“Really?” I feel a grin stretch across my face. “No one has ever surprised me with something.”
Now it’s his turn to say, “Really? Not even on your birthday?”
I shake my head. “I’m usually touring.”
But not this year. This year I’ll get to celebrate it here, with my family.
“What’s the surprise? Show me. And it better not be a poopy diaper.”
“I’m not that cruel.” He grabs my hand and leads me down the hall.
A soft glow emanates from the bathroom, and I gasp when we step inside. “Oh my. What is all of this?”
“You mentioned earlier that you’d like nothing more than to take a nice, hot bath, and then Emma told me you wanted to take a bubble bath in here, so…” He sweeps his arm across the giant bathroom.
“I—I don’t know what to say.”
The toys from the other day have been cleaned off the edge of the tub, which is now lined with candles, all lit and burning bright. The tub is filled with water and a thick layer of bubbles. Steam billows from it, calling out to me, and I kick off my shoes, anxious to get in.
“Is it too much?” Grayson tilts his head.
“No.” I shake my head. “It’s amazing, and quite possibly the best thing anyone has ever done for me.”
“I figured I’d pamper you a little since you’re going to be taking care of my kids for the foreseeable future.”
My eyes widen. “Is that a yes? You’ll go with me to the premiere?”
He nods, and I throw myself into his arms.
“Thank you so much! I can’t believe you’re saying yes.”
Grayson wraps his arms around me and holds me close. “I would’ve gone to the premiere without you agreeing to watch my kids. All you had to do was ask.”
“I know you would’ve.” I pull back but keep my arms around his neck. “Because you’re that type of guy, but I couldn’t let you do that. This works out perfectly for both of us.”
“I’ll still have to work on finding someone to watch the kids after you leave, but this way I won’t have to rush.”
“Are you going to have Nick and Jessa keep them while we’re gone?”
“No, my mom is going to do it.”
“I love your mom.” I hug him again. This time I hold on a little tighter for a little longer, because his body feels wonderful against mine. He’s hard and warm, and I don’t want to let him go.
“You might change your mind when you meet her, because I’m pretty sure she’s already planning our wedding.”
I pull back, eyes wide. “What?”
“My mom’s a little dramatic.” Grayson releases me and takes a step back. I shiver. “You should get in the bathtub before the water gets cold.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.” I peel off my socks and reach for the bottom of my shirt.
“I’ll, uh…” Grayson points to the door and walks out, closing the door behind him.
I giggle to myself, strip out of my clothes, and sigh in contentment as I step over the edge and dip my right foot into the sudsy water.
I sink down, allowing the water to engulf me. This is heaven. I forgot how amazing a hot bath could feel. Bubbles cover me from my toes to my neck. I close my eyes, breathe in the soft, lavender scent, and smile when it immediately reminds me of Emma.
I’ll have to remember to thank that little stinker later. She has one heck of a memory.