But while I was facing this beautiful human, a thought hit me hard. One that I’d worked on not having in years.
Why the hell was he with me when he could have women like that?
I always tried my best not to be insecure, but my body was changing in ways I was never ready for. I was at my highest weight, and every day, I saw a new stretch mark on my stomach, legs, or boobs.
As much as I wished I would never feel insecure again, it was a lie. I’d loved my body before pregnancy. Eventually, I would love these changes the same way, but that took time. And I was in a delicate place after seeing Brooke. Especially after the only thing she said about me was that I was huge.
I’d face this. I’d love my body and try my best to never feel this again.
But not until tomorrow.
The woman’s eyes drifted to me, and then to my stomach.
“Oh, do you need help?” she asked. “Dean’s always great about that.”
“She’s my girlfriend,” he said firmly.
Her eyes widened, then turned downward. “But you told me you didn’t date when we ...”
“Things changed.”
She looked in between us, as if wonderinghowandwhy.
I wanted to melt into the floor. I didn’t wait to hear the rest. I gave her a polite nod and booked it up the rest of the stairs. I was out of breath, but at least I was alone and couldthink.
My feelings were already bruised. The woman was undoubtedly jealous. None of that was my fault.
But it all felt terrible.
“Grace, hang on. Take it easy!”
“I’m fine.” My voice was harsher than I’d ever let it get. “Just give me a second.” I needed my logic to come back to me. But looking at Dean, beautiful,perfectDean ... it hurt.
“Don’t worry about her. She’s in the past.”
“I’m trying not to. I just feel ... a lot right now.” Was it my changing body? Probably. Did I sometimes wonder why Dean had chosen me of all people? Yes, on bad days. “Seeing a past fling of yours didn’t help. I have a feeling she would’ve liked to pick up right where you left off.”
“I’m yours,” he said, grabbing my hand. “No matter what happens.”
“I know. I promise I believe that. I’m just having an off day.”
“Come inside.” Once the door was shut, he grabbed a pen and handed it to me. “Write your name.”
“What are you?—”
“Grace, listen.” His words were firm. “I want you to know there’s no other woman for me. So, write yourname.”
“Like, on your hand?”
His lips twisted as he considered it and then shook his head.
Then he pulled his shirt off.
“On my chest.”
Dean being shirtless always had my heart racing, but this was a new level. “Why?” I asked softly.
“Because I know how I feel, but I want you to see it too.”