Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Declan dips his face and plants a soft kiss over my heart. “Time doesn’t dictate your heart.”
“I’m scared,” I admit, feeling as though I’ve been cut open and exposed for the entire world to see. Aside from my dad and brother, I’ve never told a single man I loved him until now. “What if—”
“Stop,” he demands, cutting me off. “No what-ifs. We’re living in the present. I’m here, and I’ve got you, Kendall. It’s okay to be scared. This is new for both of us.”
“Both of us?”
“Yeah, both of us because you’re the only person I’ve ever loved. And not to scare the shit out of you, but these feelings have been going on since I was a damn teenager”—he chuckles—“so I’m glad you’ve finally caught up to me.”
His words nearly take my breath away. I’m unsure what to say, but I don’t need to say anything because a moment later, his mouth is on mine, kissing me passionately, as if trying to prove the truth in his words through his actions.
He pulls me into his arms and carries me to the bathroom, never once breaking the kiss. For the next couple of hours, as we shower and then find our way back to bed, Declan shows me over and over again just how much he loves and wants me while I pray to God that I don’t completely fuck this up. Because for the first time in my life, I can actually see my future, my life with Declan, and the picture is everything I’ve ever wanted and never thought I’d have.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
DECLAN
We’re sitting at the table, eating the breakfast I picked up earlier—even though it’s now lunchtime—and discussing what we want to do today when my phone rings. Kendall glances over and flinches slightly at the name on the screen—Camden.
“I’m going to take it in the other room,” I tell her, standing and leaning over to peck her lips. I can see it in her eyes that she wants to tell me it’s okay to take the call with her here, but I know she isn’t ready to tell anyone about us yet, and I need her to know I’m okay with that. She needs time, and I’ll give it to her. Knowing how she feels about me, that she’s falling in love with me, is enough… for now. I don’t want to overwhelm her with too much too soon. I’m still in shock that we went from being friends to giving a relationship a real chance in such a short amount of time. We have our entire lives, and if how long it took her to fall for me is any indication, she’ll be ready sooner rather than later.
I step into the living room and click accept. Camden pops on the screen, along with Braxton, in a group video call. The only person missing is Gage.
“Well, look who it is,” Braxton says with a smirk. “I was starting to forget what your ugly mug looks like.”
I scoff. “Speak for yourself. What’s up?”
“Hi, Dec!” Kaylee yells from behind, her head popping onto the screen and replacing Braxton. “How are you?”
“I’m good. How are you?”
“Perfect.” She grins and holds up her hand, showing me her ring. “Braxton and I have some news… hence the video call. We got married! I’m officially Mrs. Braxton Lutz.”
Fuck, I forgot they were planning to get married after Kendall’s wedding. I left and haven’t heard shit. Everyone’s been giving me my space… Dammit, I should’ve been there.
She must see the look of guilt because she adds, “And before you think you weren’t invited, we eloped. Went to Vegas and got married and then flew to Paris for our honeymoon. When we’re all together again, we’ll have a dinner to celebrate.”
Braxton pushes her onto his lap so they’re both visible and kisses her cheek. “We’re in Paris now,” he says. “Just arrived last night. We wanted you guys to be the first to know.”
“Congratulations,” I tell them both, happy that they found their way back to each other after all these years.
“Congrats!” Camden adds.
“Thanks,” they both say, all smiles.
“Cam, how’s the fam?” I ask.
“Good.” He beams. “Marianna is trying to crawl and is stealing Felix’s toys and driving him nuts. He said he’s changed his mind and wants us to give him a brother instead. If she’s this crazy at six months old, I can’t imagine how she’ll be when she’s a toddler.”
We all crack up laughing.
“Anyone talk to Gage?” I ask after a moment of silence.
“Nah,” Camden says, his smile dimming. “My dad’s been in contact, and he’s still there but isn’t talking to anyone on the outside. His ninety days are over at the end of the month.”
“We’ll be back before then,” Braxton says.
“Same,” I agree. There’s no way I won’t be there for our best friend when he gets out.