Page 86 of Hired By My Rich Baby Daddy 2

“Carl… I⁠—”

“No. Let me finish… I love you, Nourah. I would never cheat on you. I would never intentionally hurt you, and I damn sure wouldn’t do anything that could jeopardize this relationship…you’re the only woman I want to be with,” he continued. “You’re the person I want to come home to. You’re who I want to build with. I want us to buy a house. I want to have kids with you. I want family vacations and arguments over dumb things and you taking over every closet in the house, even though you’ll swear you don’t have enough clothes.”

A tear slipped down my cheek. “Oh my God,” I whispered.

I stepped closer, my eyes dropping to the ring again.

His eyes locked on mine. “I love you more than I’ve ever loved anybody. You’re my best friend.”

Behind Carl’s face, PB’s flashed through my mind.

His lips against mine and the look in his eyes…

Fuck.

Carl smiled softly. “Nourah Marcell…” He took one more breath. “Will you marry me?”

Ever since Ozy and I kissed at the studio, we hadn’t really talked about it. Not because there wasn’t anything to say, but because I think both of us knew there was way too much to say.

So, we kept it professional.

I took King to school, sat in on his swim lessons and tutoring sessions, and handled whatever else was on that little packed schedule of his. Anytime Ozy and I crossed paths around the house; there was always this little look between us that lasted a second too long.

But that kiss had been on my mind constantly!

Now it was King’s birthday, which landed on a Saturday, so instead of soccer, his uncle was throwing him a big party. Since there was no soccer for me to take him to, I could’ve used the day to go see my own baby.

And even though every bone in my body wanted to be at my mama’s house holding her, I promised King I’d be here. He asked me himself.

I got him up out the bed and walked him into the bathroom, half asleep with his hair standing all over the place and set him up on his little stool in front of the sink.

“Face first, sir.” I turned on the faucet, wet his face rag, and then handed it to him. He began to wash his face with the cold water, which was slowly waking him up. Once he was done, he handed it back to me, and I sat it down so I could get into character while he reached for his toothpaste and toothbrush.

I started singing.

“Happy birrrrthday to you…”

I gave it everything I had, and I even threw in a couple of dance moves. A quick one-two step and a spin. King was cracking up with the toothbrush still in his mouth, toothpaste all down his chin.

“Wow, Miss Noree! You sound great!”

“Aww, thank you, sweetie. I really appreciate that. Are you excited about your birthday party? All of your friends are going to be here, and I heard your girlfriend Abigail is coming.”

He smiled so big, then finished up with his teeth and rinsed his mouth out. He turned all the way around to face me and hopped off the stool.

“Yes! I’m excited because you’re here.”

I put my hand on my chest.

“Aww. You trying to make me cry early in the morning, aren’t you?”

“Miss Noree. I really like you.” He looked down at his feet, then back up. “And honestly, can I tell you a secret?”

I pretended to look all around the bathroom, checking over both my shoulders like somebody might be listening. Then I stepped in closer and crouched down in front of him, so we were eye to eye.

“Of course. What’s your secret, birthday boy?”

“I want you to be my new auntie.”