Page 99 of Sighs By the Sea

He retrieves a stack of papers from his bag near the front door, the rustle of the pages loud in the quiet room, and hands them to me. I scan the documents, confusion crossing my face. “What’s this?”

“That’s my divorce. Suzannah signed and sent them back, so it’s final.” His words hang in the air, the finality sinking in.

“Oh.” I flip the page, the paper smooth under my fingertips, and see something else I don’t understand.

“That’s my life insurance policy. I updated it to go straight to you.” I nod; we’ve already talked about that, and I knew he’d get it done quickly. Grayson doesn’t hesitate when it comes to paperwork.

I flip through the next batch of papers. They’re thicker, filled with my name and George's. “Okay, are you doing all this to make me feel dumb?”

He laughs, the sound warm and rich, and points to the top of the page. ‘Adoption decree.’ My heart skips a beat, emotion flooding through me. “Suzannah gave up her parental rights, and we both agreed that if anything were to happen to me, George should be with you.”

Grayson often visits his ex at her treatment facility. She’s given birth to a healthy baby girl who’s been put up for adoption. It’s been a hard time for him. He feels responsible for the child, but after meeting with the adoptive parents, he agrees that the baby is better off not knowing the past of her conception.

“When Suzannah is better, I want her to have a relationship with George, but that could be years. George loves you, Maggie. Would you want to adopt him?”

Tears blur the words on the page as I nod, throwing my arms around him, the papers fluttering to the floor like leaves.

I’m honored but feel a small tinge of discomfort, like a pebble in my shoe. If I’m honest, a part of me thought he was going to propose.

When we pull apart, I wipe a tear away, my finger brushing my cheek. “I’d be honored, Gray.”

We share a tender kiss, our lips meeting softly, and I give him a smile, though he can probably tell I’m a bit disappointed.

With a mischievous grin, Grayson reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box, the velvet soft in his hand.

He turns it over, not saying a word. “What’s that?” I finally ask, curiosity piqued.

“This?” He points to it, feigning nonchalance. “You don’t want this. It’s nothing.” He tucks it back into his pocket, but I pounce on him, tickling his sides, laughter bubbling between us.

Still chuckling, Grayson pulls the box back out, resting it in his palm like a secret. “Okay! I give! Take it, you thief.”

I yank it from his grip, my heart racing with anticipation, and open the velvet box. My breath catches as I take in the sparkling diamond ring, set in a simple rose gold band.

“Read the inside.” He turns the ring up for me, the inscription shining in the light.

Inside the band, delicate words read, Our superhero, always and forever.

“Oh, Grayson, it’s perfect.” My voice is a whisper, filled with awe.

He kisses my cheek. “Will you be my wife, Margarette Parker?”

I sniffle as the ring slips onto my finger, a perfect fit. “Yes, Grayson. I would love to. But—”

He tilts his head, his brow furrowing. “What?”

“I want to keep my name.” I wince, the words heavy on my tongue, but the Cardenas name is too tainted.

“Oh.” He looks a little strained or confused; I can’t tell which.

“Is that not okay?”

“No, no. It’s fine. I wouldn’t… well, I just kinda thought I’d take your name. I hate Cardenas.”

I perk up, tucking my feet beneath me on the couch with an amused expression. “But you love when I call you Mr. Cardenas!”

He laughs, the sound like a melody. “I’ll love it more when you call me Mr. Parker.” I laugh and start kissing his face with enthusiasm, my lips brushing against his skin. Grayson growls playfully, pulling me into his lap. I immediately start grinding on him, feeling the impressive bulge harden beneath me.

Our intimate moment is interrupted when Grayson gently pushes me off. George wanders into the living room, rubbing his sleepy eyes, his hair tousled from sleep.

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