Page 195 of Even Exchange

“I don’t like the idea of you being there by yourself,” he says, squeezing tight. “We don’t know what she’s capable of.”

“It’s my home. I’ll be fine.”

“No,” he says sharply. “Thisis your home.”

“You know what I mean.”

“And whatImean is, home isn’t a place you’re uncomfortable, or afraid, or have to walk on eggshells.” He taps his forehead to mine. “Home is a place you can be yourself. Be comfortable. Be safe.”

Our eyes lock. “Wherever you are is where my home will be.” I move his hand to my stomach. “Whereourhome will be.” He smiles softly, and my curiosity gets the better of me. “What did my mom say to you?”

His jaw clenches. “That you and Jonathan were getting married and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.”

“That willneverhappen,” I promise, and he blows out a sigh of relief.

“She also said she offered you your inheritance back.”

“And I told her to keep the fucking hush money.”Did he think I’d take it?

“Why didn’t you tell me about it?” he asks, a flicker of sadness in his eyes, and I curse myself for putting it there.

“Because I wasn’t considering it.” I take his face between my hands. “I swear.”

He presses his lips together. “The thought of you marrying him makes me crazy.”

He’s not the only one.

I tilt my head. “She only suggested it so it’ll look better to the press. She tried to pass it off as some ploy to trap Jonathan so I know he can’t leave me alone with the baby. As if that’s supposed to make me feel better.”

“Well,” Noah says, fighting a smile, “you can’t marry him if you’re already married to me.”

My pulse stops. “What?”

“Think about it.” His grin breaks free, and he runs a hand up my thigh, restarting my heart like a defibrillator. “Your mother is so focused on the fact you’re unmarried.” His eyes hold mine. “Let’s get married.” The storm of butterflies is once again released from their cage. “Jonathan would leave you alone, your mother couldn’t keep threatening you, and, well, I’d get to call youmy wife.”

My wife.

The last two words have my body trembling with nerves. The idea of being married to this man, of knowing he’ll never leave my side, is the sweetest sound in the world. And I know it would ease his own worry of me running off with the baby. Although he’d never admit it. “I can’t ask this of you.”

“You’re not.” He squeezes my hands. “I am.”

“Why would you give up so much for me?”I’m so undeserving of him.

“Soffione.” He shakes his head. “Haven’t you realized I’ve given up absolutely nothing by being with you? I’ve only gained.”

“I just feel like I came into your life and blew it all up, and you had no choice in the matter.”

“Have I ever told you about the first time I saw you?”

“You know, you haven't.”

“The first day of camp last summer.” He drags his thumb across my jawline. “You were walking around with Andi. You laughed at something she said, and for the first time in my life, the entire world stopped.”

“Noah…”

“I’m serious.” His forest-green eyes glimmer with sincerity. “I heard that pretty sound matched with an even prettier face, and my first thought was,Fuck, I’m done for.”

“Yeah, right.” I look down at our interlocked fingers.

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