“Alright, you’ve had your pregame chat. Good luck,Ciao!”
“Y’all be safe, ya hear me? Carse, I’m counting on you to take good care of my baby sis,” he says in warning.
“Her safety and happiness will always be my number one priority,” Carson assures him.
On that note, I end the call and turn around to face Carson.
“So, y’all are on a nickname basis now?”
“I know, isn’t it amazing? It’s like the second best thing that’s ever happened to me. Well, third, actually.”
I lift a brow in question before he clarifies, “The first best thing is when you told me you love me just now. The second being the day Cadence was born.”
My face softens at that. “I miss that little bugga-boo so much,” I admit.
Carson smiles affectionately before wrapping me in his arms again and agreeing. “Me too. Which reminds me, we’ve got to get her something from the shops downtown when we return the Vespa.”
“Okay,” I say but it comes out as a lovesick sigh instead. I love the way this man so fiercely loves and cares for the people closest to him. And I’m completely baffled that I’m now on the list of people he loves and cares for.
Being loved by Carson Wilder wasn’t something I anticipated happening this year, or ever for that matter. The man is too good, one of the absolute best. But sitting here overlooking one of the most beautiful sceneries I’ve ever witnessed, nuzzled in his embrace, I feel fulfilled for the first time in a long time. It may be one of the greatest gifts he’s given to me—helping me realize my self-worth again. Carson validates my feelings and builds me up every chance he gets.
When he grabs my hand, leading me back to the Vespa and puts my helmet on with the greatest care, I send up a little prayer of gratitude that I get to love this man, and nothing and no one can take that away from me.
27
August
Iwoke up to a text from Brad, the contractor I hired to do the renovations at my house.
Contractor Brad:
Not great news to report today. We ran into a delay with the wall sconces the designer ordered. They won’t be here for another two days, which is later than anticipated. The rest of construction is nearly complete.
Me:
I appreciate the update, Brad. I think we can manage a two-day detour. I’d like to wait until she can see the full thing come together.
Sounds good, Boss. Safe travels.
Thank you! Keep me posted on the progress.
I don’t blame them for not having the library done. Honestly, I’m impressed they’ve been able to get what I asked them to do done this quickly. If I were Brad, I would’ve blocked my number and stopped taking my additional requests after a while.
Between the color changes, my request to hire a designer to furnish the space, and my last minute request to add a custom built-in high-low desk so Dakota can have the walking pad she’s been eyeing, it feels like I’ve requested something new every other day. But I just want it to be perfect for her.
Feeling Dakota begin to stir from where she’s sleeping on my chest, I set my phone back on the side table.
“Mmm. Good morning,” she mumbles, her voice laced with sleep.
“Morning, gorgeous. How’d you sleep?”
“Like the dead, considering you fucked me in the ocean, only to go caveman with your need to mark me twice more when we got back to our room,” she says in a haughty tone.
That makes me chuckle. “I can’t help it. I’m in love and obsessed with showing you just how much I worship you.”
Rolling to her side, she pitches herself up on her elbow. She yawns as she asks, “What time did you say we have to be at the airport?”
Catching her contagious yawn, I let out my own yawny reply, “Change of plans, Austen. We’re not going home tonight. I’ve got a little surprise for you, if you’re up for it?” I ask as she reaches over and begins running her fingers through my unruly mane.
