Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“And then after this? What happens in six months? A year? When you get sick of us? When the novelty of our happy little family is too much?” I question, throwing my hands in the air.
“I can’t promise I’ll be a good husband or father, but I’m willing to do everything I can to be that for the both of you.”
“How does your mind jump to marriage and parenting?”
His eyebrows dip. “Because shouldn’t it? It’s not just you I’m saying yes to. I’ve thought about what our future will look like. I travel a lot. I focus on my work and know I have undesirable methods of getting things done, but I can’t apologize for who I am or how deeply I feel for you.”
“I won’t marry a man who isn’t open-minded to change. In seven years, we might have to. Nothing is set in stone, Dutton. You can’t just say we’re this way and will never change. I won’t be a perfect little housewife, submitting to your every whim. In the bedroom, yes. In our relationship, no.”
“I know,” he insists. “Fuck, Posie, I know that more than anything over these last few months trying to get my way with you.” He encroaches on my space. “You’ve fought me at every point, and I don’t want to fight you anymore. I just want to be here, as best as I can, and in any capacity you’ll accept me.”
Tears spring in my eyes as I let myself follow his thought process, envisioning a future with him, because for so long, I told myself it couldn’t even be a possibility. “And where would we live, Dutton?”
“Wherever you want. We can live in one of my homes, buy a new one, or even live here in this rental.” Knowing he’s used to a particular lifestyle, I scoff at that last option. “The where doesn’t matter. Where you want to make memories is where we’ll be. Granted, most of my work is based here in Manhattan, but we can figure it out. If Bentley wants to go to the best school in Paris, we can do that. Although, personally, I’d rather go to Italy,” he says, and I realize he’s rambling. For the first time, the cool, collected man is at a loss, and it’s the rawest version I’ve seen of him. He looks younger at this moment, inexperienced even.
“It sounds like you’re trying to plan out our lives already,” I say, bringing him back to the moment.
“It’s not that. I want you to know that it’s not just you I’m saying yes to, Mostriciattola. I want to make sure I’m the best choice for Bentley, too.” My heart breaks a little more because I didn’t know Dutton had thought about that at all. I didn’t realize he’d taken us so seriously this whole time. “I know I come across as cold and, at times, strike up adult conversations with a child and seem awkward, but I promise you, I will give him just as much of my heart as I will you.
“I want to be his father, Posie, if he will accept me. And I want you to be my wife. Because I know without a doubt there is no one else for me. I didn’t even know someone so perfect could exist for me until you first said ‘no’ to me. I may not be able to teach him fishing, and I’m assuming you definitely don’t want me to teach him how to use knives—”
“Out of the question,” I snap, interrupting him, and it brings him back to the room, back to me. He’s breathing heavily.
“I just want us to be a family, and I’ll do whatever I have to so I can keep you both. I just need you to be willing to take the first step with me, Mostriciattola. Please.” He gently clasps my hand.
My bottom lip trembles because I know that taking the first step with this man will be irrevocable. Men come and go, but someone like Dutton? I’m terrified because I now understand how much he wants to stay.
“I don’t want you to change, Dutton. I’m just… I’m scared,” I admit, and his gaze softens as he cups my cheek. And it’s so surreal to see this side of him. No one else sees this version of Dutton—only me.
“Let me protect you, Posie. I can make him go away.”
“Won’t it make it worse for you and your family?”
“You and Bentley are my family, Posie, and I’m trying my hardest to ask for permission before I kill the fucker who dared to hit my woman. But I need you to say yes. I don’t want you to hate me for taking away Bentley’s choice.”
I have a feeling that Dutton will do it anyway, but there’s no doubt in my mind the situation with Bobbi will only worsen. His fixation and demand to have control over me won’t stop. And he clearly has no intention of getting to know his son. He only wants to use him to get to me.