“You think?” I ask, my insecurities showing their face.

“Doll, that man looks at you like you’re the only woman in the room. You’re his vida, his life.”

“Is that why Ruby calls you Vida? You’re his life?”

“Yes.”

Jenna and I spend the afternoon talking about work, men, and life in general. She’s amazing as a mom, wife, and ol’ lady. Before I realize it the day is done and Tripp is here picking me up.

Doll on the back of my bike is exactly where she’s supposed to be. Nervous energy runs through me as we make the ride over to Cedar Island. We stop for a quick bite to eat. Then I take Doll down to the beach. In boots, it’s not an easy walk for either of us, but I need to talk to her without any distractions.

Finding a spot, I sit down. Pulling Doll to sit between my legs, her back to my chest, I wrap my arms around her. We watch the ocean silently for a while. Inhaling the scent of her hair, I lay my head into her neck.

“We gonna do this, Doll?” I ask as she leans back further into me.

“Do what, Tripp?”

“This Doll, us? We gonna do this?”

“What are you asking me Tripp?” She turns forcing me to look up and meet her eyes.

“I leave tomorrow, Doll. I don’t know when my schedule will allow me a trip back. We got shit to sort out before I leave. I’m asking if we’re gonna do this?”

“Yeah, Tripp, I wanna do this.”

“You gonna move then? With my business and club, I can’t leave Doll.”

Her face breaks out in the biggest smile. She entwines her fingers in mine. “What are you smiling about?”

“Well, I’ve sort of been thinking. I didn’t want to be so far away from you. Jenna was at the office today training. I talked to my dad and she’s gonna take over my job.” My smile must give her encouragement because she doesn’t sound as insecure as she continues. “I talked to Caroline and I can live with her. I’m gonna check with Dina or Ryder about a job.” I lift my finger up to her lips to quiet her.

“Doll, you wanna move to Catawba? For me?”

“Well, for us, yeah.”

“You ain’t livin’ with Caroline. You wanna work that’s on you, but you don’t have to. You wanna do this, you live with me.”

“Rex?” she questions.

“He’s been talking about getting a place of his own for a while.”

“You sure?” Her face is one of panic.

“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life, Doll.”

I lean down and kiss her with all the love I feel for her but can’t ever seem to bring to words. The thoughts clutter my head as I continue to kiss her. She’s been working on finding a way to be closer to me. She’s done all this because I mean something to her, being together means something to her. Pulling away, I rub my thumb across her bottom lip.