Page 180 of Holiday Hire

Evelyn demands, "Where are you taking them?"

"None of your business. Take some time off, Phoebe," I say, barely refraining from reaching out, grabbing her, and kissing her.

She gives me another confused look, and I take the boys to the truck.

We drive to my house, and they get out of the cab. I grab the ring and go inside. I sit them down at the kitchen table.

Wilder asks, "Dad, you took us away from the fun to lecture us?"

I chuckle. "No, I took you away to talk about something serious."

Ace leans closer. "Did you find a stallion for Phoebe?"

I chuckle again. "No. Not yet, son."

"Aw, man. That's what we need to get her for Christmas. Everything else we got her doesn't seem cool enough," he claims.

"Well, I know she'll love the presents you got her. And I have another gift for her. But it's not for Christmas."

"What is it?" Wilder questions.

I reach into my pocket and put the box on the table.

The boys glance at it, then at each other. I open the box and wait, trying to gauge their reactions.

Ace grabs it first. "This is what you're giving Phoebe?"

"Yes."

"Are you going to ask her to marry you, Dad?" Wilder questions.

"I am. How do you boys feel about that?"

"Yes!" Ace exclaims. He jumps up and pumps his hand in the air.

"So she's not going to leave?" Wilder asks.

I hold my hands up. "I'm not sure. Don't get too excited yet."

Wilder's eyes narrow. "Why?"

"Sit back down," I say to Ace.

He obeys, and the boys' expressions turn serious.

I admit, "I might've screwed up a little bit with Phoebe."

"Like you took her on a bad date or something?" Ace questions.

I nod. "Yeah, something like that."

"What did you do, Dad?" Wilder demands, disapproval on his expression.

"That's between Phoebe and me. So I'm not sure if she's going to accept my proposal. I don't want you guys to be disappointed if she doesn't. And if she doesn't want to marry me, that's on me, not her. But I thought you should know. I don't want to hide the fact that I love her from you anymore."

Ace grins. "Well then, make her stay, Dad."

"Yeah, all women love diamonds. Just give her the ring. She'll be fine," Wilder states.

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