Page 108 of Lie With Me

“You’re making us a game room? Aww, buddy, you shouldn’t have.” Tripp claps Jackson on the back and leads him over to their dining table, where an array of Chinese food is laid out.

“Sorry. We planned on making dinner, but work ran late for both of us,” Ginny explains as we follow them. “Jackson, don’t make a plate yet. I wanna show Lenni her surprise.”

Tripp’s lips turn up in the smile I love so much. The one that shows off his perfect teeth and makesmy stomach do somersaults. “Okay, good, 'cause I thought you were going to make us wait.”

“What is this surprise? I’m dying to know!” I lock eyes with my husband.

I’ll never get tired of saying that word, husband.

Tripp and I didn’t stay engaged for long at all. Three months into our official engagement, he rented out all of the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, and after a morning of skating and eating greasy food court snacks, he surprised me with a trip to the courthouse where Ginny and Jackson met us and served as our witnesses while we said ‘I do.’ Margo was a little unhappy about the whole ordeal but hosted a lovely dinner that evening at Jean-Georges where Tripp and I had our first “date.”

For a while, I was afraid we were rushing things. But one day, when I came home from a training session with Carmela, Tripp had ordered us food and already had a Julia Roberts movie set up and ready to go, and it just hit me. It didn’t matter if we waited days, weeks, or months. Nothing would ever change the way I feel about him.

Ginny loops her arm through mine and leads me to the elevator. “A place two floors down just sold, and I want to go sneak a look to see how they decorated.”

“Okay, random. How did you get the keys to the place if it just sold?” She gives me a half-lidded look, and I turn to smirk at Jackson over my shoulder. “Is there anything youcan’tdo?”

He grins. “I’m just that great.”

“Hey,I’mthat great, and don’t you forget it,” Tripp says as he and Ginny trade places once we step off the elevator. It’s a short walk to the door, and I’m surprised when Tripp pulls the keys for it out of his pocket.

“Why doyouhave the keys?”

His response is another breathtaking smile as he ushers me inside. “Welcome home, Valentina.”

“Home? You got this for us?” I’m surprised. Even though I hate that he lived there with Emily at one point, we’ve never discussed selling his place.

The residence is beautiful—large floor-to-ceiling windows, with an open concept already decorated with lavish furnishings in rich taupes and creamy beiges. Dripping crystal chandeliers catch the light from the sunset, casting an ethereal glow around the space.

“I wanted us to have a fresh start.” He hands me one of the keys, then a second key on a seashell keychain. “I also finally got the guy in Florida to sell me the beach house.”

Launching myself into his arms, I kiss him hard. “I love you. I love you. I love you. You didn’t have to do any of this.”

“Well, he kinda did. He wanted something in another building, but I told him that Benjamin’sgodparentsneeded to be close,” Ginny says as she sits in a leather chair.

“Godparents? Are you guys serious?” I spin and look between her and Jackson with tears in my eyes. I had a feeling that they would ask, but I didn’t wantto push it. Tripp and I have already taken the spot of best aunt and uncle ever, and the little guy hasn’t even been born yet.

“Of course we are. There’s no one better that we could think of,” Jackson states as he goes and wraps an arm around Ginny. “Come on, let's give them some time to break in their new place.” He shoots Tripp a look. “Just remember, we don’t have an open door policy unless you want to walk in on me railing my wife.”

“Just don’t christen the game room! That’s our job, Jackson!” Tripp calls out jokingly as they leave. I hear Ginny giggle as Jackson says something too low for us to hear.

When the door closes behind them, I wrap my arms around Tripp’s neck. “I can’t believe you did this without telling me.”

“Do you like it?” He looks a little worried. “I know it’s not a penthouse, but it’s a clean slate.”

I kiss him, pouring every ounce of love and gratitude into it. “I don’t need a penthouse, Tripp. Home is whereveryouare.”