Master of his heart (Max and Brielle)

After dinner, Dustin drove Emma to the mall. They ended up at the same baby store they visited last time, where he went on a spree, picking out twenty different outfits for both boys and girls. Emma sighed at the sight. "We really don't need this many. Kids grow so fast, and we should have enough with seasonal outfits. Twenty sets are more than enough."

Dustin just gave her a look and insisted, "I can't let our child go without."

Emma fell silent. It wasn't until Dustin had nearly cleared out the entire store that she gently tugged his sleeve. "We've got enough now. The car's full."

"I've arranged for another car to come and pick up the rest. We'll have space," Dustin assured her.

Emma was speechless once again. As people loaded the boxes into the cars, Dustin took her to the first floor for a bit more shopping. When they came across a Hermes store, he led her inside.

There was a line at Hermes, as each customer needed a personal attendant, making the wait longer. Emma remembered how she once considered buying a designer bag but decided against it, thinking it too extravagant.

Now, seeing Dustin speak to an associate and flash a card, it wasn't long before a manager appeared. Several bags were placed in front of them, and after a quick glance, Dustin had them all wrapped up.

"Mr. Lynch," Emma called, not wanting him to spend more.

"It's for the baby," he replied.

This time, Dustin personally carried the bags. As they were leaving, Emma was nearly bumped by someone entering, and Dustin instinctively grabbed her hand to steady her. "Watch out."

Emma's cheeks turned bright red, and she reflexively pulled her hand away, stepping back a bit.

Seeing her startled, Dustin was surprised. "You've never held hands before?"

Emma stammered, "Uh, no."

To think they had been so close, yet she hadn't experienced such a simple gesture? Dustin let go, advising, "Watch your step."

Emma, realizing she overreacted, sighed. "Thanks, Mr. Lynch."

"Emma, do you find me off-putting?" Dustin asked.

"No woman would find you off-putting," she replied honestly.

Dustin chuckled at her candidness. Carrying the bags, he walked beside her. After a moment, he reached out again, taking her hand. "Then get used to it. It's crowded, and I'd rather be safe than sorry." FindNovel

Emma, heavily pregnant and caught in the mall's evening rush, appreciated his caution. The last thing they needed was for her to fall.

Once back in the car, with the shopping bags stowed safely, Dustin helped Emma in before settling into the driver's seat, which he had adjusted for her comfort.

Emma seemed genuinely happy, possibly because it was the first time someone had joined her on such an outing. Even after a tiring day, her cheeks were flushed with contentment.

When they got home, Peyton was at

the door, watching as workers

unloaded a car full of boxes. nel

unfazed by Peyton's clear disapproval, handed her two of the Hermes bags. "Aunt Peyton, these are for you."

He had bought seven bags in total, giving two to Peyton and keeping five for Emma. Peyton, taken aback and embarrassed by her initial judgment, hesitated to accept.

Dustin, ever polite, placed them at

the entryway Just a small token for taking care of Emma during her pregnancy. I'll be with her for the

rest of her appointments. If you net

need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I've already set things up with the hospital for next month's due date, and we'll have a room ready.

Here's my card."

He left his card at the entryway, smiling warmly at Peyton. "We've had a long day, and she must be tired. I won't keep you any longer. Make sure she gets some rest tonight." Caught off guard by Dustin's charm, Peyton found herself at a loss. "Oh, well, thank you. That's very kind. Would you like to stay a bit longer?"

After all, it's hard to stay mad at someone who's so genuinely kind.