CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Grace
I stared at the brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring set in a platinum band. Little micropavé stones surrounded the 3-carat center rock. For someone who didn’t do hearts and flowers, Matt surprised me.
Did he propose?
No.
I woke up wearing the ring on my finger. Kate wasn’t his only business in Atlanta the day before. He actually went ring shopping with his sister. I should’ve been mad at him, feel cheated of a proposal every woman dreamed of, but I was anything but traditional. Instead, something warm and tender bloomed in my heart. Matt was uncomfortable with the whole engagement ring thing. I sensed it when I awakened to him staring at me.
“That’s creepy,” I muttered. “Watching me while I sleep.”
“I could watch you sleep for hours,” he whispered. “You’re so beautiful.”
I grinned. “Matt, I didn’t take you for a romantic.”
He smirked. “Good. Then you wouldn’t mind that we got engaged while you were sleeping.”
It was then I felt the weight on my hand. The large rock on my finger blinked at me, and I, in my confusion, blinked back dumbly.
“Uh, what’s this?” I asked.
“We’re getting married next week,” Matt informed me. “Kate asked me to wait until she gets here. I hope that’s okay.”
Shaking the cobwebs of sleep from my head, I scooted back and sat up. “Back up. I haven’t had coffee. How can it be okay when I haven’t agreed to marry you?”
“We applied for a marriage license,” Matt reminded me.
“You blackmailed me!”
“Would you be more agreeable if I got down on one knee and proposed?”
“No!”
“Then what’s the fucking problem?”
Was it a crime to strangle one’s future husband?
Husband? Huh?
Had my mind married me to him already? There was no problem. I think that was why I was panicking.
“I don’t appreciate being bullied,” I griped instead.
“You’ll get used to it,” Matt said, kissing me on my brow.
“What? Your sneak attacks in the morning?”
“You’re so cute when you’re riled up, babe,” he grinned. “Makes me want to hang around and fuck you, but I’ve got shit to do.” His eyes crinkled at the corners. “You’re pissed. Your eyes look like they could kill me. I’ll give you as many orgasms as you want when I get back.”
He got up from the bed and started to walk away.
“Matt!”
“If you want a grand wedding, I’ll give it to you after we’ve taken care of The Reaper. But I’m not waiting six months or more to marry you,” he said, pausing by the door. “Do you want your mom here for this one? There’s time to fly her in.”
My mom? Shit. His ability to sidetrack me blew my mind.
“She’ll find it strange if I’d tell her not to mention anything to Elliot. She doesn’t know I’m pregnant either. Besides, I don’t think it’s safe to be around me at the moment.”
Matt nodded. “I can hire some security for her, but yeah, that will only make her worry.”
“Maybe we can delay getting married,” I said sweetly.
His face hardened at this. “That’s not even on the table. I’m not giving you any opportunity to change your mind.”
I laughed. “I wasn’t aware I had any choice.”
His eyes softened a bit, but his features remained resolute. “We’re signing those papers next week stating you’re mine and mine alone.”
Good Lord! What was with all this ‘mine’ bullshit?
“You’re so primitive.” I shook my head in amusement.
“Yeah, that’s how I fuck too.” He smirked and left the room.
Oh my, I felt that in my pussy. Are women supposed to be this horny in their first trimester? Whatever it was, this man kept me on my toes because I didn’t even discuss with him our need to get to Dallas. And I had a sneaking suspicion he’d manipulated that conversation deliberately.
A text message on my phone drew me out of my head.
Millie: Can I come over? Matt told me to keep an eye on you.
Me: Give me five minutes. I’m just getting out of bed.
I wondered what Matt had and had not told Millie. There couldn’t have been enough time to tell her about the return of my memory and my doubts of Troy.
Millie: Matt should really take it easy on you. ;)
Me: Not what you’re thinking!
Millie: What do you want for breakfast?
Like Matt, Millie was adept at changing the topic. It also seemed everyone wanted to feed the pregnant woman.
Me: Waffles. What else?
I didn’t wait for Millie to respond and headed to the bathroom. I washed my face and brushed my teeth, took off the robe I had on since the night before and donned a pink long-sleeved tee and heather gray yoga pants. I gathered my hair in a loose pony tail and made my way to the kitchen to make some coffee.
I saw a note on the kitchen counter. “Coffee is ready to go, babe. Just push the button.”
Matt and I were beginning to sound like an old married couple.
Ten minutes later, a knock sounded on the door.
I headed to the entrance and threw the door open. Millie walked past me.
“You didn’t even check if it was really me,” she muttered in disapproval.
“Matt just installed a temporary webcam.” I pointed to the tablet by the kitchen counter.
“I guess I shouldn’t worry too much,” she quipped and set the bags on the table. “Hmm, that coffee smells good. I thought Matt wouldn’t let you drink coffee.”
“If he values his life and sanity, he better let me have at least a cup,” I said as I brought out the utensils and coffee mugs. “I’m sorry you have to babysit me. You have more problems to deal with than to make sure the pregnant woman is fed.”
Millie shrugged her shoulders. “The diner could run itself.”
I went to the kitchen to get the carafe of coffee after it finished brewing. “Did you talk to Kyra?” I asked over my shoulder.
“She’s not at home,” Millie answered. “I called her a couple of times last night and this morning, but my calls were going straight to voicemail. Lucas is coming home tomorrow with Trent and Colt. I’ll have him trace Kyra’s cell.” Her eyes zeroed in on my engagement ring as I leaned over to pour her some coffee.
“Oh, my that’s a beautiful rock,” she murmured. “Matthew did well.”
“Thank you,” I responded, feeling my cheeks blush, resisting the urge to hide my hand.
Poised as always, Millie slowly stirred the milk into her coffee, took a sip, and lowered the mug. She held out her hand. “Let me look.”
I put my hand in hers even if I had the desire to snatch it away from her scrutiny. She smiled in satisfaction. “If I’m not mistaken, that’s a Harry Winston ring. Matt couldn’t have paid any less than one hundred and twenty grand for it.”
“What?” I gaped. “He’s crazy if he thinks I’m going to wear more than a hundred grand of jewelry.” I tried to remove the ring, wanting to hide it in a safe somewhere, but Millie put her hand over mine, stopping me.
“Wear it,” Millie advised. “Believe me, Matthew can afford it. If I’m not mistaken, Kate probably talked him down from buying a bigger, more ostentatious-looking ring.”
“But why? Bribery? If he knew me at all, he knows I wouldn’t care about something like this.”
“I don’t think it’s bribery, but rather overcompensating for something he knows nothing about—namely commitment.”
“He’s thinking the size of the ring shows how committed he is?” I felt my heart drop to my stomach. “Oh, my God, we’re not ready for this.”
The older woman looked alarmed. “Grace, calm yourself. You’re making a big deal about the engagement ring. Matt’s crazy about you. And you feel the same about him otherwise you wouldn’t still be here putting up with his bossy ass.”
“I care about him and I’m pretty sure he cares about me, but is it even close to love?”
Millie pursed her lips. “Only you and he can answer that. I don’t want to muddle what you feel with what I see.” She smiled encouragingly. “All I’ll say is I’m very optimistic about both of you. It’s quite entertaining to see Matt not knowing which end is up anymore.”
I gave a short chuckle. “Not sure if I should be flattered or offended by that.”
“Oh, flattered, definitely. Matt needs someone who won’t put up with his crap,” Millie said with a conspiratorial gleam in her eye. “Now, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”