Fair Lakes Series Box Set - Kaylee Ryan Page 0,50

chance to slither back into your life, but regardless of the baby you’re carrying, I’m here. For this one, and the next one, and as many after that as you want.”

“I love you, Harrison Drake.” My heart flips over in my chest. After losing her, and never thinking I would hear those words again, every time it’s as if it’s the first time. They’re words I will cherish always.

“That’s good, baby.” I lean in close. “Because you’re stuck with me.” I kiss her forehead. “Now,” I say, pulling back. “Ready for our second stop?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure you could top this one.”

“Oh, ye of little faith.” I open the door for her.

It doesn’t take us long to get to the next stop. It’s just a couple of blocks down the street. “Is this where we’re going?” she asks, hopeful, as I pull into the lot for the new bookstore.

“Yep. You said you’ve been wanting to go, right?”

“Yes, but I didn’t expect you to take me.”

“Why not?”

“You’re not exactly a big fan of bookstores.”

I shrug. “I’m a Winnie fan. Besides, I need a book myself.”

“Oh, really? What book would that be? We’ve known each other for years and I’ve never seen you read a book.”

“Well, maybe there was never anything important enough, or interesting enough to hold my attention. Besides, this is my second. I already read the first one, but this one is dad specific, so I’m going to read it too.”

“Oh, I have to hear this. What book are you after?”

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I go to my pictures. I took a screenshot of the book a “new dads” website said for me to get. I rattle off the title, “The Expectant Father.”

I close out of my images and lock the screen before looking at her. Again, there are tears in her eyes. “Pregnancy hormones.” She smiles. “No, that’s not it. It’s you. You’re so confident about this. About us.”

“Of course I am. But I’m also scared and nervous, and anxious that I’m going to be a bad father.”

“Never,” she says firmly. “We’re in this together, right?”

“Yes.” That’s all the answer she needs. She collects her purse and climbs out of the truck, with me scrambling to do the same and catch up with her. “Don’t get lost,” I tease her as we enter the building.

“No promises.”

“You got your phone, right?” I ask seriously. My girl loves books, so I might need it to find her in this place. It’s a huge two-story facility. She waves over her shoulder, already heading off to explore. I ask for help, and I’m directed to the parenting books. I find the two that I had taken pictures of and then venture into the children’s section. They have toys, books, and some clothes. I scan the books. I find one with a green monster on the front. Because I’m Your Dad is the title. I skim through it and it looks good to me. I add it to my pile and head off to find Winnie.

I make my way to the section that has romance hanging in big letters from the ceiling. If I know Winnie, this is where she’ll be. I spot her at the end of the aisle, book in one hand, reading the back. A mesh bag over her shoulder already holds a few books. Her other hand is nestled over her still flat belly.

My heart trips over in my chest. I knew the minute I first laid eyes on her that she was special. I wanted her then, but now it’s more than just want. It’s as if I need her to breathe. My eyes drop to her belly. I bet she has no idea she’s subconsciously protecting—cradling—our unborn child.

I step quietly down the aisle. She doesn’t look up from the book she’s pondering. Sliding my arms around her, I rest my hands over hers. Over our baby. “Marry me, Winnie.”

“Oh my, Javier, what would Harrison think?”

“Harrison thinks you’re pressing his buttons,” I growl, kissing her neck.

She turns in my arms, green eyes smiling up at me. “I love you, Harrison Drake. There is no doubt in that. I still think we need some time.”

“Time for what? We love each other. We’ve always loved each other. We shouldn’t even be having this conversation. The divorce never should have happened.”

“Just time. There have been a lot of changes, the divorce, the baby… all in a matter of a couple of months.”

“I’m not going to stop asking,”