Racking my brain I finally thought of something. Shutting the basement door so Cobie couldn’t hear me, I called her mom.

“Gage? Is everything okay?”

Yes. But, I have a favor I need from you.”

“God, you scared me. What do you need, honey?”

“Well, I have a surprise for Cobie but I need her out of the house for a few days. I was thinking of telling her I had to fly to New York for a few days but I wasn’t comfortable leaving her alone so I think she should stay with you while I was gone. But, you cannot let her come over here.”

“Um can I ask what in God’s name are you doing that she has to leave the house for a few days?”

“Surprising her with the nursery she has talked nonstop about since we found out Londyn was a girl.”

“The wild flowers and field?”

“Yes, so will you help me?”

“Of course, sweetie. Just let me know when to expect her.”

“The plan is to start the beginning of next week.”

“Okay. And, Gage, thank you.”

“Thank you? For what?”

“Proving Cobie wrong. When this all started she was terrified you would walk away or worse think she was some money chasing whore. I can see how much you both care for each other. I know this isn’t what y’all planned and life never is, but the way you two have grown together has a lot to say about the both of you.”

“I would never walk away from my child, regardless of how they were conceived. No, things for Cobie and I didn’t start out like normal but I wouldn’t take it back. And, I could never think that way about her. For one, I have respect for her and even only being around her a few times I knew she wasn’t like that. And two, Larkin would kill me.”

“Well, I just wanted to say thank you for taking care of my baby. I will see you soon.”

“No thanks needed.”

After getting off the phone with Carrie I made my way back upstairs where I found Cobie sitting at the kitchen bar. I told her that I had to fly back to New York and wanted her to stay with her mom for those few days. She looked a little sad but didn’t argue.

To be on the safe side I had Cobie at her mom’s house Sunday night in case Wanda and her team were early on Monday.

It took almost four days but the end product was worth it. Londyn’s nursery looked amazing. I couldn’t thank Wanda enough. As soon as her team was packed and out the door I called Cobie.

I didn’t wait for her to say anything, as soon as she answered I said, “Hey, sweetheart. I’m home. Why don’t you have your mom bring you over to have dinner with us?”

I heard her laugh. “Ok. How was your trip?”

Trying to hide my excitement I said, “It was nice. Now get your ass home, I missed my girls.”

“Calm down. We will be there in a few.”

When we hung up, I hurried and took the rest of the food to the nursery. I wanted to surprise Cobie by having a picnic on the rug in front of Londyn’s crib that was designed to look like a picnic blanket.

“Gage? Where are you?” I heard Cobie yelling from downstairs.

“Upstairs. Come here really quick, I have a question.”

I heard Cobie huff as she walked up the stairs.

“You made me hurry home so you could ask me a question?

Cobie

He was unbelievable. I had to hurry here just to come upstairs for some dumbass question.

My mom was walking down the hall beside me, a goofy smile on her face. Then I saw it. Gage was sitting on a picnic blanket, shirtless with a cowboy hat. But what was more amazing than that was he was sitting in Londyn’s nursery. It looked like he was sitting in the field behind my mom’s house.

Stopping in my tracks I covered my mouth with my hand and gasped, “Oh my God!”

The room was beautiful. The walls were an antique white on the top but the bottom was covered with golden wheat, field grass, and wild flowers. The crib I had picked out was in the corner. It had lace skirting the bottom. Opposite the crib was the rocking chair my mom had used for Larkin and I. How had I not seen that missing? The dresser was across from the large window over-looking the back yard. Sitting on the dresser was an antique looking lamp with a light pink lamp shade. There was a few classic books stacked next to the lamp and on the other end there was a stuffed pony. The changing table was what I was gripping onto so I didn’t fall over. Looking up I saw soft clouds on the ceiling and a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room with strands of pearls draped around it.

“How? I thought you had to go to New York?” I asked, shocked.

Gage smiled and slowly shook his head. “I didn’t. I just needed to get you out of the house so I could get the people in here to do this.”

Turning my head to look at my mom I accused more than asked, “You were in on this?”

She just smiled, letting her eyes twinkle.

Gage patted beside him, “Want to have a picnic?”

Instead of sitting beside him I sat on his lap. “Thank you so much. I love it.”

“Anything for you and Londyn, you know that.”

My mom blinked back her tears. “I’m going to go home and let you two have some time together.”

Gage said, “Thanks for the help.”

“Anytime, honey. Love you guys.” My mom blew a kiss on her way out.

“Love you too, mom.”

“So you really love it?” Gage asked a little nervous.

“More than you could ever know.”

Gage pulled me close to his chest and kissed me. “I want you happy, Cobie. I would do anything.”

“I’m beginning to realize that.”

And, I was. Gage was different from the guy I had sex with that night in his office. This Gage cared. This Gage wasn’t empty. This Gage looked happy.

My phone started vibrating and Gage jerked away. “Sorry, scared me. I wasn’t expecting that.”

Pulling my phone from my pocked I saw a text from Larkin.