Page 90 of Through the Storm

“That’s because itisa lot. And you were… insanely composed, actually.”

She huffs a weak laugh. “Yeah, just on the outside.”

“I’m serious.” My voice lowers, steadies. “I watched you today and thought,Wow. She’s grown so much.You’ve been so strong through all of this,” I say.

I move closer, my knee brushing hers. My hand settles at her waist like it’s always known the way.

“And then,” I add, a slow smile pulling at my mouth, “you casually drop that you’re a published author with royalties like it’s no big deal.”

She groans and hides her face in the blanket. “Please don’t make it a thing.”

“Oh, it’s absolutely a thing,” I grin. “A very hot thing. My very hot girlfriend is a very smart published author.”

She peeks out at me. “Ben.”

“I’m not kidding. It’s doing something to me.”

“I’m your girlfriend?” she whispers.

I smirk. “Of course you are.”

Her cheeks turn pink, but she doesn’t move away. “Oh yeah? Since when?”

A laugh escapes me. “Seriously?”

“Very seriously.”

“Probably since we kissed.”

“Ben.”

“What?” I grin. “I’ve been practically living here, going to doctor’s appointments, assembling baby furniture, talking to your stomach. Come on.”

Despite herself, she laughs. “True. But I don’t think that’s how this works.”

“Fine.” I shift closer. “Then since I realized I didn’t want to be anywhere else. Or with anyone else.”

The smile slips from her face. The teasing is gone now.

“I know things are complicated,” I say quietly. “And I know we still have stuff to figure out. But I’m not figuring it out with anybody else. Will you please be my girlfriend?”

The room goes still.

“You’re really sure about this?” she asks.

“About you?” I brush my thumb across her cheek. “Yeah, Katy. I’m sure.”

Her eyes shine, and a slow smile spreads across her face.

“Okay.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.” She leans closer. “I think I like being your girlfriend.”

“Good. Because I’m pretty attached.”

Her smile widens. “Pretty attached?”