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That made my heart melt.
“Thank you for offering, but I think I still need a little more time alone.”
“Okay, but if you start to feel like you need me, just tell me. I’ll be there in a matter of hours.”
“Thank you. That makes me feel better to know that you would do that for me.”
“I’d do anything for you, Perky. Anything.”
“Oh, I know. Even knock me up.”
“No, that would be for us. The more time that goes by, the more I want it. And I sure as hell am looking forward to working on it. God, that’s gonna be so much fun.”
When I laughed, he said, “Is that a smile I hear?”
“Can you even hear a smile?” I giggled.
“We’ll get through this together. I promise. And in case you didn’t hear me back in Florida, I’ll say it again. I love you. And if we have this baby together, nothing will matter more to me. I would never turn my back on my child.”
“Okay…I hear you.”
“Maybe give yourself a break from thinking about it for a couple of days. Sometimes, when you’re trying hard to figure things out, overthinking it makes you more confused. You need to stay away from your mother, go some place quiet and relax. The answer will come.”
Carter was right. I needed away from the ranch.
“I think that’s a good suggestion.”
“Guess where I am?” he asked.
“Where?”
“On the beach in Caracas. Missing the hell out of you and drinking our drink.”
“What’s our drink?”
“You don’t remember?”
“No?”
“Caipirinha. It may not be Brazil, but it’s a popular drink here, too.”
“Oh yes! Our drink from Rio. Say it again in your Portuguese accent, Captain.”
“Caipirinha.”
“Mmm.”
“I miss that little moan. You’re making me hard.”
“Hopefully, you’ll get to hear it again soon in person.”
“I’m living for the promise of that, baby.”
I ENDED UP TAKING Carter’s advice and staying for a few days at a hotel in Plano. It helped to get away from my mother and her strong opinions on the matter.
I knew in my heart what I wanted. I wanted a life with Carter, but would I agree to let him get me pregnant, or should I just abandon the inheritance altogether?
Why couldn’t I have it both ways—Carter and the money? It almost seemed like that was too good to be true, like it was too simple of a decision. At the same time, it felt like I would always be waiting for the other shoe to drop under that scenario. Nothing is perfect in life.
