His Jag is the last thing he has of his old life, especially since his house in Santa Barbara just closed last week. He’s officially moved in with me now.
“A convertible isn’t exactly suitable for a baby.”
I don’t say what’s on my mind—notably that it’s still early, and something could still happen. He senses what I’m thinking, though, and rests his hand on my thigh.
“You heard the doctor. You have no reason to worry.”
I’m quiet the rest of the way to the lunch spot, and when we park, I grab the ultrasound photo.
“My mom will want to see it,” I say glumly.
Dante turns to face me fully. “Talk to me.”
I look down at my lap—at the glossy photo. “Everyone is going to be so excited, but what if something happens?”
Dante takes my hand and I look up at him, meeting his eyes. The green orbs burn into mine with such intensity that I suck in a sharp breath. Since moving in with me, he seems more relaxed. Happier. And my happiness is important to him—I’ve come to find he’s actually very easygoing, except when it comes to me. He’s protective and doting, and it’s something I never knew I needed in my life.
“If something happens, we will deal with it. Together.” I look down at my lap again. “Frankie, look at me.”
I snap my eyes up to his. “Sorry. It’s just that—Jake—he said the same thing?—”
“There isn’t anything you could say or do that would make me walk away. If you wanted out of this relationship, I’d beg you to stay. If something happens to this baby, I will be there for you day in and day out, ensuring you’re happy and healthy. I only want to exist with you. There is nothing else for me. Fifty years from now, I’ll love you just as much as I love you now.”
“Yeah, but?—”
He reaches out and takes my chin between his fingers. “I’m not interested in a life without you. One day soon, I’m going to make you my wife.” I let out a tiny gasp, and his thumb brushes against my skin. “I’m going to love you every single day for the rest of my life, because I’ve never felt anything like this before. My world consists of two parts—before you, and after you. Christ, I don’t know what else I can say to prove that I worship the ground you walk on?—”
“Will you marry me?” I ask, heart pounding.
His eyes flick between mine urgently. “Did you just propose to me?” he growls, looking almost annoyed.
I can’t help but smile. “Maybe.”
“Fuck,” he rasps, eyes dipping to my mouth. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious.”
He lets out a tortured groan. “God, you’re so?—”
I lean forward and pull his face to mine for a kiss, and when his warm hand comes to the side of my face, I can’t help but smile.
“Is that a yes?” I ask against his lips.
“I had a proposal planned for this weekend, baby girl.”
Pulling away, I look at him with wide eyes. “Really?”
His green eyes bore into mine. “I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Bringing a hand to my mouth, I let out a shocked laugh. “Oh my god. We’re actually doing this?”
He cocks his head and smirks. “I have to ask your mom first. But yes.” Getting out of the car, he walks around and opens my door, holding a hand out. “Ready?”
I let him help me out of the car before he tugs me into his body. “For which part?”
Wrapping his hands around my waist, he kisses my forehead before brushing his lips against my ear and sending a shiver down my spine.
“All of it.”
