He raised his eyebrow. “Okay?”
I nodded. “Just…don’t let him get any concussions or anything.”
“I would never let anything bad happen to Jacob.”
He didn’t need to say that, I knew it. “It’s weird. We’ve been together for so long, but I can still learn new things about you.” I kissed the tip of his nose.
He slid his hand to my neck so I couldn’t move away. “Want to know something else?”
I nodded.
“You’ve never looked more beautiful than you do right now.”
I smiled down at him. “You’re full of crap, Miller. I ate my weight in turkey. I can barely move.”
“You moved on top of me.”
I laughed. “Fair point.”
“You know what would be even more fun than football on Thanksgiving?”
“No.” I couldn’t stop smiling because his smile was infectious. “What would be more fun?”
“Let’s make another baby.”
“Hmm.” I locked my hands behind his back. “Another one, huh?”
“Or five.”
I laughed. I wanted to fill our house with children. I wanted all of it. “You better take me to the bedroom then, Miller.” Because Jacob was as good at escaping from his crib as he was at taking off his clothes. And if he caught us going at it one more time I was worried he’d be permanently scarred.
Runaway - Chapter 51
1 Year Later - Wednesday - Christmas
I loved Christmas. But this one felt heavy. I watched Jacob open his presents with the biggest smile on his face. Three years ago, I’d surprised Miller by telling him I was pregnant. We’d said our vows outside in the snow. It was perfect. It was so freaking perfect. We’d created this amazing little human who I loved with all my heart. I knew how blessed we were.
But today everything hurt. Yes, I had everything I’d ever wanted. I had a family that loved me as much as I loved them. And yet…I couldn’t stop blinking away the tears in my eyes. I excused myself after the last present was opened and headed outside before I started full-on crying. I didn’t want to ruin today like I’d been ruining all our days recently. I just needed a minute.
It was cold out and there were clouds in the sky threatening snow, but no snow came. It was like the universe somehow knew snow was only for good moods.
I wandered down to the dock and sat down, my boots dangling over the side.
I closed my eyes and pictured the lake in the summer. All of us laughing out there in the boat.
I felt Miller’s presence before I heard his feet on the dock. He sat down beside me and I kept my eyes closed tight. If I didn’t open them, maybe I wouldn’t cry.
“Brooklyn.” He grabbed my hand, and his was still warm from the fire inside. “I need you to know that I have everything I need right here, kid.”
I let my head fall to his chest. “I know that’s not true.”
“I swear it is.”
I opened my eyes and the tears rolled down my cheeks. “What if something is wrong with me?” I touched my stomach. A habit I needed to stop now that there was no longer a baby growing inside.
“Nothing is wrong with you. Hey, look at me.” He grabbed the bottom of my chin and tilted my face up to his. “Brooklyn, nothing is wrong with you. You’re perfect.”
We both knew that wasn’t true. If nothing was wrong, I wouldn’t have woken up last month with the sheets covered in blood. I wouldn’t have had a miscarriage if I was perfect.
