Page 55 of Interception

Coop comes to my rescue, as usual. “I’ve asked. I listened to Beyoncé. I like it, and I want to put a ring on it. She shot me down.” He slyly winks at me. I don’t think he realizes that wasn’t the thing to say to my best friend to get her to shut up.

“What?” Her voice echoes through the restaurant, garnering stares from the other patrons. “He asked you to marry him, and you didn’t mention it? And you said no!”

“Okay, can you keep it down to a dull roar? I’m pretty sure the chef heard you. Don’t get all bent out of shape. It wasn’t a real proposal. There is no ring, and there was no proposal. He mentioned in passing that we could get married the day I peed on three sticks and made us a family. Everyone knows a conception pity proposal doesn’t count. You have to mean it and not because of a champion swimmer penetrating an egg in my uterus.”

Now they’re all staring at me, including Coop. “You didn’t think I meant it?”

“What? Don’t play around. Faith will think you’re serious.”

“I am serious.”

Hunter looks to his best friend before adding his two cents. “I know Coop, and he wasn’t playing around. Sorry, Zee. Three to one, he proposed.”

“No. All he said was that he’d be a good husband. That’s not a proposal. You can’t gang up on the pregnant lady. I’m not in control of my emotions right now. If I start crying in the middle of dinner and end up on someone’s Instagram feed ugly crying, I’m coming for all of you.”

“What if I did the whole ‘down on one knee with a ring’ thing? Would you say yes?” Are you kidding me right now? I want to strangle Faith for bringing this up.

“I’m not talking about hypotheticals. That’s not how this process works, and that just proves that we’re not there yet. You want me to say yes to the idea of a ring and a grand gesture.”

“I’m just trying to get a read on you. You’re not the easiest woman in the world to woo.”

“I think you ‘wooed’ me just fine. We’re having two kids, and I told you I love you. Isn’t that enough for now?”

“Hold the phone! You said you love him? That’s huge. How did I not know about this? You’ve been holding out on me, bestie.”

I turn to Faith and stare her down. What the hell? She’s singlehandedly throwing me to the wolves. “Yes, okay. Emotionally stunted, relationship averse me said the words out loud, and I’ve done it more than once. Not that it’s anyone else’s business, but if everything needs to be documented for posterity, let me reiterate the fact.”

Completely out of character, I stand up and holler. “Listen up, people. I, Zoey Porter, love Titan star, Cooper Danford. I’m carrying his babies, and I love him. That’s all. You can go back to enjoying your dinner.” I take my seat, and you could hear a pin drop in here right now.

Coop grabs my face and plants an over-the-top kiss on my lips. “Hell, yeah.” He pulls back just enough to hold my gaze. “That might have been the sexiest thing you’ve ever done for me. Would it be terrible if we ditched these two and went home for some naked dinner?”

“Can we wait until after dinner? I’ve been looking forward to their chicken parmesan all day.”

“Okay, but dessert is going to be in a to-go box, so I can eat it off you when we get home.”

“Deal.” A thrill runs through me at the thought I may be equally excited about the naked part and the dessert. They make the best chocolate fudge cake here.

“And, Zee, you would never be a pity proposal. I’d marry you tomorrow if you’d have me, regardless of the fact that we’re having kids together. I want you. I have since the first moment I laid eyes on you. Just remember that, okay?”

I have no words. My brain goes completely blank, and all I can do is nod my head.

Coop wasn’t kidding when he said he was going to feed me like Cleopatra. I can see people at the surrounding tables staring, but for once, I just don’t care. My boyfriend is amazing, and he’s going to be the most wonderful father. I can take a few sideways glances while I enjoy his attention and love for me.

When dinner is finished, and we’re enjoying a few laughs, I decide it’s the right time to speak to Faith. “I have something I want to ask you. Don’t feel obliged to say yes, and I won’t be offended if you’d rather not.”

“Spit it out, Zee.”

“The OB has scheduled a C-section for two weeks from now.”

“Eek! I’m so excited to meet the little guys.”

“I want Coop to be able to stay with the babies after they’re born, but I’m not going to lie, I’m a little scared about having major surgery. I’d like you to be in the room with me… if you want to… if you’re okay with seeing my insides.”

My best friend leaps from her seat and rushes to hug me, almost cutting my circulation off entirely. “Yes! Of course, I will. Oh my God. I’m going to be holding your hand the second you become a momma.” The smile on her face makes me feel more loved than I deserve.

“Phew, I’m so relieved. Knowing that I’ll have you and Coop there is all that’s getting me through the fear.”

“Don’t give in to fear, Zee, we’ve got your back.” I hold her tight before looking to Coop.

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