Page 235 of My Real Love Affair

Six months ago, Austin would have jumped at that opportunity. But now, he just shook his head. “Nah, I’m good. I want to see the kids first.”

Cash raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. I squeezed Austin’s hand. He squeezed back, and we headed into the backyard where the party was in full swing.

Conrad was running around with a pack of other kids, his dark hair wild and his face covered in what I hoped was just frosting. When he saw Austin, he shrieked with delight and ran over.

“Uncle Austin! Uncle Austin!”

“Hey, buddy!” Austin scooped him up, and my ovaries basically exploded watching the man I loved swing a giggling toddler around. “Happy birthday!”

The party continued in a blur of activities. Mina and Isaac had rented a bounce house and several carnival games. There was a piñata that resulted in a near riot, and more sugar than should be legal. Through it all, Austin was right in the middle of it, playing with Conrad and the other kids, helping Mina wrangle the chaos, and looking more at home than I’d ever seen him.

When it came time for presents, Conrad tore into ours with enthusiasm. The train set was a huge hit, and watching Austin help him set up the tracks while Conrad bounced around excitedly made my chest tight with emotion.

I so wanted to watch him playing with our own son.

As the sun started to set and guests began filtering out, we said our goodbyes. Mina hugged me tight and whispered, “He’s good with kids. Just saying.”

“I know,” I whispered back. “Trust me, I know.”

In the car on the way back to my place, Austin reached over and took my hand. “That was fun.”

“You were amazing with Conrad.”

“Yeah?” He glanced at me. “I was thinking maybe we should practice. I want to make sure I get it on the first try.”

I laughed. “What?”

“Making babies.” He said it so casually, like he was suggesting we try a new restaurant.

My heart stopped. “Austin, don’t tease.”

“I’m serious. I know we’ve talked about it being ‘someday,’ but I’m ready for someday to be now. Or soon. Or whenever you’re ready.” He pulled up to a red light and turned to look at me fully. “I want this with you, Melody. The whole thing. Marriage, kids, the chaos, all of it.”

“I want that too,” I said. “But I want to do things in order. Marriage first, then babies.”

He smiled slowly. “You want to marry me?”

“Obviously.”

“Good to know.” The light turned green and he started driving again. “I hear you loud and clear. We’ll do it right.”

Something about his tone made me suspicious, but before I could question him further, we were pulling up in front of the townhouse.

“Home sweet home,” he said, coming around to open my door.

I grabbed my purse and headed toward the entrance, fumbling for my keys.

“What are you so happy about?” I asked, unlocking the door.

“You’ll see.”

I pushed the door open and froze.

The entire entryway was lined with candles—dozens of them, creating a soft golden glow. Rose petals formed a path from the door to the living room.

“Austin,” I breathed. “What is this?”

“Turn around.”