Page 34 of His Surrender

An unexpected feeling of relief settles in my chest. “Good.”

I don’t know if it’s just that I’d like any company right now or if it’s Aubrey’s in particular that I enjoy.

The sidewalks are busier than I expected, filled with runners, families, tourists, and dogs pulling impatient owners in every direction.

Golden leaves drift from the trees overhead, collecting along the winding paths that cut through the park.

Liana sleeps peacefully in the stroller, completely unaware of the city moving around her.

“I forgot how pretty this place is,” Aubrey says quietly.

“You’ve been here before?”

“Once. My parents brought us when I was little.” She laughs. “The only thing I remember is chasing pigeons.”

“Sounds productive.”

“I was very committed.”

I laugh. “I don’t doubt it.”

She looks over at me, clearly pleased she managed to get a laugh.

Conversation with Aubrey never feels forced. One topic simply slides into another.

She tells me about Ohio State. I tell her about the details of building the company from a tiny apartment with Sawyer after graduation.

She admits she nearly failed accounting. I admit I nearly failed public speaking.

“I don’t believe that.”

“It’s true.”

“You’re the CEO of a billion-dollar company.”

“I still hate speeches.”

She grins. “So, you’re saying billionaires get nervous too?”

“Only the successful ones.”

She laughs. “I’ll remember that.”

We wander another twenty minutes before spotting an open patch of grass beneath a sprawling maple tree.

“I brought this.” Aubrey reaches into the basket beneath the stroller and pulls out a folded blanket.

“You planned ahead.”

“I’ve spent enough time around babies to know they rarely want to stay strapped into a stroller forever.”

We spread the blanket across the grass.

Liana blinks awake just as I lift her from the stroller.

“Perfect timing.”

Aubrey gently rolls her onto her stomach. “There you go, sweetheart.”