroom, I set a packing box on the floor. I pull open a drawer in my jewelry box and the paper ring Trey made for me sticks out like my belly. I pluck it out and run my finger over the folded edge. Slowly, I slide it down my ring finger. My lips tip up into a smile. It fits a little better now. A drop of water from my hand soaks into the paper. The black ink bleeds around the center, but something about it is off. I delicately drag it off my finger and carefully open a fold. Then I do another and another until it’s a strip of paper. Written in smudged ink are the words: One day this will be a real ring. One you can wear forever. You are my forever. I love you.

Tears spring to my eyes. He wrote this when I told him I was pregnant. These were his feelings all those months ago. I shove the piece of paper into my pocket. Scanning the room, I find my phone and wallet laying on the bed. I scoop them up and waddle down the hallway as fast as I can. Unfortunately, I’m pretty sure a turtle left me in a cloud of dust. “Oh my god! Why do I have to be growing a baby elephant?”

I shuffle past the movers. “You guys are doing great! Keep packing things. Label the boxes.” The front door slams behind me. I waddle down the flight of stairs one at a time. I’ll miss these stairs as much as the acid reflux I got from this pregnancy.

I race across town, almost running three stoplights until I’m parking in front of The Blue Stone Group. I throw on my flashers, praying they don’t tow my car and instead take pity on the woman growing an adult linebacker inside her. I push through the double doors. The sun shines through the atrium. I stop at the reception desk and ask if Trey’s in his office.

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