Chapter 92

Rhodes POV

The question echoed what Ramon had said earlier, about Lake’s similar fears. “Then I prove you wrong,” I said. “Every single day, for the rest of our lives if that’s what it takes. I prove that I’m staying. That I choose you. That I love you—not because I have to, but because I want to.”

“That sounds exhausting,” Troy said with a weak laugh.

“Probably,” I agreed. “But worth it. You’re worth it, Troy. You and Sophia and Julian and this new baby—you’re all worth every bit of effort it takes.”

He leaned against me, and I felt some of the tension drain from his body. “I want to believe you,” he whispered. “I’m trying to believe you.”

“That’s all I’m asking,” I said, pressing a kiss to his temple. “Just try. And when the fear gets too loud, when you start spiraling—come to me. Talk to me. Let me help carry it.”

“Okay,” he said quietly. “Okay, I’ll try.”

We sat there in silence for a while, just holding each other. Outside our ro