“Since you don’t go back to school until Monday, we’ll go back tomorrow and get your clothes.”
“But there is something that’s yours.” I drop down to one knee. “Elsa, I’m in love with you, and thankfully it didn’t take me too long to realize it. I’m so grateful I didn’t realize it sooner. What I’m saying is…will you marry me?”
“I think you’re a little late…”
“Woman…okay, I’m answering it for you. We already have a little puppy together. It’s a sealed deal. Enough said.” I slide the ring on her finger and then pull her in for a kiss.
“I suppose since we do share custody, it’s probably for the best.” The smile on her face couldn’t be wider.
“I love you, Elsa.” She kisses my chin and then my lips tenderly until we’re lost in each other’s arms.
A low yelping yawn comes from my feet, and I look down to see our puppy curling between us. “Looks like someone is tired.”
“Yes, it does.”
“Let’s take her inside and wash up.” She picks up the sleepy pup, and I press my hand to the small of her back as wewalk back inside. We wash our hands, and then I lead her into the family room. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No, thank you.”
“So, I need you to understand something, Elsa.”
“What is it?”
“I want us to be together, and I’m not just talking about dating. I’m looking forward to forever with you. I understand that you have dreams to be a forensic scientist.”
“Are you…”
“Hold on. I’m not trying to stop you from becoming one. Not at all. I’m just saying there may be some bumps in the road along the way.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, one, we’ll be getting married, so the wedding and honeymoon will happen, and I’m not sure if that will interfere. Then, there’s the chance that we have a baby in the next couple of years.”
“How many babies?” she asks with bright, wide eyes.
“I don’t know. It depends on how many babies we can handle. I’m running a hotel and casino with your brothers while I plan on giving you the rest of my time. Maybe starting a family right away might not be the best idea.”
“My mother put me on birth control at the beginning of the summer.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yes. She said it would be a good idea until I finished school.”
“Well, then, it’s good because we have time for each other and you can finish school.” I pull her into my arms, tipping her face upward with my hand under her chin. “Now that we havethat squared away, my beautiful Elsa, I need to taste these lips again.”
She closes her eyes, waiting for me to claim her soft pink lips. I lean in and close my mouth over hers, sliding a hand into her hair, cupping the back of her neck to bring her face close to mine. Our mouths angle sideways as we deepen the kiss, moans falling from our lips.
Carl coughs, interrupting us. “Sir, Mr. and Mrs. Martín have arrived.”
“Please escort them in here.”
When they finally enter the family room, I smile proudly and greet them, “Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. We can’t miss a wonderful dinner and a chance to see our daughter before you steal her away from us so unexpectedly,” her father adds with a look of annoyance.
“I thought it would have been obvious after everything that we discussed.”
“I don’t believe we discussed her just moving in with you.” He steps closer, his anger becoming more obvious.
