not her, Layla.” I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. “Please, come with me?”
“And the apartment?”
“Think about it. In the meantime, I want you here with me in my home, in my bed. I want it to be our home and our bed.”
“This is a lot. I mean, I know you said you wanted to try, but living together? Owen, that’s a huge step.”
“I know it is, but it’s one I want to take with you.”
“I’ll go to dinner.” I start to thank her, but she holds her index finger to my lips. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you. Once they find out about my family….” Her voice trails off.
“They’re going to welcome you into ours. Trust me, Lay. Please.”
She nods. “That’s what I’m doing. That’s why I’m here. I do trust you, Owen.”
“That’s my girl,” I say, kissing her softly. “Now, let’s make some breakfast.” I pull her to the kitchen and point to the island for her to sit while I make us scrambled eggs and toast. Not exactly gourmet, but I make a mean scrambled egg.
“Oh, before I forget.” I reach into the drawer in the kitchen and retrieve the new cell phone I bought her. “This is for you.”
“You bought me a cell phone?” she asks in disbelief.
“I added you to my plan. It was nothing.”
“Owen—” She starts, and I pin her with a look that tells her I don’t want to hear it.
“I like taking care of you, Layla. I’ll feel better knowing you have a phone where you can reach me if you need to. I added the number of all of my brothers, my parents, and Sawyer as well. It’s yours. Use it to stay in touch with Ronnie and Linda.”
Tears well in her eyes. “Thank you, Owen. I’ll repay you.”
“You being here, that’s all I need.”
“Wow,” Layla breathes as we pull up to my parents’ place a few hours later. I try to see my childhood home through her eyes.
“Just a house, babe,” I say, trying to ease her fears. Speaking of fears, my hands are sweating, and by the way my heart seems to be beating at a rapid pace in my chest, I’m a little bit nervous myself. I have no reason to be. This is my family, and I know they will love Layla. There isn’t anything not to love about her. However, this is a first for me. I’ve never walked through the front door with a girl on my arm. Not one that I wanted to declare is mine.
This is not only a first for her but a first for me. That’s when it hits me. It’s not nerves that are making my hands sweat or my heart race. It’s excitement. The pieces are all starting to fall together. It’s Layla, and the idea of us, here together. Not just here but our future. The one that I want for us more than I want to take my next breath.
Glancing over at her, I flash her a grin—something the me before her wouldn’t have done so easily. Now, with Layla by my side, I feel lighter, maybe even a little more laidback, like my younger brothers. Hell, even Royce now that he has Sawyer in his life. “Ready?”
“If I say no, will you take me home?”
“Depends. Where are you referring to as home?” I smirk, knowing I have her.
“Your home.”
Reaching over the console, I slide my hand behind her neck. “Our home. And this is my family. I want to share them with you. Will you let me do that, Lay?”
She sucks in a deep breath. “How am I supposed to say no to that?”
“You’re not.” Leaning over, I kiss the tip of her nose and pull away, climbing out of my truck. I start around the front to her door, and to my surprise, she meets me halfway. I thought I might have to pull her out against her will, but my girl once again proves how strong she is. She’s scared and nervous, but she’s with me. Right where she will always be.
“Come on.” My hand finds hers, and our fingers lock as I lead her up the steps and to the front door. I don’t bother knocking as that’s not how this family works, and step inside.
“Owen,” Layla hisses under her breath. “You can’t just walk in like you own the place.”
“Of course, he can,” a deep male voice greets us. “His momma and I wouldn’t have it any other