Page 151 of The Betrayal

I kneel once more, my mouth pressed against her bump.

“I love you two so much,” my hand rubs gently, and I feel one of my twins kick my hand.

“They love you too,” she smiles down at me, and I stand, an arm wrapped around her back, the other cupping her face, “and I love you.”

“I love you,” she smiles at me, just as my lips press against hers and for just a moment, the world slips away from beneath us.

We ride in a taxi down towards Columbus Circle and the evening is busy. I pay the fair then open the door and once I am on the sidewalk, I lean down and hold my hand out for her to take. Slowly, she steps onto the sidewalk and I steady her once both of her heels are firmly on the ground.

Her poor feet are already swollen but she was determined to wear her heels and dress up pretty for date night.

Fingers linked, we head towards The Museum of Art and Design.

“Where are we going?” she asks quietly as I get the door.

“For food,” I smile at her, wiggling my brows as I state the obvious.

“Duh,” she swats me as I lead her to the elevator, and we ride to the top of the museum in silence. Stepping into the dimly lit but tasteful restaurant, we're taken to our seats, and we have the most beautiful view of Central Park. We're handed drink menus, and we browse whilst the waiter hovers.

“May I get you both a drink?”

“I'll have a glass of the Two Rows cabernet sauvignon please,” I hand him back the menu before he turns his attention to Arizona. And I take this moment to just look at her. I don't think I have ever felt as overwhelmed with love than I do now. All the worries of this afternoon have slowly slipped from me. I bask in the moment. She is breath-taking in every sense of the word but seeing how she glows, the way her body has changed into something truly breath-taking whilst she is carrying two babies is just beautiful. She is beautiful. Truly.

“I'll have a scarlet glow iced tea please,” and she hands him back the menu.

“Certainly, I’ll be back soon with your drinks,” he says before walking away. My hand reaches forward to take hers in mine.

“Thank you for this, I never realized how much I needed a date night,” she smirks, eyes glistening.

“No need to thank me, I'm annoyed at myself for not doing this sooner.” I admit and guilt twists my gut. “I'm also sorry for not giving this to you sooner,” I rasp, leaning back for a moment as I tuck my hand into the inside of my pocket and pull out the small box that was sitting in my closet for far too long.

Her eyes fall to the ribbon wrapped box before they're on me.

“What's this?” she whispers, fingers playing with the ribbon.

“You'll have to open it and find out,” I tease, tongue in cheek.

Her cheeks flame as she gently tugs on the ribbon and lets it unravel. She picks at the black wrapping paper a little too carefully and reveals a black velvet box.

I'm hoping she likes it. Well, loves it.

Connie and Reese gifted her a pretty ring with her birthstone and a delicate charm bracelet and suddenly I feel like my gift will be underwhelming.

She opens the lid, slowly, agonizingly slowly might I add, and I see the way the tears pool in her eyes.

“Keaton,” she whispers, her blue eyes find mine and all I can do is smile. My heart is racing in my chest as I focus on nothing but her. I blur everything else around us out for a millisecond.

“Marry me,” I smirk and she laughs, “okay, so yes, I know we're married but we did it ass way up. I wanted to at least be able to give you an engagement ring.”

She nods, tears rolling down her cheeks. I reach for the box and pull out the engagement ring. A teardrop shaped three carat diamond that sits on a thin gold band. I turn it slightly so she can see the engraving on the inside.

‘10.22.2023 – the date time stood still.’

“Keaton,” she chokes as she holds out her trembling left hand and I slip it on with ease, and I hold her hand for a while longer, brushing my thumb across the back of her fingers.

“And when you're ready, your wedding band is yours.”

She cocks her head to the side and smiles.

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