Charlotte hasn’t said yes yet, but it’s the thought that counts.
And she will.
Of that, I have no doubt.
The four of us stand on the balcony that overlooks the ballroom, waiting for the crowd to get the idea and shut the hell up.
After this, our guys will make the rounds, shuffling everyone out who isn’t one of the family heads. They’re allowed to keep one guest each per the rules, but even then, that will lessen the crowd to under fifteen people.
I get tired of waiting, stepping forward and whistling. “Thank you all for coming out to spend your New Year’s Eve night withus. As I’m sure you’ve heard, the marriage contract between my family and the Chapmans has been amicably dissolved.” Chatter fills the first floor, and I pause for a moment so anyone who didn’t know can catch up. “Don’t worry, you didn’t come out tonight for nothing. You’ll still get your engagement and a bonus claiming ceremony.”
Malachy and Cormac step forward, guiding Charlotte to do the same. They brace her on either side as I reach into my pocket for the ring box.
Only, I grab the damn remote.
A dangerous smirk tips my lips as I bump up the intermittent vibration pattern to a constant hum on her clit. She jolts, her jaw falling open as I reach into the other pocket, pulling out the ring box.
“If you say no now, I’ll have Cormac handcuff you to the bed in the primary bedroom until you change your mind.” I pop the hinge, displaying the five-carat oval solitaire in platinum. It’s quite the statement to anyone who might spot it.
“He won’t have to ask, I’ll just do it,” Cormac says.
“I’ll spank your ass red for breaking my heart,” Malachy chimes in.
Charlotte laughs, pulling her hand to her mouth. “You guys are insane. Yes, I will happily marry you, you psychopaths.”
“Perfect,” I purr, grabbing the ring from the box and slipping it onto her finger. I stand, shove the box into my pocket, and pull her in for a quick but dirty kiss before stepping back to allow my brothers to do the same. Turning to the banister, I wave a hand to our guys in the crowd to indicate that it’s time they get to work. “Allow me and my brothers to introduce you to the future Mrs. O’Connor. The claiming ceremony will begin in fifteen minutes. Everyone else,get the fuck out.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Charlotte
My nerves are shot as Lacey and I make our way down the hallway to the bathroom I was told to get ready in. No one gave me anything to change into, so I suppose I’m just winging this.
Lacey and her guys are planning to leave before the claiming starts, but I appreciate her keeping me company until then.
I stop in my tracks as Vanessa makes her way toward us with a gift box in her hand. She smiles, and Lacey hisses. My head whips in her direction as I quirk an eyebrow. I didn’t know the two of them had even met before, so I have no idea why she has that kind of reaction.
She shrugs, and Vanessa grows closer.
“I’m really sorry about the whole kidnapping thing,” I blurt out as she comes to a stop.
She shrugs. “It wasn’t the highlight of my day, but I’m alive. This is for you.” She shoves the box at my chest. “Consider it athank you for making the O’Connors fall in love with youpresent. Seriously, thank you. Though I have to know. Is the little boy Patrick’s? I know that psycho from the MC was convinced that it’s his kid, but he looks so much like Patrick…”
I take the box, shaking my head. “He’s not. I hadn’t even met Patrick back then.”
“Okay, wow.” Vanessa’s eyes widen, and she darts her head around before focusing back on me. “A little piece of advice—never tell anyone that. If you don’t want to lie and someone asks, just don’t answer. Boston has a long memory. You never know when someone will use that against him.”
My head tilts. I don’t know what she means by that, and I don’t get to ask.
She nods to the gift and says, “That’s just to help protect your modesty. My mom left me something similar before she died, and I thought…” She shrugs. “Wear it or don’t. Totally up to you.” With that, she turns and walks away.
“Thank you, Vanessa,” I call out.
She doesn’t look back, but she raises a hand, waving over her head.
“For whatever reason, I’m not a fan of her,” Lacey whispers.
I almost laugh.
