Once I make the drive back to Eldorado, I sweep Olivia in my arms and hug her tightly to my chest the moment I get out of the car. “I missed you so much.”
“Daddy…I can’t breathe.” She giggles when I release her.
“Sorry, baby. I’m just happy to see you.”
“You’re just in time. Elle just showed up again.” Olivia laughs.
“Oh, where was she?” I ask as we walk toward the house.
“The Buchmans’ had an emergency, so Elle rushed there to help but said she’d be back by dinnertime, which she is,” she confirms as if she’s my little assistant.
“Oh great. I can’t wait to hear all about your day.”
“Are you gonna marry Elle?” Olivia’s question stops me in my tracks.
I kneel in front of her. “Why do you ask that?”
She shrugs with a sly grin. “I just wondered because I really like her, and Grammy said she’d make a pretty bride.”
I release a breath at the image of Elle in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle to me. I’d be lying if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind. Marrying her is everything I want.
“I think you’re right, baby. Elle would be a beautiful bride.” I give her a smile, then we go inside.
Once I walk into the kitchen, I greet Elle and my parents. They smile as if they’ve been waiting for me. I direct Olivia to wash her hands so I can quickly tell them what happened. They’re just as relieved as me and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.
“Wanna take a walk with me?” I ask Elle after dinner. Olivia’s reading a bedtime story with my mom, so I take the opportunity to get Elle alone.
“I’d go anywhere with you, Cowboy.” She smirks, taking my hand.
Though it’s pitch-black out, the street lamps give just enough light to see ahead of us.
“Pretty crazy turn of events, huh?”
I nod with a sigh. “Yeah, I’m conflicted about it. On the one hand, I’m happy to have my daughter full-time to give her a loving household and have her grow up where I did. On the other, I’m pissed that she was basically abandoned, and Olivia’s gonna pay the price for Vivian’s selfish behavior.”
“You can’t change someone who doesn’t want to. This isn’t your fault. Just remember that.”
I stop walking and face her. “There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you.”
Elle licks her lips as if she’s anticipating bad news. “Okay?”
Blinking hard, I try to get my heart rate under control. I don’t want this day to be about my ex-wife and am determined to change that.
“I’ve avoided saying it because I didn’t want to scare you, but I think you should know…” I cup her face and gaze into her eyes. “I’m madly in love with you. You’re it for me. I never want to be without you, and I hope that’s okay with you.”
Elle smiles wide as if my words were exactly what she hoped to hear. “I love you, Connor. So much. Olivia too. I never want to be away from you.”
Our mouths crash together as our tongues dance in a passionate rhythm. Soft lips caress mine as I slide my hand down her body and squeeze her ass.
“Say it again,” she whispers.
Grinning, I lean my forehead against hers. “I love you.”
“Wow…if past me would’ve known you’d eventually say those words to me, I might’ve given you a break on your snappy attitude every once in a while.”
I chuckle, stealing another kiss. “I want to wake up every morning with you in my bed,” I admit as we break apart.
“You practically do,” she reminds me because it’s true. She sleeps over most nights. “Wait, are you asking me to move in?” She arches a brow.
“I am. Think you’re ready for that?”
She wraps her hands around me. “As long as you remember who’s the boss in the bedroom.”
“Ah, yes. Bossy Elle comin’ out to play.” I tilt up her chin, keeping my lips mere inches from hers. “The only time you’re allowed to be.”
She enjoys pressing my buttons at work, and I get a kick out of pushing hers outside of work.
Elle rolls her eyes but grins. “Alright, deal.”
“So we’re doing this, Dr. Bishop?” I taunt, lifting a brow. “You, me, and Olivia?”
Her eyes light up as she softly kisses me. “We sure are, Dr. Wallen.”
“Good, let’s go pack up your stuff now.” I lift her and carry her over my shoulder.
“Connor!” She laughs, then smacks my ass. “Put me down.”
“Never. You’re mine,” I tease in a deep voice, walking a few steps, then set her down.
Elle closes the space between us and holds me tight. “I love being yours.”
I lean down and kiss her until we’re breathless. “Forever.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
FOUR MONTHS LATER
“Good mornin’, beautiful,” Connor whispers in my ear as he slides his hand over my bare stomach.
I smile, wiggling my ass into his erection. “Behave yourself, Cowboy.”