Page 149 of Until I Claim You

Nate and I are out to dinner, a tradition we started in an effort to rebuild our relationship outside of the business.

He spears a cherry tomato onto his fork and pops it into his mouth. “So, how are things with you and Sonia?”

I sip some wine. “Amazing. How are you feeling about all of this? It can’t be easy for you.”

“Easier than you’d think. Dad, I’ve moved on. You know that. I love you both, and I want you guys to be happy. You know you’re not getting any younger–”

“Fifty is the new thirty-five.”

Nate laughs. I love watching him so free. “Fine. But here is the moment of truth. Do you want to marry her?”

My cheeks are on fire.

“Oh, shit. You do! Dad. You have to ask her!”

“Nate, I really…don’t want to rush anything.” A complete lie.

I have wanted to rush everything from the second I saw her, my Swan, at last year’s masquerade. Wanted to wrapmy arms around her, never let go, take her all the way into eternity.

Hard to wrap my head around the fact that it will be a year in two weeks. Already? Only? It’s like time has flown but stood still since I met her.

Nate rolls his eyes. “You had my mother pregnant after an hour of talking to her.”

“Not exactly how things went down, but–” I gulp my wine.

“Oh, my god, Dad, listen. You’ve been living together for almost six months now. It’s time.”

I clear my throat. “I should discuss it with Sonia first.”

“No need.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “Why?”

Now it’s my son’s turn to blush. “She may or may not have dropped a hint to me.”

My stomach drops. “A hint? To you?”

“Less of a hint and more of a plea. For me to get in your ear and push you to propose.”

“Sonia askedyouto convince me to propose?!”

Nate has a smug smile on his face. “You know Sonia and I talk. We’re friends.”

I shake my head in disbelief. “You’re a better man than me, Nate.”

I have no idea how I would react if I were in his shoes, but Nate has been surprising me at every turn.

“No, I just want you both to have your happy ever after. You deserve it, Dad. And so does Sonia. So, it’s time to get a ring and pop the question.” He grins.

“Cheers to that.”

“Letme see it one more time.”

I open the box and show it to Solomon. “Would you like one too?”

“Mm, rubies really aren’t my color.” He peers into the ring box. A smile creeps onto his face. “She’ll love it.”

“I hope so. Otherwise, I have Bridget to blame, since she helped me pick it.” I snatch the box back with a wry smile.

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