Chapter 58

Dalton

2 months later…

My fist rapped on the door. “Sweetheart?” She’d been in there for well over an hour. What could possibly be taking her so long?

“Gimme a sec!” she shouted through the wooden barrier.

“Babe, we’ve got to go, or we’ll be late.”

Seconds later, the door opened and my breath caught.

Holy fucking shit!

“Do I look okay?”

“Are you kidding me right now?” There’s no way I’d survive tonight. “I’m about two seconds away from calling in to cancel our reservation, and stripping that fine ass of yours bare. You look amazing, baby.”

She strutted—yes, strutted—the five steps toward me, lifting on the tips of her toes to press her lips lightly to mine. “Such a charmer,” she murmured. “Let’s go. I’ve got some showing off to do.” She winked, walked around me, and left me salivating—I mean following—after her and the imagery she evoked had me peeling off that little strapless black number she was wearing. Don’t get me started on those strappy black fuck-me-heels.

Devolin

Torturing that man has become one of my favorite pastimes these last few months.

Things have never been greater between Dalton and me. If I thought I loved the man months ago, it was nothing compared to how I felt for him today.

I’d have been happy to stay home, but my man had pulled out all the stops for today. After this morning, I was excited.

Waking up to my dream man was great. Waking up to him, playing with something wrapped around a very important finger of mine, was another.

It was perfect.

The moment, I mean.

Dalton brought me back from memories of this morning with a kiss over the large rock sitting on my left hand as he drove us to dinner. “Have you decided yet?”

“M-hmm.” I smirked, not telling him anything more.

“And?”

“Is tomorrow too soon?” I grinned.

This netted me a boisterous laugh. “Funny, I was wondering if today was possible.”

“I wish,” I sighed dramatically. Truth is, if it were at all possible, I’d be running down the aisle, straight to him.

Moments later, we’d reached the Hilton’s gardens, where Dalton had planned some ornate catered meal for us to eat under the stars.

Guiding me by the hand, he led us under a beautifully sculpted archway, toward a white linen table surrounded by people I wasn’t expecting.

“Surprise!”

Dalton braced me from behind so I wouldn’t fall over from shock.

“I have one more thing to ask of you,” he whispered into my ear before turning me to face him. “Will you marry me today?”

“B-but…” I bit my bottom lip as I pondered what this meant. Looking into his eyes, I felt myself calming. Hadn’t I just told him that I’d marry him right away if we were able to? Instead of giving him the answer we both wanted, I blurted, “I don’t have a dress.”

“Right here,” Skylar came from behind everyone, a garment bag slung over her arms.

That’s when I realized that everyone in attendance was decked to the nines. I took in the faces surrounding us, then looked at the one I wanted to see every day for the rest of my life. “Yes, Dalton. Let’s do it!” Jumping up into his arms, I fused my lips to his, clapping and catcalls surrounding us.

Mom, Skylar, and Morgan helped me get dressed in the beautiful white lace strapless, that Skylar insisted was made for me. I don’t know how she’d managed to get it so it fit me like a glove, but I’d forever remain grateful.

Mom was a ball of emotions, and every time she started to tear up, it was a double battle for me to keep my cool because Morgan would join in on the waterworks, thanks to her pregnancy hormones.

It had been fifteen minutes since I’d said yes to Dalton’s second proposal of the day, and I found myself alone, tucked away in the Hilton’s lobby when Hank came around the corner.

“Mom mentioned she knew the right man for the job.” I smiled at my soon-to-be-father-in-law. “I was wondering which one of the guys I’d get, and I was hoping it’d be you.” I knew it wouldn’t have been my father. After that afternoon at Dalton’s, the man never once tried to get in touch again. Part of me wanted to know why he’d given up so easily. I mean, if he was so desperate at mending fences, then why couldn’t he make all the effort? But he didn’t, and so I let the proverbial sleeping dog lie.

“You’re radiant, honey,” he muttered, bending in closer to kiss my cheek before reaching into his suit jacket. “I have something for you. It was Dalt’s mother’s and I know she’d want you to have it.” He pulled out a tattered velvet box and opened it to reveal the most beautiful bracelet I’d ever seen.

I gasped, tears springing to my eyes, and all I could do to stop them was wave my hands frantically in front of them and breathing deep.

“They’re emeralds,” he said as he undid the clasp. I presented him with my wrist. “I bought it for Amara for our first anniversary. They matched her eyes, just like they do yours.” Securing the clasp, he took a moment to admire the piece of jewelry. “Just where it was meant to be.”

I lost my battle with the tears, throwing myself at the man in a blubbering mess. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I’ll cherish it forever.”

“You’re welcome, sweet girl.” Setting me back, he pulled out a hanky from his back pocket and dabbed at the wet under my eyes. “There. Now, what say you we take you to your groom?” Presenting me with his arm, I hooked mine through it, and we were off. “If I know my son well enough, he’s probably pacing like a caged lion right now.”

“You sure he’s not dancing in circles?” I grinned.

His laugh boomed out, making everyone’s eyes turn toward us. “He told you about that, did he?”

Oh he had.