I take the new ring and hold it to the end of her ring finger.It’s bigger and more sparkly than the first.“Will you marry me?”
“I thought I already did.”She grins at me.
“You know what I mean.”I push the ring past the tip.
“You didn’t have to get me a new ring.”
She doesn’t say anything as I slide it on her finger.
“I’ll take that as a yes.”
“Of course it’s a yes.Did you have any doubts?”
“Not after what I came home to.You did this all while I was gone?”
She nods.“It’s time that Tanner has his space and we have ours.Since we’re in this for the long haul.”
I sit up and stare at her.“You have no idea how hot this is.”
“I hope I do, but you’re still clothed.”
I grab the back of my shirt and yank it off.She laughs, and her fingers go to the buttons on my jersey.
“Jersey stays on.”I tackle her to the mattress.
How fast life changes.
In less than a year, I went from a single bachelor to a family man, and I wouldn’t change a damn thing.
I push up on my elbows.“I love you.”
She places her hands on either side of my face, her eyes on me.“I know.”
“And?”I tickle her, and she squirms in my arms.
“I love you too,” she says.
There’re no sweeter words.
Epilogue
Hadley
The chill of Chicago is starting, and I’m remembering why I hate the winters, but I’m not going anywhere.This is where I belong.The bookstore is improving every month, and I’ve had to hire another part-time employee.We’ve been in the black for a few months, and the boys have come in for a Colts night where they read stories, each voicing different characters.All in all, I’m super proud of how much business is improving.
We’re all meeting the guys at Peeper’s since the Colts swept the National League Division Series last night.And now it’s between the Trojans and Cleveland to see who will win the American League Division.Tonight could be the deciding game, and I’m not sure what will happen if we’re playing the Trojans for the championship.
Callie gave me the note at storytime a few days ago.Guess it was left on the cardboard sign and addressed to the women of The Dugout, asking us to meet at Peeper’s tonight.
“Let’s go, buddy.”I pick up Tanner.“Big game tonight.”
I hold him on my hip and walk out of our condo with the diaper bag that hopefully has enough toys to keep him occupied for a while.
In truth, we’re outgrowing Peeper’s backroom since there are so many of us with kids now.
The minute I near the ground floor, Hazel sees us and runs up the stairs.
Could I have a little of her energy?
