Chapter 8

8

Lachlan

Three years later

I see my wife through the window of the salon and smile. I'm here to pick her up early and whisk her away to show her my surprise. Rubbing damp hands on my jeans, I enter the salon. Chloe's sliding around on her wheelie stool and putting the finishing touches on a woman's hair. It's too hard for her to stand for long periods now. She's in her third trimester and our baby girl loves to push on her bladder.

I take a seat and wait for her to finish up, hair tie at the ready so she'll be semi-comfortable. Switching the colours up keeps her on her toes. This week it's blue. She glances at the reception, face brightening when she sees me and gives me a small wave. My chest clenches.

I still can't believe she married me.

We were married a few months after she reopened her salon—I couldn't hold out six months—and now we're about to have our first baby. I can't wait to stay at home and raise our little girl. Chloe wants to keep hairdressing, and I jumped at the chance to stay home instead. Taking a step back from my business and checking in weekly when the baby arrives was an easy decision. No way would I ask Chloe to give up her passion. I want to welcome her home after a long day and cuddle with our little family while she tells me about her clients.

I can't wait.

I stand to hug her and brush a hand across her stomach, feeling the baby kick and press a kiss to her forehead. "I have a surprise for you."

"You do?" She runs a hand through my hair, and it sends shivers down my spine.

"And we're going to go see it now."

"I have another?—"

"I sorted it. You have the rest of the afternoon off." I send a wink to the receptionist who helped me organise it.

Chloe narrows her eyes at me. "What did you do?"

"You're gonna love it. Come on." I grasp her hand and help her into the truck. Once she's settled, I give her the hair tie, and she puts her hair up with a sigh. The instant relief from having her hair off her neck is obvious. I still think she should tie it up at work, or cut it, but she likes our routine and if I'm being honest, so do I.

I carry different coloured hair ties for her and will for our daughter as well. Whatever colour our daughter wants, she'll get.

I park in front of an empty building a few streets away and kill the engine. Rounding the truck, I help Chloe out, supporting her as she struggles to gain her balance. "What do you think?" I hope she doesn't notice my slick hands or the way my heart is pounding.

"What is it?" She frowns at the building. It's dark and needs a lot of paint and love, but it has everything on her list.

"Your new salon."

She whips her head to me and clutches my shoulder tightly. "What?" She yanks me down to her level. "I will cry if you're joking."

I rub a finger along her cheek. "I'm not. Not if you don't want me to be. The place is up for rent and you haven't stopped mentioning opening another salon. This fit the requirements, so I checked it out. I think you'll love it." Panic rushes through me when her eyes fill with tears and she lets out a small sob. "We don't have to go in. We'll go home instead."

"No. No, it's perfect. I want to go in."

The agent who showed me around yesterday meets us at the door and greets us brightly. Chloe follows cautiously, but the more we see, the more excited she is, pointing out where she wants to put everything. The basins to the right, mirrors on the left, and this time she wants it more chic than bohemian. Whatever she wants, I'll make it happen. And this time I won't be sick if there's an issue with the plumbing.

She tugs gently at my shirt to gain my attention and kisses me. "I love it. I love you. Thank you."

"Anything for you, sweetheart. I love you." I wrap my arms around her and breathe her in.

I'm excited to see what she does with the business, and I'm ready for our family to expand, seeing where life takes us. I have it all.

All because I was sick.