Page 96 of Dreamboat

“Promise?” I ask.

“Promise,” he answers. “What was it? It seemed important. I know I interrupted with my talk about a ring.”

I don’t have to search my memory to recall what I wanted to ask him, but now doesn’t feel like the right time.

“Please, Delia,” he pleads. “Whatever it is, the answer is yes.”

I stare into his eyes. “You’ll move in with me?”

He takes my mouth in a soft kiss. “Hell, yes, I will.”

I considered the idea of selling my penthouse so I could move in with Donovan, but it’s part of Grace’s legacy and I want it to be part of my family’s, too. To that end, I take this discussion a step further since we’re still waiting for the most important news about our future.

“I’m going to accept a teaching job at Fortman Academy.”

Donovan’s face lights up. “The private school? That Fortman?”

“On the Upper West Side,” I say even though I know he’s well aware of where it’s located. “I’ll start teaching third grade next year after I’ve had some time with our baby.”

“I love that plan.”

“There’s more.” I steal a glance at the receptionist. “Since I adopted Ralph, it’s made me think more about what I can do with some of the money Grace left me.”

“You want to contribute to the animal shelter?” He smiles.

“Yes.” I nod. “I also want to start the wheels in motion to set up a fund that will help kids who need tutoring. It’ll take time to work that all out, but Roman is willing to help me with the legal side of things.”

“I’ll do what I can to help with anything you need.”

“Miss Hawthorne?” the receptionist calls out. “We’re ready for you.”

“They’re ready for us.” I reach for the hand of the man I love. “Let’s go see how beautiful our baby is.”

He kisses my palm as we both stand. “Or babies.”

EPILOGUE

Delia

Six Months Later

“A magician named Clever almost made Mommy disappear off of a cruise ship right around the time you were conceived,” I say to my swollen belly.

“What in the ever loving fuck are you talking about?” Callum laughs. “I thought food poisoning was the worst thing you dealt with on that trip. Now, you’re saying you were almost kidnapped by someone named Clever? Is that right? Clever? What the hell kind of name is that?”

“Not a great one.” Donovan strolls into the main living room with a tray of drinks in his hands. “I’ve got beer, and wine. Bianca brought a pitcher of that stellar punch she makes and there’s chilled water here, too.”

“Punch for me, please!” Georgie’s hand darts into the air.

“Me too!” Dora follows that up by grabbing a glass filled with the colorful liquid from the tray.

I smile when I realize Donovan added small pink umbrellas to the glasses for the girls. He thinks of everything.

“You’re going to pop soon.” Nikita approaches where I’m sitting on my couch. “I brought some extra chocolate to tide you over until our sweetheart arrives.”

Our sweetheart. Our beautiful daughter, Grace Marion Hunt, will be in my arms not long from now.

Donovan and I agreed without question that we’d name her after the woman who influenced my life so deeply. Marion is in honor of his mom who has proven time and time again why she’s a hero to both of her sons.

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