“Oh, shut up,” I say, rolling my eyes at him.
But he’s not done. “Plus, how else will I get my hands on all your family money?
“You’re not funny,” I say, glaring up at him. He’s quick to lean down and plant a kiss on my lips. Heat ignites my blood and I stop in place, my hand seeking his cheek as I deepen the kiss. There’s nothing I want more than him.
He's quick to remind me people are waiting.
We step into the dining room and I smile at everyone.
Emma, looking beautiful and tired, is balancing her new son on her lap. Beside her, Kieran is sitting close enough to touch her shoulder as he talks to an animated looking Olivia. On the other side of Olivia, Cami sits, her face peaceful as if she’s just happy to be present. I wave at her, loving how her eyes light up when she sees both Connor and I. She’s become a wonderful addition to our odd little family.
Victoria sits next to Emma, her eyes locked on Kyle, who’s over by his mother. Victoria is looking every minute of her six months of pregnancy, and there’s a glow to her that’s breathtaking.
Connor ushers me to the table and I sit. He’s quick to kiss the top of my head before walking over to give his mother a hug and kiss. He and Kyle shake hands before doing an arm around the shoulder hug.
Things between the brothers have never been so good, and I’m happy they’ve been working so hard to patch up the rocky relationships they were suffering under.
“Can I hold Kent?” I ask Emma, who smiles and picks up the baby and hands him over to me. I look into his big blue green eyes, wondering if mine and Connor’s baby will be half as handsome as this little man.
“Hi!” I say to him and he gives me a big grin before drooling a bit. He’s only four months, but he’s a big boy. “Still breaking hearts?” I say, loving how he engages as I talk to him. Olivia walks up next to me and I pull her into a hug.
“Like this,” She says, adjusting her little brother on my knees so he’s straddling. “Now bounce a little,” She says, and I do. He lets out a gurgly laugh and I can’t help but giggle at him.
“Thanks for that,” I say as he spits up a little.
“You’re welcome,” She says, wiping his mouth with her sleeve.
I look around the room at my new family, realizing just how lucky I am to have all of them. And as Connor clears his throat, I know what’s happening.
“Jane is the most wonderful woman I’ve ever known,” he says, pausing to smile apologetically at the other women in the room, “she’s fair and kind, harsh when she needs to be, and she’s everything I’ve ever hoped to find in a partner.”
He pauses and I hear the hush in the room.
He zeros in on me, his intense blue eyes questioning. “I’m the luckiest man in the world to have your love,” he says, and my cheeks sting red. “I love you more than life.” He walks over to me and kneels beside my chair. “Will you marry me?” he asks so gently I know the words are meant just for me to hear.
I look into his eyes, loving the mixture of danger and fun I see there. He’s everything I want and need in a lover, in a partner, and for all the jokes we’ve made, I think he’ll be the perfect husband.
“Hell no,” I say and I hear the men laugh. I gently hand baby Kent to Olivia and get on one knee before Connor, who looks confused. “You don’t get all the glory here,” I say, watching a grin begin to form on his lips.
“I’ve put up with you for long enough to not have a ring on my finger,” I say, hearing the laughter around the table. But it’s Connor I’m focused on. “You’re everything I need and want in a lover, in a partner, in a husband,” I say, bringing his hands up to kiss his knuckles. Heat flares in his eyes. “Will you marry me?” I ask.
His eyes sparkle, “Let me see the ring first,” he says jokingly, and I pat my pockets like I’ve lost it. But I haven’t. I knew this would happen at some point. So I take out the onyx band I bought for him after a moment of fumbling.
Through the flash of surprise in his features, he’s still quick to tease me. “No diamonds?”
I roll my eyes at him and he’s quick to kiss me. “Yes,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Yes,” I say back, slipping the ring on his finger even as he takes my hand. I feel the cool band on my skin, but I’m lost in the kiss, forgetting for a moment that the family is here with us.
Until they start clapping.
I glance around, feeling self-conscious as Connor helps me up and back into my chair. None of them will let me live it down.
“Finally making an honest man of him after he knocked you up, huh?” Kyle asks, and I glare at Connor in mock rage.
“What happened to not telling anyone?” I ask and he shrugs.
“I don’t know. Let’s ask your parents,” he shoots back and I place a hand on my chest as if I’ve been mortally wounded.
“Wait,” Emma says, looking at us. “She’s pregnant?” I see her eyes light up with joy and I nod. “Am I the only one who didn’t know?” she asks, looking around the table before glaring at Kieran.
“Sorry honey,” he says, and I see her smack his shoulder.
I laugh, loving my family. But what I love more is the way Connor puts an arm around me as the family all congratulate us on the news that Connor must have told them. When he pulls me close and kisses me, I see Olivia roll her eyes even as the adults all seem to beam with pride and joy.
I can’t help but tease my lovely niece. “So, Olivia, when are you getting married?” I ask and she glares at me in good spirits.
“Never,” she says, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “You guys are disgusting.”
We laugh as the guys get up and head toward the kitchen as the oven goes off, announcing the food is ready. As they leave, I’m caught up in the love of my family, but Connor’s warmth and love remain on my mind even when he’s gone. I place a hand on the indiscernible lump between my hips.
Our pasts don’t matter. Who we are and how we handle ourselves is what defines us as people. And I’d say we’re handling everything that comes our way with grace and fortitude.
THE END
About the Author
Thank you so much for reading!
So who is Natalia Banks?
I’m a free spirit living in the gorgeous Rocky Mountains.
Growing up I spent summers at the cottage swimming, getting sun kissed and watching the sun set over the calm and serene water. This was where my real appreciation for nature was inspired from.
I have a lust for experiencing the beauty of the world and an insatiable appetite for indulging in all the delicacies along the way.
Whether I'm writing fireside in a cozy chalet overlooking the Rocky Mountains, or drinking from a coconut on the serene beaches of Southern California- I’m happiest when i'm feverishly penning a steamy novel and am honoured and grateful to share my sexy and tantalizing stories with you!
With Love,
Natalia
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