Page 38 of Forbidden Love

***

Dallas

My heart was beating so fast in my chest, and I felt sick, but I needed to ask Pike a hard question, especially before we went to the cabin.

“Daddy?”

“Yeah, baby?” he asked as he buckled me in.

“Could we…”

Come on, Dallas, don’t be a wimp. Just ask.

“Could we what, baby?” He cupped my chin and rubbed my cheek with his thumb.

“Could we go visit River before we leave?”

“I think that’s a fantastic idea, Bitty.”

I sighed in relief. Pike pulled me forward and kissed my lips. “You know you can always ask me anything. I don’t want you to be nervous to ask me for things. I’d give you the world if I could.”

I knew he was telling the truth. I was so lucky.

***

We drove through the cemetery gates, and Pike pulled up to the little store just inside them. “Did you want to get some flowers?” he asked.

“Yes, please.” We walked into the store. I headed toward the back. I wanted a blue flower arrangement. Blue was River’s favorite color. I picked one I liked and pulled it from the display stand.

“What do you think about this one?” I asked, holding it out to Pike.

“I love it. He would too,” Pike agreed as he walked me towards the counter.

I went to pay, but a swat to my ass stopped me. I looked up at his stern expression.

I put my cash back inside my purse.

“Wow, Pike. Two times in one month. You must like seeing my pretty face,” the older lady behind the counter said as she rang us up.

I looked at him in confusion. Had he already been this month? He spoke to the florist for a few minutes before paying for the arrangement and settling me back in the truck.

“Did you already visit?” I asked once he was back in the driver's seat.

He took my hand in his. “I came the day after I went and got you from Emily’s. I loved your brother so much and I felt like I needed to tell him that I was going to make you mine.”

I squeezed his hand. “He would be so happy for us.”

He smiled. “He would. I didn’t think so at first, but I was a selfish bastard and I knew I wasn’t going to let you go.”

“You didn’t think he would be happy with us being together?” I was surprised at his admission. River would have been ecstatic I was with a man who cared for me as deeply as Pike did.

“ He made me promise I’d take care of you. I didn’t think fucking his baby sister really fulfilled that promise.”

“You’re such a dumbass,” I said. I rolled my eyes.

He barked out a laugh. “Yeah, I was.”

“What changed your mind?”