Chapter 93

“If you’re just tuning in now, we have an update on this breaking story. Thirty-two-year-old Ryan Price, a now divorced man, was convicted on a multitude of charges earlier this year after his divorce hearing found that he’d attempted to rape his ex-wife. He was arrested following the hearing, and a jury of his peers declared him guilty as of today. He now awaits further sentencing.”

I breathe a sigh of relief as I lay back on my couch. Derek puts his arm on my leg to comfort me.

“As this story develops, we’ll continue to update you all.”

“Feel better now?” He looks at me with genuine compassion on his face. “It’s finally over.”

“Thank God for that.”

Derek’s body moves to face me better. “Esme.”

“Derek.” I parrot him back.

“I’m serious. I wanna make sure you’re doing okay.”

I give him a small smile, covering his hand with my own. “I’m doing okay. I’m honestly just happy.”

“About?”

Shrugging, I debate what to say next. “All of it, I guess. Ryan can’t touch me again. He can’t hurt anyone any longer.”

“One less bastard in the world.”

Derek turns off the TV as I sigh into the air. “I feel like there’s something I’m missing.here.”

“Like?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, hand moving to my chin. “This was such a traumatic year. I want so badly to just…help others.”

The room settles into a quiet lull. The girls are on a playdate now, but it’s empty without their cheerful voices filling the halls of either of our apartments.

“Well, let’s look at it this way,” Derek starts. “You like the work you do now, right? Is there a chance this isn’t your only talent in life?”

“I’m not sure.”

“I think that you have a lot more to offer the world, if we’re being honest.”

I raise one brow. “Oh?”

“Esme, I’ll always support you no matter what roads you end up inevitably take. I love you. If there’s something you think you should be doing in this world, then you should do it. Follow your passions, your dreams.”

“Are you sure?” I question back. “I’m not just overthinking?”

“Your trauma has shaped you. The past year might have been incredibly stressful, but it’s helped lead you out of a toxic marriage and into a better place.”

“You’re mighty complimentary of yourself there, babe,” I taunt, wiggling my brows now. “Almost as though you think you’re the cause of all the good in my life.”

“Am I not?” He sticks his tongue out like a child. “I’d say I’ve been relatively helpful.”

I lean in and kiss his soft lips. I’m grateful for all Derek’s done for me since I told him I was divorcing Ryan. I never wanted someone to save me. I always saw myself as strong enough to take on any adversary.

But I love Derek, and he’s stepped up to protect me at any cost. He’s fought off any threats. As much as I hate to admit I’ve had weak moments, I also know I’d be in a far different place without Derek.

“Maybe there’s something out there for me,” I whisper as our noses brush together.

“Who’s to say that the something isn’t sitting here?” His eyes sparkle for me, my heart twisting with strong, passionate love. As he watches me with that smile, he pushes some blonde hair from my face.

“I guess after the baby is born I’ll be asking a lot more questions of myself.”

“You could ask those questions right now if you want.”

I shake my head. “No more massive changes right now,” I insist. “I’m so ready to have this baby. I just want to have her here.”

“She’s here,” he murmurs, touching my rock-solid stomach. “Almost, Esme. I know you’re ready.”

“I’m also just tired of being pregnant. Let’s get this show on the road, mother nature. I’m waiting around to start being a mother.”

Derek kisses my forehead. “You’re already a mother in the eyes of my girls.”

“And I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” I promise him. “Your girls are treasures. I want to watch them grow and experience the world.”

“They see you as a mother, too, you know.”

“If things were to continue here—”

“Oh, will they not continue?” Another twinkle from the man.

“I need to know that if something were to divide us, that Bea and Tris won’t be caught in the middle.”

“Sadie and I said things wouldn’t change. But people change. And Sadie isn’t who I married.”

“I just want what’s best for the girls.”

“Bea and Tris would come live here if I tried to pry you away from their lives.”

I chuckle at his comment. “And I’d let them.”

He shakes his head.

“Tris is turning five soon. You ready for that?” I semi-change the subject.

“Eight and five. Every year is another challenge. But I love seeing them blossom.”

“So, you’re not ready?”

“Absolutely not,” he laughs.

“Well, you’ll have to be. Things are already confirmed with the cat lady,” I tease back.

“Tris will be over the moon to finally be getting a kitten,” Derek admits.

“They’ve done a great job with Sammy.”

“Not to mention Tris hasn’t stopped asking me since the day you moved next door.”

“That’s your fault, really,” I comment as he nudges me with his shoulder. “They’re ready. I know they’ll take good care of the kitten.”

“Boy or girl?” He questions.

“A boy. They’re more docile. I think he’d be better for two young kids.”

He shakes his head. “I can’t even imagine what they’ll name him.”

“Well, Sammy is already taken, so I’m not too sure.”

I shove him before I kiss him again, soaking up Derek’s warmth and love. Nothing in my life has felt like the way Derek loves me. His gentle heart, his protective nature for not just me, but the girls, reminds me that I’m with the man I’ve always been made for.

“So, that just leaves me with one more question,” I say.

“Oh? What might that be?”

“I’ve been thinking—”

“Dangerous, really.”

“And I wanted to see how you’d feel about…maybe…moving in together?”

“Wow, look at you, moving forward in this relationship.” Derek puffs out his chest. “What have I done to deserve such love?”

I roll my eyes. “You are ridiculous, you know that, right?”

“Let’s not be hasty,” he continues. “There’s plenty of ridiculousness to go around, baby.”

“Answer the question.”

He leans back on the couch, opening his arms up to me. Slowly, I join him. His chest rises quickly, and I know he’s nervous, too.

“Not yet,” he hums. “Not saying no. I’ve just…got some plans first.”

I immediately pull away. “You have plans? For living together?”

Derek brings me back to his hold. “Now, now, Esme. You think I wouldn’t have any plans for our future together?”

“I just know that the first time around was rough for me. I don’t want to wait for anything. You’re it.”

“You’re my future, Esme. But one thing at a time. Let’s get through the baby being born. I promise you that I’m still here every single step of the way. You understand?”

Again, I look up at Derek’s gentle, kind face.

“I love you. Don’t you dare forget that.”

I can’t help the goofy grin that appears. I know that he’s going to be my forever.

“I love you, too, you goofball.”