Page 39 of Bound Hearts

My neck cranes, and I gawk because he is crazy, but I’m not running. “Really?”

He returns to me with a few strides. “Yep.”

A shadow of a half-smile tugs at my lips. Strangely, I have no doubts about his offer. There’s so much we still have to learn about each other. We have passion, we care. Is it love, or will it ever be? Only time will tell.

Foster opens the box so easily, and my jaw almost drops. “You happened to have that lying around?” It’s a beautiful diamond ring.

“No. That’s where I went when you fell asleep. A friend owns a store in Lincoln Park, handmade pieces. Closing hours don’t apply to me.”

I smile faintly. “You’re insane.” And so am I. But I’m clinging to stability, and he’s offering.

“All options were on the table. I needed to be ready just in case.”

Wow, supportive in every way. It’s clear he wished for one of my choices, but he would have still been here for me either way.

“We have a lot to discuss now, but at least I won’t be as big of an emotional wreck. But wow, a baby and a ring.”

He cradles my face in his palms. “We make zero sense. Whatever we were or are is probably messy as fuck. But it’s us.”

And when his lips meet mine for a tender and confirming kiss, I plant his words, the truth, deep inside of me.

My trust is in his hand.

11

FOSTER

This is the direction my life is taking.

Soon, I’ll be both a dad and a husband.

It wasn’t a lie when I told Sutton that all options were on the table. It was ultimately her choice, even if I wanted it to go only one way. Whatever her choice was going to be, Sutton and I will now forever be connected in life together.

It didn’t take much thought on the ring front. Of course, it had already sped through my head when I realized that she was pregnant. I’d be lying if I said a part of me hadn’t already considered marriage. I’m out of my realm, but there are no red flags.

Except the one that causes me to question my character.

Things always need time to fall into place, right?

It just so happens that Sutton isn’t just anybody. She’s smart, funny, attractive, and brings me ease. She is the one I want to be with. I just need to unlock all the possibilities between us.

Lying on our sides on top of my bed, we face one another. Since I needed some clothes, we decided to camp out at my place for the weekend to come to terms with our life developments.

We’ve stayed like this for a long time. Sutton wanted a nap but couldn’t sleep. Resting helps the baby, and I can see she’s tired, too.

“Stomach still okay?”

She makes a little sound in the back of her throat in agreement. “I mean, eggrolls are okay territory. Other things not so much. At least I’m able to eat something.”

“Good. I was nervous that we should have ordered something else.”

“Nah, I was craving eggrolls and fried rice.”

My fingers continue to skate up and down her arm. “So, what are the logistics, Sutton? I’m letting you lead the way on this.”

Her eyes slide away from mine, and her lips purse as she ponders for a second. “Well… I don’t think we should tell anyone until I’m further along. Still need to do all of that doctor stuff. We still have a lot to process.”

“Agreed.”