Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 418(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 279(@300wpm)
He nodded his head for me to continue.
I opened the doors and left them standing open wide as I stepped out onto the balcony. The Eiffel Tower was lit up, and standing there, in this magical setting, I felt like there was no other dream of mine that could compete with the gift of Paris that Garrett had given me.
“It’s all so breathtaking,” I said, turning back to him. “You sure know how to end a trip.”
Garrett smiled as he joined me outside. “I wouldn’t look at it as the ending of our trip. Just the one experience I hope I will get to hold as the most important moment of my life.”
I smiled, unsure of what he meant by that, when he slowly went down on one knee in front of me. My breathing stopped as our eyes stayed locked. He was on a knee. I finally sucked in air, and he grinned as he reached into his pocket. The lights danced off the diamond he held out in his hand. It was the largest diamond I had ever seen, nestled in royal-blue velvet. I stared at it.
Was that real? They didn’t make diamonds this size, did they?
“You have been nothing but firsts for me. Firsts that have changed me. Made me a better man. Shown me that having love and being loved is worth more than anything my money can buy. Just as I have never loved a woman until you, I’ve never even said the words until you. I have never gotten down on one knee. I’ve never wanted to get on one knee. But I couldn’t get down here quick enough. I’ve fought it all night, wanting the moment to be perfect.
“Fawn Parker, will you marry me? I don’t want to spend another day of my life without you.”
I let out a choked sob as I nodded my head. “Yes!”
As he slid the massive diamond onto my finger, the broad smile that stretched across his face as he stood up made me agree to anything to see him that happy. I’d even wear this completely over-the-top ring that sparkled beautifully with all the twinkling lights.
As his lips lowered to meet mine, he whispered, “Thank you.”
I grabbed his face and pressed my mouth against his.
Garrett Hughes was not something I had ever dreamed of for my future. But he outshone all the fantasies I’d once had, making them pale in comparison.
Thirty-Eight
Fawn
We had been home for over a week, and I felt as if things had been moving so fast that it was hard to keep up. Tonight, we had a attended a gala. Not just Garrett and me, but Trev and Gypsi went with us. Turned out that my suspicions had been correct. Since coming home, I had noticed there was something off with Gypsi, and it wasn’t the sudden life change. It was Trev.
Garrett walked toward the bed in his boxers, which was odd. He normally slept naked. I knew he was concerned with tonight’s events. He had to learn he couldn’t control everything and everyone. Our kids had their own lives, and it would be unfair of us to butt in. They were adults.
“You know they’re fucking, right?” he asked as he reached the bed.
I shrugged. “I didn’t ask for details. I just saw two people unable to stop looking at each other, like they were in pain and longing. Let them make their own decisions. It’s not like they will be related by blood. They didn’t grow up together. They will be adult stepchildren. There is nothing wrong with them having a relationship.”
Garrett sighed and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Fawn, he calls her Lollipop.” The disgust in his tone made me giggle.
“You call me pretty baby. Maybe pet names are something the Hughes men like to do.”
Garrett didn’t look amused. “You don’t know Trev. He’s going to hurt her.”
I leaned forward and touched his arm. “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. You should watch your son closer. See the way he watches her. The possessive look in his gaze is awfully familiar.”
Garrett grunted, then reached over and covered my hand with his. “I just don’t want anything to happen that makes you leave me.”
I scooted closer to him. “You need to worry more about the fact that you’re stuck with me. I refuse to go away.”
He grinned then, but only briefly.
“There’s something I want to ask you,” he said somberly. “I wanted to give you time to settle in, but it’s gnawing at me.”
I sat up on my knees and stared at him as he turned his body toward me.
“What?” I asked, not knowing what could have him so serious.
“Who is Gypsi’s father?”
I froze. Memories I fought hard to keep locked away, untouched, never to be thought of again, began to pound in my skull.