She couldn’t speak past the lump in her throat, so she nodded, wrapping her free arm around his neck, pulling him tight against her. Billy shifted his weight and William caught him, holding them both. She kissed him, taking a half step away as he juggled the ring box and Billy. Laughing breathlessly, she took it from him and slid the ring on her finger, spreading her fingers out to admire it as it shimmered inthe sunlight.
“So, that’s a yes, then?”
“Yes! Absolutely yes!” She gazed at him, all the love she felt for him filling her up.
At that moment, Billy placed his hands on William’s cheeks and turned him so they were looking at each other and said, “Nowcan I call you Daddy?” As if he’d been waiting an eternity to do so.
Fresh tears spilled over as William looked at her for permission and she nodded wordlessly.
“Yes, you sure can,” he said thickly.
Her heart so full she thought it would burst, Juniper kissed them both then said, “We’d better get back. I think the party’s already started.”
Billy squirmed to get down as they stepped onto the lawn. “Daddy! Check this out! I can do a somersault.”
CHAPTER 31
William
William pulled Juniper against him as they watched Billy’s attempt at a somersault. “Wow, that’s amazing!” He said enthusiastically. “It’s all amazing,” he said softly, turning to Juniper and pressing a lingering kiss to her lips. “I love you.”
Her smile radiant, she replied, “I love you, too.”
He took her hand and walked to the car, calling for Billy to come. As he helped the little boy into his seat and did the belt up, he wondered how long it would take for the buzz to wear off. Here he was, with the woman of his dreams and her beautiful child – his family. He got in the front seat and pressed the start button, glancing over at Juniper. She was still smiling at him with that sense of wonder that pulled at his heart because he felt the exact same way.
“Tell me what happened in Sydney,” she said as he turned the car around and headed down the gravel road.
“Well, as I said, Mum saw how I was, guessed what was behind it, and sprang into action. By the time they told me about it, it was adone deal. Cassie’s fiancée, James, is going to step into my role. Things haven’t been right at his company for a long while, so he was already looking for a change. We know he can do the work as it’s not too different from what he’s done before. I’ll be responsible for development planning – budgeting for property purchases and renovations, meeting with Cassie on a monthly basis to discuss the performance of existing properties. It’s what Dad does, mostly, so I’ll be there as backup. I’ll be able to do most of it via video link. Other than that, my main role is developing Locke Industries’ first ever artist’s colony.” It still amazed him how neatly it had all fallen into place.
“Are you sure it’s all okay?”
He smiled at her. “I’m sure. Once Dad said that the business was meant to be their legacy to me and Cassie, not a prison, that cemented it for me, because it had started to feel exactly like a prison.” He pulled the car to the curb in front of the shop, pausing to look at her again, just to bask in the wonder of being with her. “Let’s go celebrate your birthday.”
As they walked through the gate at the top of the drive, it was obvious that Mikayla had told everyone he was back, as they weren’t at all surprised to see him. They weren’t surprised, but they were definitely pleased. Mikayla threw herself at him as he walked down the drive, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing tight. “Welcome home,” she said quietly.
“Thank you.”
She kissed his cheek before moving aside so that Nora could step in and give him an exuberant hug. After that, it was back slaps and handshakes from John, Callum and Rafe, then Leah stepped up, surprising him with a shy kiss on the cheek, saying softly, “We missed you,” quickly stepping away before he had a chance toreply. He sat down next to Juniper on the long bench, in the shade of the old oak tree, watching as she slowly, deliberately, brushed her hair off her forehead with her left hand. She laughed uproariously as Mikayla squealed at the sight of the engagement ring, skipping over to grab Juniper’s hand and examine the ring minutely. William glanced around, catching sight of Rafe, watching Mikayla with a look of such raw longing on his face that William hastily looked away.
“Wow, you sure move fast!” Mikayla said after everyone had offered hugs and congratulations.
William grinned at her. “Why wait?”
“Oooh, quick wedding then?”
They both looked at Juniper, William feeling his heart soar at her enthusiastic nod. He leaned back, putting his arm around Juniper’s shoulders, looking out over the yard, observing everyone as they mingled, still amazed that this much happiness was possible.
From not wanting to celebrate her birthday at all, Juniper now wanted it to go forever, so once they’d finished their food and sat around for a while, she got to her feet. “I want to go for a walk,” she announced.
“Excellent idea.” Mikayla, ever active, bounced to her feet and headed up the drive. “Let’s go to the beach. I’ll grab a footy from the car.”
“I’m not kicking the footy,” Juniper stated, following her.
“Spoil sport. Rafe’ll kick with me.”
“Of course,” Rafe replied, throwing Billy up on his shoulders as they headed down the footpath.
Juniper fell into step beside William, linking her fingers with his. He surprised her when he tugged on her hand, slowing them down so that the rest of the group ambled ahead. “What do you think about Rafe and Mikayla?”
