Chapter 19

Nineteen

Everly

O n Friday morning, Harrison took Wren back to Lola’s. I never went because I worried it would be awkward if I was there as Harrison’s girlfriend, which I would be. I was no longer just his friend to everyone else. It was a weird thing to be in this role that wasn’t even yours. I was especially confused after Harrison declared his love for me. It seemed out of bounds for the parameters of our relationship. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

The doctor’s office was closed today, but Harrison said he had work to do in his office, so I went to the guest room to work. I spent the day brainstorming designs for invitations I could sell online.

I also toyed with some higher-end ideas for those brides who had a larger budget. Those were the most fun because I could do whatever I wanted.

There was a lot of banging and noise coming from Harrison’s office. He insisted he was just building a new desk. I wondered if he planned to give me the old one. Harrison did thoughtful things like that. It had nothing to do with me being his girlfriend and everything to do with who he was as a person.

I offered to prepare dinner for Ethan and Harrison, but Ethan said he needed to go home and eat dinner with his wife, Savannah, and their son, Miles.

I was interested in how Ethan and Savannah made things work, but we weren’t close enough that I could ask a question like that. Savannah had apparently tutored him when they were kids. He’d crushed on her but hadn’t done anything about it until he bought the building her store was leasing. They didn’t start out as friends, though.

On Saturday, it was more of the same, with Ethan coming over shortly after breakfast. Then they holed up in his office again. I spent the free time making plans for the next few months and working on my designs.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be a way to bring in additional money. I wanted to build on and increase what I was bringing in currently.

Around five, Harrison appeared in the doorway.

Stretching my neck, I asked, “Are you hungry? I can make dinner.”

Harrison looked slightly nervous. “Actually, I ordered in.”

My shoulders lowered, and I smiled. It would be nice to have an evening free from cooking. “Thanks.”

He cocked his head. “You’re not required to make me dinner every night.”

“I know.” Maybe I did it so I felt useful. He was giving me free room and board.

“It should be here soon. I’m going to jump in the shower and clean off the sawdust.”

“Want me to join you?”

He shook his head. “I don’t want to get you dirty.”

“Mmm. I can be the judge of that.” I loved when he was hot and sweaty from working. It was sexy when he worked with tools. All I could think about was how capable his hands were and what they could do to me.

“You finish up here, then we can eat.” He kissed me softly on the lips and headed toward his room and the shower.

His refusal hurt a little, even if he’d softened it with a kiss. Why wouldn’t he want to spend some time with me this weekend? I wanted to focus on the business, and it was a great opportunity with there being only one week left at my current job, but I wanted to spend time with Harrison too. I wanted to talk about whether his declaration changed anything for us.

Maybe he was regretting what he’d said last night. He was worried it would change our friendship. Determined to find out, I vowed to speak to him after dinner.

I didn’t want him to feel obligated by what he’d said. I’d prefer he be honest if he was having second thoughts.

I changed clothes into something more comfortable and grabbed a book to read, trying to relax on the bed.

When Harrison walked out a few minutes later, steam from his shower followed him into the room.

“You changed? I was thinking we could dress up for dinner. I ordered something a little fancier. I wanted to wine and dine you.”

I perked up at that. “Maybe I’ll take a shower too then.”

He winked at me as he buttoned up his white shirt. Harrison was attractive in his jeans and T-shirts, but dressed up, he was even sexier. I grabbed a dress from my closet and a matching bra and panty set.

Feeling better than earlier, I made sure I shaved every inch of my skin and took extra time with my hair.

I loved the idea of Harrison planning a romantic night for just the two of us. We’d gotten into a habit of watching a movie when Wren was here, but tonight, we were alone. I was curious about what he’d planned.

Downstairs, candles were lit on the dining room table, and Harrison was transferring food from take-out containers to plates.

“I can help with that.”

Harrison held up a hand to stop me. “You relax. There’s a glass of wine on the counter for you.”

Pleased, I sat on the stool, taking the glass of white wine and sipping it slowly. “I could get used to this.”

Harrison came over, rotating me on the stool until my legs were between his. “You always cook for me. I want to take care of you tonight.”

Everything inside me melted.

His hand cupped my cheek as he kissed me softly. At that point, I didn’t care about the dinner he’d ordered or the trouble he went through to make the evening romantic. I wanted him to take me upstairs. To lay me out on the bed and devour me. I wanted a confirmation that last night wasn’t a mistake or a move in the wrong direction.

I wanted to be sure I was what he wanted.

Harrison slowed our kisses and pulled back slightly. “I like where this is going, but I have plans for tonight.”

He rubbed a thumb over my lower lip. “Don’t worry, we’ll end up in the same place.” He grabbed his glass of wine and the bottle in one hand, helping me down from the stool with his free one.

With his hand on my lower back, he guided me to the table. When we stood in front of it, he bowed. “Milady, your dinner.” Then he pulled out my chair and waited for me to sit.

“This is really nice.” I’d never had a man order a fancy meal and fresh flowers or go through the trouble of setting up candles and creating a romantic atmosphere. “You’re spoiling me.”

He leaned down to kiss me. “That’s not possible.”

I smiled against his lips. I loved this side of Harrison, playful and fun, yet sexy too. He’d left the top two buttons of his shirt undone, and his cuffs were rolled to his forearms. I smelled aftershave or cologne or something, and it was intoxicating.

He served me first. A steak, twice-baked potatoes, and vegetables. Then the same for him. The food was from a fancy steak place in the city. I didn’t even know they delivered this far out. Something told me Harrison had gone through more trouble than he was letting on. I loved the thought behind everything.

We ate and talked about how we enjoyed spending Thanksgiving together and looked forward to Christmas. Harrison talked about his traditions with Wren on Christmas morning. They opened matching Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve when she was with him, and when she woke up in the morning, she got up super early, and they opened presents before the sun rose.

“It’s special, but it’s always just the two of us. I want to share it with you.”

“I’d like that too.” I usually spent the morning by myself in my apartment, very aware that everyone else spent that time with loved ones.

“I’m happy we get to spend the time together this year.”

“Me too,” I said, the warmth of our conversation wrapping around my heart.

After dinner, he pulled out a cheesecake and cut a large slice for us to share.

“This is divine,” I said after he fed me the first bite. There was something incredibly intimate about him feeding me from his fork.

Harrison smiled as he cut his own piece and popped it into his mouth. “I’m glad you like it.”

I waved my hand around the room. “This whole evening is perfect.”

There were candles on every surface, the flames dancing as we talked. Holiday music played softly from a speaker in the kitchen.

Harrison nodded as he cut another piece and offered it to me. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it.”

I chewed, swallowed, and sipped my wine. “Something tells me you have more planned.”

He waggled his brows. “You wanted to end up in the bedroom, remember?”

I shook my head. “Of course. But I thought maybe it was more than that.”

He grinned. “You’ll just have to be patient.”

I wanted to tell him I hated surprises, but I was enjoying this. The anticipation for what was to come was exciting. When was the last time I’d looked forward to something? There were the possibilities for my business, but this was different. Harrison was giving me something I never thought I’d have: love and a family.

It wasn’t mine, but one we’d created together. Was I crazy to think that this was real and not part of an elaborate scheme to prove to everyone how stable he was and that he deserved shared custody?

I pushed down my insecurities and doubts. I was determined to move past the scars of my father. I was a new Everly, one who believed in miracles and loved without reservations.

It might have been reckless and stupid, but I wanted to change. I didn’t want to be stuck, always expecting the worst, like my mom was.

When the last bite of cheesecake disappeared, Harrison stood, offering me his hand. “Will you dance with me?”

“Of course,” I said, placing my hand in his.

We stood in the space between the island and the table, his arms around the small of my back as we swayed to a classic holiday song about love and family. Against my temple, his lips moved. “Don’t go anywhere. I want you here with me.”

“I wasn’t—”

“You were, but it’s okay. I’ll keep bringing you back.”

If he meant I was loved and cared for in his arms, I wouldn’t protest. I loved it too much. I relaxed the longer we danced, and I moved easily with his lead.

One song bled into another until he finally pulled back. “I have another surprise for you.”

My heart picked up the pace. “Oh yeah?”

Harrison smiled, looking so much younger. “Come on.”

He led me down the hall to the closed office door.

“Are you going to show me your new desk?”

He smiled but ran his free hand through his hair like he was nervous. “Something like that.”

Before I could ask anything else, he turned the knob and pushed the door wide open. It took me a second to register that everything was different. The bare walls with framed pictures of him and Wren were now wall-to-wall shelves.

I stepped in, my mouth dropping open as I tried to process it. There was a sliding ladder attached to the back shelf.

I almost couldn’t believe my eyes. “What is this?”

“It’s your library, complete with your ladder on wheels.”

“But why? How?”

“Ethan helped me. We made you a desk too.”

“Where did your things go? This is your office.” Then I noticed the new desk was like the drafting one I’d shown him.

“Not anymore. It’s yours. I wanted you to have a beautiful space for your business.”

I chewed my lip, overwhelmed by the amazing gesture. This wasn’t a man who was doing something to prove something to anyone but me. “But this is your house. Your space. I don’t want to take over.”

“You’re not. You’re the perfect addition, and so is this.”

“Where will you go?”

“I’ll take the guest room. But you can meet with clients here now. You won’t need to meet in Gia’s office anymore.”

“You’re right. This is perfect.” I moved around the room, keeping one hand in his as I ran my other hand over the wood. “I’ll need to fill these.”

He grinned. “Something tells me you won’t have a problem with that.”

I envisioned coffee table books for weddings and décor.

“You can store your portfolios here.” He tugged me to the shelves behind the desk. “When you meet with a client, you can turn and have everything you need here.

A laptop sat on the desk. “What’s this?”

“Sage said you needed a new computer that can handle your graphic arts.”

“I can’t afford this right now.” But it was my dream computer. The one I knew would make all the difference in my business. With this office and the computer, I not only looked legit, but I’d also be able to do more with my designs.

Harrison stepped into my space, dropping my hand to cup my face. “I did this for you. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

His eyes widened as my heart thumped wildly in my chest. I hadn’t said it last night because I needed this confirmation that it was real. I was scared to put myself out there, but this was a huge gesture from him. He wanted me to stay.

He crowded into my space, his hand touching a strand of my hair. “I didn’t know if you felt the same.”

“How could I not? I just had to be sure.”

“I’m a sure thing. I’m not going anywhere.”

“But it’s too much,” I said weakly, searching for any reason why this was too good to be true.

“It’s not enough. I’ve searched my whole life for a love like this and never came close to finding it. I thought because you were a friend, you couldn’t or shouldn’t be more, but I was wrong.” He gestured between us. “This is right.”

“It feels right to me too.” I was overwhelmed by the dinner and the gift of the library. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll marry me.” Harrison hesitated for a second before dropping to one knee. “This isn’t exactly how I planned this, but I love you. I want you to be part of my family. Our family, mine and Wren’s. I wanted to show you that fairy tales really exist, remember?”

“That’s what this is—a fairy tale?” Was it part of some elaborate scheme to prove something to me?

“Me, you, and Wren. We’re a family. A fairy tale. And this is our happy ending.”

I covered my heart with my free hand, lost in his words. They were beautiful and almost too good to be true. But I’d promised myself I’d be open to more possibilities. I’d be open to love. Not closed off as I had been in the past. Part of that was believing and trusting when Harrison said he loved me and that he wanted to take this to the next level.

I was afraid to ask if this was part of the original plan when we’d discussed how being engaged would be better for his custody case. But this felt real, and I wanted to believe it was so badly.

Harrison’s words and expression were genuine. He grabbed something from his pocket, a white velvet box. He opened it to reveal his gran’s ring.

“I had it resized. I took one of your rings to the jeweler.” He slid it onto my finger, and I held my hand out to admire it. “It’s gorgeous.”

It wasn’t huge, but it had this vintage feel to it, and it held so much meaning because I knew how much his grandmother loved his grandfather.

Harrison turned my hand and kissed the ring. “Everly, will you marry me and give Wren and me our happily ever after?”

Love bloomed like a flower after the rain in my chest. “Yes, I’ll marry you.” I’d dreamed of this moment, never thinking Harrison would see me this way. But he did.

He stood and kissed me. It wasn’t soft or tentative. It was passionate and all-consuming. He lifted me so that I sat on the desk. “I think we should christen this desk.”

I smiled, grateful the draft table was already placed in the flat position. “I agree.”

He let out a disbelieving laugh. “I love you, fiancée.”

Then his mouth was on mine, his hands everywhere. I couldn’t catch my breath. And I didn’t want to. I wanted to be swept away. Harrison made me feel like a princess with the way he treated me, the gift of the library, and his support.

He stepped between my legs, never pulling his mouth from mine. I leaned back on the desk, letting him pull my dress up and my panties down. He dropped to his knees again, parting my folds and licking me.

He built me up steadily until I was screaming his name, then he stood, dropping his pants just enough to remove his cock from its confines, then he was pushing inside. It was frantic and wild, and everything I needed in that moment.

He pounded into me in a way he hadn’t done before. This wasn’t making love; it was claiming. A reminder that I was his. I wanted to remember this for later when I’d relive every detail in my head, questioning if it was real.

The grip of his hands on my hips, the pulse of his cock inside me, and his breath on my face grounded me in the moment. The world exploded too quickly, and then he was falling too. I never wanted it to end.

He collapsed on top of me, and I felt the hard wood surface under my back for the first time.

I held him to me. “Thank you for the library.”

“If this is how you thank me, I’ll create new furniture for every room in the house.”

“To be fair, I’m not sure how you could top a library.” I couldn’t get over how he’d created something that was just a fantasy in my head. He was incredible.

“I’ll keep trying.” He kissed me softer this time, his hands in my hair. I felt loved. Cared for. Cherished even.

He pulled me to sit on the desk. “There’s even an electric fireplace. I wanted to install a gas one, but I didn’t want to wait.”

“This is amazing. I can’t get over it.” I couldn’t get over the time it took for him to make it in the last couple of weeks or that Ethan would take time from his family to help out a friend.

“I’d do anything for you.”

I wanted to believe him. I wanted to know he meant the words. That he’d never change his mind. But no one could predict the future. All we had was now, these promises, and trust that the person wouldn’t fall out of love. I didn’t want to think about any of that, though. Instead, I said, “Take me to bed.”