Page 108 of Falling Together

I nod, biting down on my lip. “I think I’m pretty good at some things.”

He kisses the corner of my mouth. “You were pretty good at blowing my mind earlier.”

“So you cook and then we both get off. Is this the exchange we’re going for? Because I’m definitely getting the better end of this deal.”

Grant bursts out laughing and butterflies swarm my belly. It’s crazy to me how easily this man can make me feel all sorts of things. Safe. Happy. Sexy.

“I don’t know about that. I think I’m getting a pretty good deal here.” He sits back up and pulls me into his lap. “I like being here with you.”

I settle in closer to his side, shoving my feet under his thigh. “Yeah, I like having you here too.”

Grant turns back to the game that’s been playing in the background. I still don’t get much about baseball, but Grant explains everything to me.

I could listen to him talk for hours. The way he gets excited when his team does well, or how annoyed he gets at a bad play. The smooth timbre vibrates through me. It calms me in a way I never knew I needed.

I never thought having someone with me like this would be a source of calm and reassurance. For once, I don’t feel like I constantly have to be doing something. I don’t have to be planning for my next session with my students. Or figuring out what my next step in life is.

I’m with Grant. That’s all I need.

“The baby is really kicking up a storm,” I say, rubbing a hand over my stomach.

“I think he knows when it’s me.” Grant settles his hand over my belly. He keeps kicking. “Maybe he likes watching baseball with me.”

“Can you imagine how cute our kid is going to be in a little baseball onesie?”

Tears well in Grant’s eyes. “Not as cute as they’ll be in a little cowboy hat.”

I press a kiss to his forehead. I never pictured this family for my future, and I didn’t take risks in my life on trusting people.

I guess Serena’s cards had a different plan for me. One that I can’t say I mind.

Because Grant is here. His calloused hand is stretched out over my belly as he stares down at it.

“I’m glad it’s you that I’m doing this with,” I whisper, resting my hand on top of Grant’s.

I don’t know how long we stay like this. Our index fingers link together as his thumb smooths over my skin.

“Are you scared?” he asks, breaking the silence.

“Honestly? I’m terrified most days, but I know I can do it.”

“Why’s that?” He looks up at me.

“Because I have you.”

Grant sits up and pulls me over onto his lap, brushing the hair out of my face.

“I love you, Georgia. You don’t have to say it back, but I want you to know how I feel about you.”

“You do?” Emotions clog my voice.

He nods. “Yeah, I do, Cowgirl. You are one of the kindest, most patient people I’ve ever met.”

“Are you including the first time we met?” I laugh.

“Even then.” Grant smiles. “Every day I get to spend with you is one of the best days because you care about the people around you. You’re always more worried about everyone else than yourself, and I want to be the one to take care of you. To make you slow down and enjoy life. To see that people can love you and show up for you. Because that’s what true love is.”

I brush my thumbs over the apples of his cheeks. “You’re one of the few people who does what he says and I love you for it.”