"You need to seriously think about this before making that kind of decision," Eleanor warned him, completely serious.

"I have thought about it. Both of our families have genetic risks. Not having any more kids is the smartest choice." lan's eyes were resolute. He had made up his mind on the drive over.

If this was the real reason Eleanor was holding back, he would prove with absolute certainty that she had nothing to worry about.

"Medical technology is highly advanced now. If you want a healthy baby, it's completely possible," Eleanor argued. She didn't want him to make such an extreme choice, knowing full well his mother would never approve.

"I don't want one. For the future of the Goodwin family, Evelyn and I are more than enough." lan scooped her up in one fluid motion, sitting down on the sofa and pulling her onto his lap, trapping her in his embrace. "My wife only needs to do exactly what she wants to do. Nothing else."

But Eleanor didn't want him to make that kind of sacrifice. He didn't need to go under the knife just to prove his loyalty.

And she definitely didn't need him paying that kind of price for her.

"We can sit down and talk about our future, but don't do something stupid like that,"

Eleanor said, wrapping her arms around his neck in a soft warning.

lan froze. His heart slammed violently against his ribs. What did she just say?

"Did you just say... our future?"

This time, Eleanor didn't break eye contact. "You heard me."

lan let out a ragged breath. A rush of pure warmth flooded his veins, settling deep into his very soul. It felt like absolute salvation.

He knew it. She was finally, truly letting him back in.

"Okay. We can talk whenever you want," he said hoarsely.

As long as she wasn't pushing him away-as long as she was willing to stand by his side he would do whatever she asked.

Eleanor let out a soft sigh, the last bit of tension in her chest dissolving into nothing. She melted against his shoulder. Ian held her tight, burying his face in her hair. Having her trust him so completely felt like a miracle he had fought tooth and nail for.

"Thank you, Ellie," he whispered. The words were quiet, but they carried the weight of the world.

Eleanor tilted her head up and gently brushed her fingers over the red mark on his cheek. "Does it still hurt?"

"Not anymore." lan chuckled darkly. "I've got thick skin. You can slap me a few more times if you want."

"Maybe if you didn't act like a

complete animal the second you walked through the door, I wouldn't

11

have had to she shot back cong her eyes.

lan smirked. "I just needed to see if you were actually going to fight me off."

Eleanor glared at him. "Next time, try using your words and you won't get hit."

lan's gaze dropped to her flushed, swollen lips. "Right. I'll test that theory next time and see if I still get slapped."

Before she could respond, he leaned

in and captured her lips again. Just as the kiss deepened and the heat cranked en Eleanor violently shoved him away.

lan looked at her, thoroughly frustrated. "What?"

"What time is it?" she asked in a panic.

Reality crashed down on him. It was time to pick up their daughter.

He let out a helpless laugh and grabbed his phone from his pocket. "Five o'clock."

As Eleanor scrambled off his lap, she glanced back at him and couldn't stop a burst of laughter from escaping.

lan looked down with a sigh. It was blatantly obvious. He adjusted his trousers and shot her a wicked look. "Enjoying the view?"

Eleanor's face burned instantly. She snapped her gaze away and smoothed down her messy hair. "Fix yourself."

lan let out a low, incredibly satisfied laugh. "I'll let you off the hook this time. But next time you start a fire, you're putting it out."

He took a few deep breaths, forcing the heat in his blood to settle down, and

straightened out his suit. "I'm going to get Evelyn."

Eleanor headed back to her own

house. Joslyn wasn't around, so she

went straight upstairs to the master bedroom. Staring at her flushed checks and swollen lips in the mirror, an undeniable softness blossomed in her chest. She let out a quiet sigh.

Dropping her guard and finally being honest about her feelings wasn't so bad after

all. Honestly... it was better than she could have imagined.