Page 263 of Show Me

“I love you, Xavier.” She wraps her arms around my neck. “I might not have avoided relationships to the extent you did, but I felt the same way. I didn’t think anyone would choose me. I didn’t think you’d ever choose me.”

“I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I caused us to waste so much time.”

“Don’t. We’re together now. No more regrets.” Her expression turns serious. “Promise me, no more regrets.”

“I promise.” And that’s the easiest promise I’ve ever made. I have Ruby in my arms. She loves me. And we’re having a baby.

“When I found out you were pregnant.…” My voice breaks as I blink back the sting in my eyes. “I should've been terrified. I mean, I was, but not because I didn’t want to have a baby with you. I was scared that you’d lose the baby over everything with Lindsey.”

“You heard the doctor today.” Ruby tips out her chin. “We’re not going to lose our baby.”

“No, we’re not going to lose our baby.”

The words settle between us. No hesitation. No fear. Just a promise to the universe.

“So....” A smile tugs at the corner of her mouth. “Were those tears I saw a moment ago?”

“I have allergies.”

She lets out the most beautiful laugh I’ve ever heard. “Inside?”

“Very aggressive allergies.”

“In December?”

“Yes. It’s a pine allergy.” I run my nose along her jawline, inhaling her scent, letting it push away the pain of almost losing her.

“I don’t have a Christmas tree up yet.”

“You will, and my allergies will kick in.” I bury my face in her neck and close my eyes. I was so close to never having this moment with her. I’ll never take it for granted.

She shakes her head. “You’re terrible at this.”

Relief breaks through me so hard I smile. “I know.”

Before I can say another word, she grabs the front of my shirt and kisses me. Everything else disappears. The fear. The guilt. The weeks apart.

I run my hands up and down her back, pulling her tighter, drinking her in. Not because I’m afraid she’ll leave.

But because she’s here, and she’s choosing me.

Chapter One Hundred Forty-Seven

Xavier

I don’t know how long we stood there. Could’ve been thirty seconds. Could’ve been ten minutes. I honestly couldn’t tell you.

All I know is she’s in my arms. And this time…. Neither of us is pulling away.

My forehead rests against hers. Neither of us says anything. We don’t have to. For weeks it felt like every conversation ended with one of us hurting the other. Now the silence doesn’t hurt. It heals.

Ruby lets out a soft laugh. “Four minutes,” she says, smiling against my shoulder.

I groan. “You’re really going to keep bringing that up?”

“You made it here in four minutes.”

“You sounded like something was wrong.”