Chapter 39
The penthouse is eerily quiet when I come home early to get ready for our date night.
Taylor said she didn’t want anything fancy so I thought we’d go to the drive-in about an hour away and get dinner on the way.
She’s been working in my home office instead of the Troubadours office this week since the engagement for Chase’s image rehab is officially over.
Checking the office, I find it empty and the lights off, so I continue down the hall to the bedroom.
Since she came back from Gabby’s last week, she’s been in our bed every night and is slowly moving all her other belongings out of the guest room into our room.
I peek inside and find Taylor curled up on her side with a heating pad resting against her abdomen.
This morning, I noticed she was moving slower and trying to put on a brave face, but I anticipated with her period starting, the cramps and other symptoms were settling in.
I close the door quietly, letting her rest and go about changing our plans for tonight. A few hours later, the bedroom door opens down the hall when I’m arranging the various movie snacks and dessert options I had Will run out and pick up again for me.
“What’s all this?” Taylor asks, sleepily rubbing her eyes. Her hair is piled on top of her head in a messy bun, with loose strands framing her face that is indented from the pillow. She looks cute and cuddly and I can’t wait to do just that all evening.
“It’s date night.”
“Is that a popcorn machine?” She points to the popcorn cart I had the event staff bring up for me.
“It is. We’re having movie night on the terrace.”
“I thought we were going out.”
“Change of plans. We’re staying in.” I bundle her in my arms and kiss the top of her head. “How bad is the pain? Do you need some medicine?”
“How did you know?” Her voice is muffled against my chest.
“Because I pay attention. Did you get some good rest?”
She nods. “Is it okay if I go take a shower? I feel so gross.”
“Why don’t I draw you a bath? You can soak while I finish getting everything together.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Absolutely not. Let’s go.” Reaching down, I grasp behind her thighs and pick her up, wrapping her legs around my waist and walking us to the master bath.
I sit her on the countertop and dig in the cabinets for the bath salts and bubble bath, then turn on the tub in the walk-in, getting everything together while she watches me.
Once the bath is ready, I walk back over to her. “Arms up.” She obeys and holds her arms in the air. I know she’s not feeling good because she doesn’t make a single comment about me undressing her. I rid her of her shirt, revealing only a pair of underwear underneath.
“My pants felt too tight,” she mumbles.
“Do you need to use the restroom?” She shakes her head as I help her stand, then push her underwear down to her feet. “Come on, time for a bath.” Picking her up again with my arm under her knees and behind her back, I carry her to the tub and slowly lower her into the water.
“Does that feel okay?”
“It’s perfect.” Taylor melts into the water, closing her eyes on a sigh.
“I’ll be right back.” I press a kiss to her forehead. She feels a little clammy, but doesn’t feel like she has a fever. In the kitchen, I grab a can of Coke, some medicine, and a pack of crackers, placing them on a tray and taking them back to her.
Before I leave, she laces her fingers through mine and pulls me to a stop. “You’re too good to me. Thank you.” She kisses me softly.
“You deserve this and so much more. I’m just happy I’m the one who can give it to you. Take your time. Yell if you need me.”
“Okay.” She gives me a dreamy smile as her eyes fall closed, soaking in the comfort of the bath.
When Taylor emerges again, she’s dressed in baggy sweats and an oversized shirt, but she looks more alive than she did before. I’ve just finished setting up the movie projector with the help of the hotel’s event coordinator.
“This looks amazing,” Taylor says, walking out onto the terrace.
“Welcome to our very own drive-in theatre.” I wave my hands dramatically, showcasing the set up. I’ve moved the couch and bistro table out of the way and in its place is a massive pile of cushions, pillows, and blankets set up in front of the wall where the movie will be projected.
“I love it so much.”
“Are you hungry? I can start dinner whenever you’re ready.”
Taylor’s stomach grumbles, making us both laugh.
“I’ll take that as a yes. Do you want to sit out here or inside while I cook?”
“I can help.”
“No can do. Your only job tonight is to relax and enjoy.”
“I’ve been laying down a lot, so it would be good to sit up for a bit. I’ll watch you while you work.”
Holding the chair out at the island, I wait for her to sit down before kissing her forehead and moving to the other side. “It’s like you’re at your very own chef’s table.” I wink at her.
“Are you going to do some of those cool tricks while you work?”
“The only cool trick I’m going to do is not cut my finger off while multitasking.”
Taylor giggles. While I cook our dinner, we lose ourselves in small talk and catching up on all the little things we’ve missed over the years.
I tell her about the horrible arranged blind dates my parents like to set my brothers and me up on whenever there’s a family event and she rolls her eyes.
She tells me about how her friendship with Ivory and Gabby has evolved over the years and how much of a family they are with Mike, Preston, and Miller.
I’ve witnessed it, but to hear her talk about them like they’re the most important people in her life makes me even happier to have had a hand in creating this landing spot for all of them in Nashville in the first place.
“I’m going to tell them about us this week, but I was serious when I said I wanted to tell the girls alone first. It’s only right.”
I freeze, my hand still in the air mid-baste of the steak in the pan in front of me and look back at her.
In the elevator earlier this week, I made a joke about whether she was going to tell her friends, but she hasn’t brought it up since then.
I understand it’s a big deal for her to break this secret we’ve been keeping and she’s worried how they might react, but I can’t hide the relief pouring through me at knowing she’s all in. That we won’t be a secret much longer.
When I only gape at her, she tilts her head in question. “Is that not okay? If you’re not ready for that or if you don’t think—” I cut her off with a searing kiss, not realizing I was on the move until my lips met hers.
“I’ve been ready. It’s always okay. I would take out an ad in the paper today and tell the world you’re mine.
Call every news station and radio and do a whole segment about my love for you.
Tell whoever you want, whenever you want, however you want.
It won’t change anything, except maybe that I can stop wearing this,” I untuck the chain from my shirt, “around my neck and can put it in its rightful place on my finger.”
“Maybe I can ask Allie to send mine here.”
“What if I got you a new one?”
“I love my original ring.” She may love it still, but when I propose again, I want to do it with something more representative of the people we are now. The new chapter we’re starting and how far we’ve grown both separately and as a couple.
“Maybe we can take a trip to New York and pick it up ourselves.” I move back to the stove to finish the steak and plate our dinner because the last time I brought up going to New York together she shut me down, so I’m nervous to bring it up again.
“Are you a mind reader?” She laughs and gets up to make us both drinks.
“Not that I’m aware of, but in tune with you? I’m hoping so.” I wink at her.
“Very in tune.” Taylor comes up behind me and presses her chest into my back, leaning up on her toes to kiss my cheek.
“I was just thinking the other day about all the logistics I’ll need to handle to make Nashville my home base.
I’m tired of splitting time between the east and west coast. I want to settle down a bit, with you, with the girls. Being here feels like building a home.”
“Building a home with you is everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“Me too.”
The logistics can wait. What matters is that for the first time in a long time, we’re fully on the same page with what we want and where our future is headed. It’s with that assurance in my mind and my heart, that we settle onto the blankets outside for dinner and a movie.
My new favorite way to end the week is the perfect date night with my wife. I can’t wait for more nights like this. Nights of taking care of her, making her happy, Taylor invading my space and creating a home that is the perfect blend of us both.