Page 137 of The Forever After Bet

“You and mom may be good, but you’re struggling with her having a baby.”

Jack rolls his eyes at me. “It’s a baby.”

I sigh. “Okay then.”

Dinner at Gilda’s is fantastic. I have so much fun talking and laughing with Ford and my friends. I eat so much food that my stomach bulges.

“What are we doing now?” I ask as we pile out of the car at the hotel. “We could go swimming?”

“I thought Jack and Ty could hang out with me and watch a movie, so you and Ford could have some time alone,” Beth says like it’s no big deal.

I stop walking and turn and look at her.

“What” She asks

“I’m waiting for the punchline,” I say, laughing. “You are joking, right?”

My mom shakes her head. “No.”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out, so I snap it shut.

She puts her arm around me. “I see the way you and Ford look at each other, the way you treat each other, and the way you love each other. I’m sorry for trying to tear what you have apart. That was wrong. When I met Ford, I knew he was going to be a part of my family for a long time. I just didn’t understand in what capacity until now.” Beth leans in, kissing my temple.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

Ty and Jack are happy to go spend the evening snacking and watching a movie. After grabbing what they need from the room, Ford and I are left alone. We stare at each other, not sure this is really happening.

“Did something happen when you and my mom walked to the car earlier?” I ask.

“I told Beth I was sorry if I overstepped in any way, and I told her how grateful I was to have you in my life. She apologized for not believing in me and for thinking I was bad for you.”

“Oh.” I nod. “Okay.” I rub my head, trying to get rid of the ache from having so much stuff in my hair, and realize the headpiece is still holding my hair in place. “I need you to help take my hair out.”

“I’d love to.”

I sit on the floor between Ford’s legs while he pulls bobby pins and cuts little rubber bands out of my hair. “Holy hell, Hannah. How many bobby pins are in your hair? I can’t even see your scalp,” Ford says as he continues to tug them free.

“I had two boxes of a hundred each. There was only a handful left when we were done. Though a couple of other dancers borrowed some.”

It takes Ford almost an hour to get everything out of my hair. He massages my scalp when he’s done. It feels good but my hair crunches because there is so much product in it.

I stand up and pull Ford to his feet. “Shower with me?”

His eyes turn dark, and he nods. I lead him into the bathroom, and we help each other undress. Ford makes sure the water is warm before he helps me into the large stall. I let the hot water soak into my hair. Ford massages my scalp some more and then washes my hair.

“Your neck is stiff,” he murmurs, gliding his lips across my neck and shoulders. He wraps his arm around my waist.

Your neck is stiff,” he murmurs, gliding his lips across my neck and shoulders. He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his body.

“It's from the nerves. I’ve never been that nervous, ever.”

“You were a rock. You danced beautifully.” Ford kisses my neck again.

I turn around, gliding my hands down his slick chest and around his waist. “Knowing you were in the audience watching me really helped. After you showed up, I felt calm, and my muscles didn’t feel as tight. Thank you for this surprise. It meant the world to me.”

“I couldn’t miss this. It was important to you, and you are an important part of my life. I love you.” Ford rests his forehead against mine.

I slide my hand lower, scraping my nails against his firm buttocks and bringing my hand around griping his hard length.

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