Page 20 of The Forever Game

“I have thought about it,” I admit, following Baxter around to his side of the van so we can finish our conversation.

“Yeah?” He grins at me. “How would you propose?”

“I’ve had some ideas. A fancy night out in Denver and a flower-filled penthouse suite. Or maybe I’d get down on one knee in the elevator.” A secret smile touches my lips as memories from our first date in Denver flood me.

Baxter gives me a questioning frown, and I quickly shake my head, clearing my throat and continuing, “Or maybe flying her to the beach for a weekend and writingwill you marry mein the sand. But she’ll figure out what I’m up to if I pull something that big.” I rest my shoulder against the van. “More than anything, I’d just love to surprise her, you know?”

“Then maybe popping the question a year early, when she least suspects it, is the way to go.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Proposing in your pajamas over breakfast can be just as meaningful as some fancy-ass dinner, dude. Just ask her already.”

I grin at him, kind of loving the idea of mixing things up and doing something Lani will never see coming. My brain starts ticking over with a batch of new ideas as I wave goodbye to Baxter and head back to the Ponderosa villa.

CHAPTER8

RACHEL

I wrap my fingers around my coffee mug and smile at Lani. I’m so glad she could meet me today. She’s been so busy with classes and her dissertation, she hasn’t had much time to spare. But when I told her I was in town, she offered to meet me for coffee.

We’ve managed to secure the corner couches at Java Jeans, and even though I’m only twenty-four, I’m feeling ancient as I watch these college students traipse in and out the door.

Lani smiles and waves at a few of them.

“Students,” she murmurs before sipping her coffee, then breaking off a piece of muffin. “So, how’s the adoption thing going?”

“Well, we’ve started the process.” I bulge my eyes. “I had no idea how much paperwork there was to deal with. So many forms, plus interviews. They really vet you hard.”

“Any hiccups?”

“Everything has mostly gone okay. We got an adoption grant, which covers two-thirds of the cost.” I grin, a thrill buzzing through me over how easily that all came together. It was like a little miracle. Like the universe was telling us we’re on the right track. “We had a home visit the other day and their only big concern is our living situation. I don’t think they’re too keen on us raising a baby on the top floor of a bed-and-breakfast.” I frown. “I know it’s unconventional. Liam and I are trying to figure out what to do. We can’t really afford to buy a house yet. I mean, we could find a little rental somewhere, I guess, but?—”

“Why don’t you move into the pool house? It’s got that cute little yard out back, and now that Baxter’s finished the renovations, it’s plenty big enough for a small family.”

“But you and Asher live in there.”

“We can move upstairs. That way, you’re in a separate living space, which is way more conventional, and it’s farther from the guests.”

“That’s true.” I tip my head. “You sure you wouldn’t mind that, though?”

“Not at all. The noise doesn’t travel up there too badly, does it?”

“No, I tend to put couples on the floor just below us and families go below them, so things are usually pretty quiet on the top floor, and I trust you and Asher not to crash around and disturb our guests…” My expression crumples. “I just don’t want to inconvenience you guys.”

“It’s really not a big deal.” She grins, and I love her more today than I did yesterday.

“Thank you so much. That would be amazing.”

“I’ll obviously double-check with Asher, but I’m sure he won’t mind. Are there any other factors that are making the adoption agency hesitant?”

I take another sip of coffee, draining my mug before setting it down on the coffee table. “I think they’re also worried about me working long hours while trying to raise a kid. They know that Liam’s a police officer and I manage the villa, plus run the kitchen.”

“Yeah, but you’re not in sole charge. Plus, you could hire someone to make the team a little bigger. You could also ask Alonso if he’d be willing to be on call sometimes so it’s not always on you. That way, when Liam’s on night shift, you can focus solely on the baby and not have to worry about it. That’s no big deal at all.”

I purse my lips, thinking it through. “Alonso only lives five minutes away. That’s a really good suggestion.”

“Plus, Asher lives on-site, and you know how much he loves to jump in and help when there’s an emergency.” She winks and laughs, obviously loving that about him.

“You’re probably right about hiring another person to help in the kitchen, though. That would definitely lighten my load.” I wince. “Although, I’ll need Asher’s help in picking someone. I totally screwed up with my last hire.”

She gives me a kind smile, reaching forward to pat my arm. “That’s because you have such a gentle heart.”

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