Page 37 of Nolan

He laughs. "Weston has been doing the same to me. Let's have everyone over, a cookout or something. We can tell them all at once."

"I'd like that." I trace patterns on his chest, marveling that I can touch him like this now. "It'll be our little secret until then."

His hand finds mine, intertwining our fingers. "I like having secrets with you."

"Just this one," I say, grinning up at him. "Because I have a feeling I'm going to want to shout about loving you from the rooftops."

His expression softens. "Say that again."

"I love you, Nolan King." The words feel natural, right.

"And I love you, Annabelle Sullivan." He pulls me closer. "You and Ashlynn, you're my whole world."

We lie there together as the sun climbs higher, planning our future.

"We should definitely tell our friends together. We'll sneak around until we do," I say as I draw patterns on his chest. "Daisy will be unbearable when she finds out."

"He laughs. Then we'll have a cookout next weekend."

We continue planning. A trip to the aquarium once Ashlynn is fully recovered. A lifetime of mornings just like this.

Later, we'll get up and face the day. We'll make breakfast for Ashlynn and watch cartoons together on the couch. We'll begin the delicate dance of becoming a family in a new way. There will be adjustments and conversations, logistics to figure out.

But for now, in the quiet morning light, with Nolan's heartbeat steady beneath my cheek and Ashlynn sleeping peacefully down the hall, everything is perfect. We have all the time in the world to work out the details.

I close my eyes, savoring this moment. The journey that brought us here wasn't always easy, but as Nolan's arms tighten around me, I know with absolute certainty, we're exactly where we're meant to be.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Annabelle

Sneaking around with Nolan really does it for me. Ash and I have had lunch with him three times in the past week, going out to the job sites and visiting him. This wasn't something I'd ever thought I'd be a part of, and I love it. Seeing him hot, sweaty, and in control of his crew.

Today is no different. The sun beats down on the construction site as Ash and I make our way through the maze of equipment and materials. She's clutching her little lunch box in one hand and mine in the other, practically skipping with excitement.

"Daddy." she squeals when she spots Nolan directing his crew near a freshly prepared slab.

He turns at the sound of her voice, and the transformation on his face is immediate, from stern boss to doting father in the blink of an eye. My heart flutters as he waves us over, his smile growing when his eyes meet mine.

"My favorite girls," he says, kneeling down to scoop Ash into his arms before planting a quick kiss on my cheek. It's chaste, appropriate for the workplace, but the heat of his lips lingers on my skin.

I hand him the lunch I packed, turkey and Swiss on sourdough, and he leads us to a makeshift break area where he's set up a small table and chairs under a pop-up tent.

"Perfect timing," he says, glancing at his watch. "We're about to pour the foundation. Want to watch?"

Ash claps her hands in excitement. "Yes please. Daddy makes cool stuff."

"That he does," I say, unable to keep the pride from my voice.

We settle in at the table and unwrap our lunches while the crew prepares for the pour. I can't help but watch Nolan as he moves between bites of his sandwich and checking his phone, answering texts from suppliers and subcontractors. Even during lunch, he's working.

"Sorry," he apologizes, setting his phone down for what must be the tenth time. "The concrete mix delivery for the Thompson project is delayed, and I need to,"

"Don't apologize," I interrupt, reaching across to touch his hand. "I love seeing you in your element."

His eyes soften, and he turns his palm up to catch my fingers in his. "This is my element," he says quietly, gesturing to Ash and me. He leans in, kissing me on the lips. "This right here."

The foreman calls out that they're ready, and Nolan reluctantly releases my hand. "Duty calls," he says with a wink.

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