Page 67 of A Place Like You

“But I’m starving,” Milo protests dramatically, even as he obediently scampers off toward the bathroom.

Still stunned by Drake’s incredible thoughtfulness, I wrap my arms around his solid waist and rise up on tiptoes to kiss him deeply, hoping he can feel all my gratitude and emotion. “Thank you,” I whisper, a lump forming in my throat. “This means the world to me.”

Drake’s blue piercing eyes are tender as he gazes down at me and gently brushes a loose strand of hair from my flushed face. “Anything for you,” he murmurs, his voice low and sincere. And I know with complete certainty that he means every word.

He leans down, his warm breath tickling my skin, and kisses me deeply. I melt into his embrace, surrendering myself fully to the exhilarating moment. This incredible man has slowly become such an integral part of me. I love how he spins each ordinary moment we share into something extraordinary.

I’m completely lost in Drake’s passionate kiss when suddenly I hear Milo’s curious little voice pipe up behind me. “Eww, are you guys kissing?”

I spring back from Drake in alarm, my cheeks flaming red as I whirl around to see Milo watching us intently, his little nose scrunched up but his big brown eyes dancing with curiosity and even happiness.

“I . . . well . . .” I stammer anxiously, my heart pounding as I scramble for words.

We haven’t told Milo about the change in our relationship yet because I wanted to wait for the perfect moment. But I guess that’s not going to happen, right?

Drake smiles easily and saunters over to affectionately ruffle Milo’s messy curls. “Yeah, buddy, I really care about your mom. Is it okay if I kiss her sometimes?”

Milo considers this with the seriousness only a five-year-old can muster. “Hmm . . . okay,” he says finally. “But no yucky grown-up stuff.”

Drake nods, his lips twitching. “We can do that. I’ll keep it PG.”

Milo taps his chin thoughtfully. “And maybe you can bring me a baby sister. Rhea was born after Uncle Finn married Aunt Piper and Uncle Derek.” He glances at me. “You can marry Drake too.”

I let out a nervous laugh, my stomach flipping. “There’s nothing better than getting the seal of approval from your son.”

“We’ll take this slowly,” Drake states. “I’m sure we can discuss marriage and a bigger family later.”

“Like next Friday?” Milo asks innocently, eyes wide.

I bite my lip, willing my blush to fade. “Maybe a lot later than that, sweetie. How about after your seventh birthday?”

Milo’s face falls into a disappointed frown, his lower lip poking out. “But that’s too long to wait. I just want Drake to be my dad right now,” he states matter-of-factly, as if it’s a simple decision we can just make on the spot.

My eyes widen in panic, my heart racing anxiously. I see Drake’s shoulders tense slightly, hesitance flickering across his face.

“Oh, uh, we haven’t really talked about all that yet . . .” I trail off with uncertainty, wondering how to delicately explain this.

Drake crouches down in front of Milo so they are at eye level, his expression tender. “I would absolutely love to be your dad someday, buddy. But why don’t you get to know me a little better first before we make any big decisions? What if you end up not liking me as much after all?” he suggests gently.

Milo scrunches his nose, considering this turn of events. Then he sighs heavily, his excitement visibly dimming. “I guess you’re right. I already love you so much, though. But if you need more time to think about it, I’m okay with waiting,” he says bravely, though his eyes glisten with disappointment.

My heart cracks, hating to see him sad. I had no idea how strongly he felt about Drake already, how deeply he yearns for a father figure.

Drake meets my anxious gaze, then looks back at Milo, his expression tender. “I love you and your mom more than anything. You two are my entire world. I’d be honored beyond words to officially be your dad someday. But these big life changes take a lot of time and thought,” he explains.

Unable to help himself, Milo surges forward to hug Drake’s neck tightly. “I’ve always dreamed of having a dad, but I want you to be my dad more than anyone,” he confesses emotionally.

“You make me the happiest man in the world. Thank you for understanding, Milo. Thank you so much.”

Chapter Thirty-Five

Drake: Good morning, beautiful!

Wren: Hey there, I didn’t see when you left.

Drake: I didn’t want Milo to get the wrong idea.

Wren: Sorry about last night.

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