Chapter Twenty Eight

Chapter Twenty-Eight

For a moment neither of them moved.

The kitchen had gone completely quiet.

The dishes forgotten.

The water running softly in the sink.

The city lights reflecting through the penthouse windows.

Roman rested his forehead against Daisy's.

Both of them smiling.

Both a little breathless.

"Daisy," he murmured.

She looked up at him.

And whatever he saw in her expression made something soften in his eyes.

Without a word, he slipped an arm beneath her knees.

Daisy laughed in surprise.

"Roman."

"What?"

"You are not carrying me."

"I absolutely am."

Before she could protest, he lifted her effortlessly.

A squeal escaped her.

"Put me down."

"No."

"Roman."

"You carried our daughter for nine months."

Daisy rolled her eyes.

"That's not the same thing."

"It is in my head."

She laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her out of the kitchen.

The apartment felt peaceful around them.

Warm.

Safe.

Like home.

As they reached the bedroom doorway, Roman's playful smile faded slightly.

Not completely.

Just enough for something more serious to take its place.

He carefully set her down on the edge of the bed.

Then crouched in front of her.

His hands resting lightly against hers.

For a moment he simply looked at her.

Really looked at her.

Then asked quietly,

"Are you okay?"

The question caught her off guard.

Not because of what he was asking.

Because of how much he meant it.

Roman wasn't assuming.

Wasn't rushing.

Wasn't taking anything for granted.

He was checking.

Making sure she was comfortable.

Making sure she felt safe.

Making sure this was what she wanted too.

Daisy smiled softly.

"Yeah."

His eyes searched hers.

"Yeah?"

She nodded.

"I'm okay."

Relief flickered across his face.

A small smile appearing.

Then he brushed his thumb across her hand.

"You sure?"

The tenderness in his voice made her heart ache.

Months ago they'd been strangers.

Now he knew exactly when she was nervous.

Exactly when she was worried.

Exactly when she needed reassurance.

And somehow he always gave it.

Daisy squeezed his hand gently.

"I'm sure."

Roman smiled.

The real smile.

The one that always made her stomach flutter.

"Good."

For a little while they simply sat together.

Talking quietly.

The baby monitor resting on the bedside table.

The knowledge that Lillie was sleeping peacefully down the hall making everything feel different.

More meaningful.

This wasn't the reckless night they'd shared months ago.

This was something else entirely.

Built on trust.

Friendship.

Love.

Eventually Daisy leaned forward and rested her forehead against his shoulder.

Roman wrapped an arm around her immediately.

Holding her close.

Neither feeling any need to rush the moment.

Because for the first time since they'd met, there was no uncertainty left between them.

No wondering if they'd see each other again.

No fear of losing one another.

Just the quiet certainty that they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Together.

With a sleeping baby in the next room.

And a future waiting for all three of them. ❤️📖