Page 98 of The Last Thing
“I know it’s fast, but I’m happy with where we are. Beyond the first week, I’ve never questioned any of it,” he says, more serious now. “But what about you? How does it feel to you?”
“Right. That’s how it’s always felt. It scares me sometimes, but…” I laugh lightly, though I’m suddenly feeling more than a little emotional. “My grandparents were only together for three months when they got married. It truly was love at first sight for them. Falling for someone—building a relationship with them—doesn’t have a timeline. It’s about what feels right. I’ve never felt anything but at home with you. And Sophia.”
“That’s how I feel too. I say we keep making our own rules.”
“I like that plan.”
“So… moving in?”
I throw my head back, shaking it. “You finally got me to admit I’m yours. Now you want to lock me in the tower so I can’t leave?”
He leans over and kisses my jaw. “No. I want to give you a warm, comfortable space to grow.”
I suck in a sharp inhale, and he moves his lips slowly down my jaw, then lifts them, his breath tickling my lips as he speaks.
“You’re mine, Hellion. And whenever you’re ready, I can’t wait to build a home with you.”
Wrapping my hand around the side of his neck, I pull him to my lips.
Keep your distance. You’ll only end up hurting. Don’t give in.
The little voice in the back of my head is loud.
But my heart as it thumps for Wilson, Sophia, our baby, and the life we’re building together is so much louder.
“How many more houses can wego to?” Sophia bounces in front of us in her adorable little witch costume.
I found orange and black striped leggings, got her a black long-sleeve leotard, a black tulle skirt, and a witch’s hat. We also found an old-style broom at the antique store and last night I put her hair in tight braids while it was wet, leaving it in messy, crimpy waves for tonight.
I’m dressed as a “mummy” that accentuates my tiny baby bump with the gauze wrapped around it. And Wilson is a Frankenstein’s monster type of character. Sophia said she picked it because he’s so good at grunting.
He grunted in response, and the prophecy was fulfilled.
He’s been the opposite of grunty tonight though. He’s been smiling more than a monster should, and the happiness in his eyes is even more than what I normally see. His eyes danceevery time he steals a piece of Sophia’s candy. There’s a lightness about him tonight.
“Let’s finish this block, okay?”
Sophia gives him her poutiest face. “But that’s only five more houses.”
“And your candy bag is practically overflowing.”
“But—”
“Besides, if we don’t finish up soon, we won’t be able to go to the Halloween block party.”
“What?” she gasps, and I fight back a laugh. “We get to go?”
“Only if you finish up trick-or-treating.”
“Let’s go!” She charges for the next house, and Wilson wraps his arm around my back.
I lean into his touch, soaking in all the fall Halloween vibes around me. This is my favorite time of year, and getting to experience all the fun stuff through Sophia’s eyes has made it even better.
“Stay close!” Wilson yells to Sophia as she cuts across the front yard of the next house, aiming for the porch.
I look to my right at the house we’re next to. There are no lights on and no cars in the driveway, but then I think I remember seeing a for sale sign in the yard not too long ago. The whole property is surrounded by a pretty wooden fence, and there’s a beautiful front porch.
“That’s a cute house.”
