Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
That makes him blink in surprise.
“She talks about you often, and I think she’s proud of you. Of both of you. But what I love most about London is what an absolutely amazing mom she is. Caleb is lucky to have a mother so dedicated to him. She doesn’t do it out of responsibility. She does it because she enjoys being a mom. She loves being with her son, and that’s something that I both respect and love about her. The three of us have a great time together. I love them both very much.
“You don’t have to worry. I’ll be happy to sign a prenup or whatever it is you want me to sign. I don’t give a shit about the money. As you know, I come from a wealthy, influential family. Not to mention, I do just fine for myself. I want her. All of her and Caleb, and any other children we’re lucky enough to have.”
He’s quiet for another moment. I don’t look away from him, and his face finally relaxes, and he nods slowly.
“I can admit that you’re not who I would have chosen for her. It’s nothing personal, mind you. But it seems that you’re who she’s chosen, and I’m not going to try to stop it. I’m proud of my daughter, Drew, and I know that I may not be good at showing it, but I love her. I want what’s best for her.”
“It sounds like all three of us are on the same page there.”
I see Rome nod out of the corner of my eye.
“If it’s my blessing you want, I’ll give it. Do you have an engagement ring chosen for her?”
I blink, surprised by the question.
“I was going to shop for that this afternoon, actually.”
Chandler and Rome share a look, and then Chandler opens his desk drawer and pulls out a small box.
“You can decline this offer,” he says as he flicks open the lid. A large diamond, surrounded by more diamonds, winks out at me. “This is a vintage Tiffany & Co. ring that belonged to my mother. I never offered it to Adelaide. It’s only been worn by my mother.”
“Did your parents have a good marriage?” I ask him.
“Yes. When she died, my father never stopped grieving, and he died less than a year after her. He just couldn’t live through life without her.”
“London loves that ring,” Rome adds. “She used to get into trouble as a kid for sneaking it out of the safe and staring at it.”
“Well, that pretty much seals the deal, doesn’t it?” I grin at both men. “If she loves it, and it’s a family heirloom, that’s the ring she should have.”
“When will you propose?” Rome asks. “Christmas morning? That’s tomorrow.”
“I thought about that,” I admit. “Then I considered doing it at the game on Sunday. She’s bringing Caleb.”
Both of their eyebrows shoot up at that.
“But I don’t think she’d want something so public. So, I think I’ll do it on New Year’s Eve, at home, just the two of us, after Caleb goes to bed.”
“She’ll love that,” Rome says. “I like you, Drew. I know you don’t need my blessing, but you have it.”
“I think I do need both of you behind me because she loves you both a lot. What you think matters to her.”
“Will you talk to our mom?” Rome asks. “She’s in town.”
I shake my head. “No. I won’t go into that because it’s London’s story to tell, but no. Adelaide isn’t any of my business.”
“I was wrong about you,” Chandler says as he stands and offers me his hand. “Of course, it goes without saying that if you fuck this up, they’ll never find your body.”
I don’t bother to laugh. “As it should be, sir.”
“Since you’re going to be family, you can call me Chandler.”
Chapter 20
London
“No one cares that we’re here.” I’m standing next to Sophie, loading up a plate with food. “I dressed down, like you said to, and Caleb and I wore our hats. No one paid any attention to us.”
“I’m so glad that Drew suggested this,” she says with a smile. “The press will be looking for you in the owner’s suite, and that’s if they were looking for you. You guys are totally safe here.”
“It’s fun,” I admit. The guys are out on the field, warming up and getting ready for the start of the game.
“Oops, I’ll be back. I have to go down and kiss Ike before the game.”
Sophie licks her finger and hurries out, escorted by security. I carry my plate, and another for Caleb, over to the seats that face the glass so we can look out onto the field and watch all the action. My son chose a spot next to Drew’s dad, and they’re chatting it up like they’re old buddies.
It warms my heart.