Page 157 of Finding Redemption

“Not hatin’ on it, just hating it.” He glares, hitting answer. “Hey, Riley.” He waits. “We’ll be right there.” He pauses, his eyes flicker to me. “Reese is coming with me.” He looks at me expectantly, and I nod.

“What’s up?” I ask.

He shoves the phone in his pocket. “I’m not sure but Mom needs us.” His forehead creases. My stomach knots, thinking what he may do to me when he finds out I’ve set him up.

We hit Highway Seventeen, headed toward Walker’s parents’. “What made you hold on?” I glance over at him.

“What made you lose hope?” He rubs the back of his neck. This man.

“I thought you’d never forgive me for helping my dad.” I shrug.

He runs his hand over his face, pulling off to the side of the road. He slides out, coming around to my side. He slings the door open, and I turn to him. Taking my face in his hands, his lips are on mine. Pulling back, we’re both breathless.

“Reese, love is a collision course at best. There’s no right or wrong way. It’s our way. The path we take to find our hearts counterpoint is just that, our path. I could never not love you, Reese. You’re life. My life. I pray I never know any different.”

My eyes flutter, batting the falling tears away. “I thought you stopped praying?”

“Someone saw fit to give me a reason to start again.” He lays his hand on my belly. “Y’all have shown me the meaning of life. You’ve taught me so much, even about myself. I’ve practiced more control the last few months than ever in my life. I wanted to make sure I proved I can take care of you. To love you the way you need.”

“Nothing was right until I found you. Nothing’s been right without you.” I brush his lips with mine. “You love me so much more than I deserve.”

He lays his hand on top of mine. My ring is on his little finger, drawing my attention. “When you’re ready, it’s here.”

I search his face, finding nothing but love. “I’m ready.” I kiss him. “Our life.”

He slides the ring on my finger, kissing me slowly. “Let’s get to Mom’s so we can go home.” He smiles, closing the door.

Riley waits by the front door when we pull up. “About damn time.” He hugs Walker, before turning to me. “There’s my girl.”

“Get your hands off her.” Walker punches Riley’s side.

“Walker, she knows. It’s okay.” Riley smirks. “I’m the better of the two but she’ll settle.”

“I don’t think there’s ever been a woman who ‘settled’ for a Pennington.” They laugh.

Walker glances around the room to Riley, Ava, Alden, and Ian. Then to his Mom. “Are you okay?”

“Reese set this up. Let’s ask her.” Cynthia smiles at me.

“Walker beat me to it,” I say, snaking my arm around his waist and laying my left hand on his chest.

We’re passed around with hugs and well wishes. And because everything happens like a collision with us, Walker shares our best news yet.

“May I?” He’s almost giddy. He has the best smile. I wrinkle my nose with a nod. He reaches into his pocket, unfolding the paper. “Would anyone like to see our newest family photo?”

“Yes!” Cynthia bounces.

We exchange a longing glance with coyishly smiles. “We’re not sure if we should get pink or blue for the nursery.” Walker chuckles.

“Well, my gracious, kids, you get the color of the gender.” Cynthia giggles.

“Yeah, that’s the problem,” I say. Walker holds me to his side. My belly tightens deep in my core. “They may each want their own color.” My chest swells until it feels like it may burst. I think my face may break from all the smiling I’ve done today.

“What?” Ava jumps, yelling.

“Wow. That’s just crazy.” Alden laughs and hugs me.

“Dude, did you hit it twice in one night?” Riley cackles.