Page 52 of Don't Hurt Us
“You’ve been out here for a while.Is everything ok?”I don’t miss the worry in her voice.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she thinks I regret asking her to move in.Or if this is too overwhelming for me.I know everything I do is compared to how Rob would respond and it’s frustrating.I need to give her time to adjust and keep reminding myself she’s not used to this.She’s used to being an annoyance and a bother to her husband.I need to show her she’s the center of my life and I want her around.She isn't an obligation.She’s a gift I won't take for granted.
I grab one of her hands and tug her around until she’s standing in front of me.She blinks up at me with her big green eyes and I wrap my arms around her.
“Everything is perfect, sweetheart.This might be the happiest day of my life.”
“You know, if you ever don’t want this, all you have to do-”
“I'm not him, Sydney,” I cut her off.I'm tired of her giving me outs when I don’t want them.“I'm doing this because I want you here.You’re not a responsibility I don’t want.You need to stop comparing me to him, baby.I’ll never be Rob.”
“I'm sorry,” she whispers.“I keep doing it and I don’t know how to stop.I'm not trying to compare you, it’s just… I’ve never had someone care so much about me.It’s hard to accept.”
“I told you; I won't stop until you understand how much I love you and how much I want you.You’re living in our home.This isn't temporary.You’re not staying here until you find another place to live, you’re here for good.What else do I have to do?”
“Nothing.”She shakes her head.“You’ve done more than enough.You don’t have to do anything else.”
“Then accept that this is permanent.I don’t plan on leaving your side until the day I die.”
Her eyes fill with tears and she nods her head.I hate how she hasn’t experienced true love.How she’s never felt like enough and always feels like people are going to walk out on her.
“I love you,” she whispers.
“I love you too, sweetheart.”
I hug her tightly against me as I squeeze my eyes shut.This is the first time she’s said those three little words and I'm so happy to hear them.To know we’re on the same page.
I give us a moment together before I pull back and meet her gaze.She seems like a weight has been lifted from her shoulders and I'm thrilled.
“Let’s go get some dinner, then we can relax the rest of the night.”
I press a soft kiss to her lips, lingering for a few moments.When I pull back, I slip my hand into hers and lead her back into the house.I know one day she’ll understand how much I love her.I just can't wait to get to that point.
Chapter 24
Sydney
Ican'twipethesmile from my face as I glance around the table.Maverick’s sitting to my right, at the head of the table, and Bree is on my left with Danny next to her, sitting at the other head of the table.Pecker and Sophia are sitting across from us.
I’ve never been so happy.I don’t think my home has ever felt so full of love and happiness, but right now, it’s perfect.Everything I’ve ever wanted.And I have Maverick to thank for all of this.
His hand brushes over my thigh as he searches for my hand under the table.As soon as his fingers meet mine, he threads them together and smiles at me.
He goes out of his way to make sure I know how much I mean to him.I know he’s going above and beyond, trying to remind me he’s not Rob.He’s so much more than Rob ever was, I'm just worried about what life will be like when this isn't new anymore.What happens when the honeymoon phase is over?
“When are you moving home?”Maverick asks Sophia.
“I'm not sure.My house isn't ready quite yet, but I want to move as soon as it’s ready.My dad’s been looking for a store front for my bakery and he found the perfect one.I’m so excited to finally make my dreams come true, especially after working at Sydney’s Sweets the last few weeks.”
“I’ve loved having you there.You’re an amazing baker.”I smile, knowing I'm going to miss her so much when she’s gone.
“I'm going to miss it here,” she whispers as her eyes fill with tears.
“Baby,” Peck chuckles, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and tugging her into his side.He presses a soft kiss to her head, then keeps her close to him.
I’ve never seen him love someone like this.It makes me so happy to know he’s met the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
“What?”She murmurs, glancing up at him as she brushes away the moisture.
