“Why are you laughing?” I ask.
He pulls back to look at me. “You haven’t even looked at your ring.”
Realizing he is right, I smile and look down at my finger. “Oh shit.” I pull up the huge rock that is my engagement ring. Watching as the light hits the facets just looks so beautiful that I have to admire that it is a gorgeous ring.
“I love it,'” I whisper to no one.
Dax, of course, hears me. “I am so glad you like it.”
“It must have set you back a bit, huh?”
He kisses me again. “Not too much, Liv, and you are worth it. I want you to have the best.”
Feeling so blissfully happy. I give him one more kiss as I head over to the bathroom. “I better finish getting ready for my future husband then.”
This seems to please him. He nods. “You better hurry, future wife, or we will be late for the Greater Houston Drive for a Better Life Invitational Gala at the Country Club,” he says mockingly, taking a sip of his whiskey. He smacks my ass as I retreat to finish getting ready.
I finished touching up my makeup from the tears of happiness that tracked down my face and grabbed my clutch. I shift around in my dress, glad that I was able to use this dress since I won’t fit in it for the upcoming gala. I stuff a few items in the clutch—basically just my phone and lipstick. I don’t need much since Dax is driving, and I live with him now so there's that. I head out, and Dax is waiting in the living room, sipping a whiskey and appraising me up and down. He lets out a low whistle, and I turn around in my best modeling attempt. He puts his glass down and reaches for my coat.
“Liv, you look stunning.”
I blush at his words and feel the undertone of desire laced through his sultry voice. “Well, I figured I would wear the dress I had bought for your mom’s gala; she’s co-chairing since I won’t be able to wear it a few months from now,” I say, verbalizing my thoughts from earlier. I absent-mindedly placed a hand on my abdomen.
He opens up my coat for me.
I turned around in my coat and fastened the button in front. “It’s a bit chilly tonight, and it will do you good to stay warm.” He squeezes my shoulders, and I just melt in the warmth his strong hands provide.
“Thank you, baby.”
He smiles at this. “You’re welcome, baby.”
He grabs my arms, and we make our way out of the apartment. He locks the door behind us and hits the button for the elevator to bring us down to the ground floor. He holds the door open for me as we step out into the parking garage. He opens the door, and I step in. I hear it close and see him make his way over to the driver’s seat as he slides in with one graceful, fluid motion. Everything this guy does is so sensual that I feel like straddling him in his seat. As if sensing the change in my breathing. He turned my way, and I bit my lower lip.
“We don’t have time Liv, and I am sure I will wreck all your hard work tonight if you keep giving me that come fuck me look.” I shake my head and laugh, looking out the window as he reverses the car.
We had a good time and slowly pulled up to the gates of the exclusive Country Club that boasts beautiful stone walls and lush greenery in the heart of Houston. This landmark is the oldest Country Club with the most lavish ballrooms and outdoor venues. It makes the perfect event for yet another of the many fundraisers to benefit the hospital and community it serves. As we pull up to the front entrance, Dax opens my door and gives his keys to the valet. Dax and I walk hand in hand into the grand foyer and are quickly led into the elegant ballroom, where live music permeates through the doors. We check our coats at the designated station. Dax takes my hand and escorts me to the ballroom.
“Wow, this sure is something, huh? Did your mom assist with this too?”
Dax laughs. “Not sure, but probably.”
“I am sure she would love to hear you say that though. I know she works very hard to make these events monetarily beneficial for the hospital, and they equally love her for it. Come on, let’s get a drink. I want you to stay hydrated with water this time.”
I pull away and lay my arms in my best defensive stance across my chest. “Oh, Dax, aren’t you being a bit overprotective? I have been feeling much better. I think a lot of the stress I was carrying is gone with quitting my job and moving in with you.”
He looks at me with the utmost adoration, and I think I can melt on the spot. “I am glad that you accepted my help, Liv. Knowing that you will be my wife, I can’t wait to tell everyone the good news.”
I smile widely at that. “Yes, but do you think it’s good to say anything about the pregnancy before the first trimester is over or until we have seen the OB doctor about his?”
I gather her in my arms and bring her close. “I wanted to marry you, Liv. You were always my endgame. Now that you are carrying my child, let’s just say my life is much better. I cannot wait to welcome our son or daughter into this world with you.”
I stroke his cheek. “Thank you, Dax; hearing that means the world to me.” He takes my hand, tugging me over. “Come on, let’s go get that drink. I’ll even let it have carbonation.”
He guides me to the bar and orders himself a whiskey on the rocks and seltzer water with a lime twist for me. He hands me my drink.
“Wow, guess I better enjoy the sodium now until all I’m allowed is flat water soon, huh.”
He doesn’t answer, but I see the smirk he tries to hide as he sips his whiskey. I see his mom and dad approaching our way. His mom comes over first, hugs Dax, and pulls me in for a hug.
