Page 147 of Reckless
“They’re pretty.” I shrug. “Seems a shame to waste them, you know?” I point at him. “Is that what you’re wearing to court?”
He looks down at himself. Dark jeans hug his muscular thighs, and a white shirt with a deep V shows the chain that hangs over a light dusting of chest hair. He’s pulled the brim of his cap down low, but I see his brows knitted together and his expression of genuine confusion.
“What do you mean?”
I wave a hand over my sapphire blue pantsuit, feeling more like pre-baby Winter than I have in a long time. “Is that what you’re wearing in the courthouse? I mean, if you wear those unlaced boots with that, I’ll maul you after we leave. But I was just wondering.”
“I wasn’t planning to go in.”
My hand freezes over the glass of water I was about to pick up. “What?”
“I mean, the summons was for you, right? And Vivi?”
“Yes.” I say the word slowly.
“So why would I come too? Isn’t family court kind of small? Wouldn’t it be frowned upon if I walked over and beat the shit out of Doctor Douche? I’m trying not to be overbearing, but the truth is, Winter, I’m feeling really fucking overbearing about this. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep my cool in there.”
My chest goes cold even as my heart accelerates. I’m nervous about coming face to face with Rob. I know he’ll be wearing some smug, condescending smirk, all pleased with himself for drumming this shit up.
I admit the truth, because there’s no way in hell I can do this without Theo at my side. “I’m scared. I don’t want to go alone.”
It’s his turn to go still, to stare back at me and turn my words over. Because it’s one thing for me to tell him I need him and another thing for me toshowhim. And today, I really need him. His presence beside me, his hand wrapped around mine. We both know what the results will be, but it’s still scary.
I babble on, feeling like I might literally get on my knees and beg him if he comes back with another reason he shouldn’t join me. “She’s your daughter. I need you there with me. All of us together.” There’s a tremor in my voice as I finish out the sentence. “Please.”
“Winter, come here.” He holds his arms open, and I go to him, breathing in that citrus and spice scent I associate with all feelings of home. With my head to the crook of his neck, he folds his biceps around me and nuzzles down into the side of my cheek. “I will go wherever you want. I will wear whatever you want. I will never turn my phone off again. I will always, always be there for you. For Vivi. You don’t need to beg, and you don’t need to say please. For as long as I live, for as long as you need me, you’ll have me. Okay? Never doubt that.”
I nod, but don’t say anything. I just squeeze him tighter, relishing the sensation of his strong arms wrapped around me.
“Because I’m your future wife?” I ask, trying to lighten the mood.
“Obviously,” he volleys back.
“Did you really call your mom and tell her that?”
He snorts. “Yeah, Tink. When you know, you know.”
He trusts himself so thoroughly. Doesn’t second-guess himself. No one’s ever proved to him he shouldn’t.
I love that about him.
“I love you, Theo Dale Silva.”
“I love you too, Winter...”
A wince moves my shoulders. I’ve been waiting for this to blow back on me. “Don’t laugh.”
“I would never.”
“Okay, it’s Peggy.”
“Peggy?”
“Shut up.” I nuzzle in, biting the sides of my tongue, so I don’t laugh.
“Little Winter Peggy has been making fun of Theo Dale for months now. It’s just interesting, that’s all.”
Unable to hold back my laugh, I tip my head and peer up at him. “Theo Dale sounds like somewhere elves live in Middle-earth!”
