Page 112 of A Very Daddy Christmas

With Sherry away, the guys decided to take a break from work to look after the kids. Given how busy we’ve been at the bakery, they didn’t want me to overwork myself in any aspect of our life, which makes me love them even more.

“Yeah, and looking forward to taking over,” Waylan chuckles.

“You know, Sherry was interested in renting your upstairs apartment this year,” Sebastian says. “She wants to live on her own. I’m thinking it might be better for you, too. Those short-term leases may be profitable, but it’s a bit of a headache, isn’t it?”

“Definitely a headache,” I admit. “Whenever she’s ready, I’ll make it available for her. I’d rather have Sherry living there than complete strangers, anyway.”

Riggs takes his phone out of his jacket pocket, but something else falls out at the same time. “Shit!”

I stop and stare at the little black velvet box as it bounces and opens on the floor.

A diamond ring escapes and almost slides under the counter, but Sebastian catches it just in time. “Dammit, Riggs.”

“I know, I should’ve put it away.”

All three men stop and turn to gawk at me with a mixture of horror and embarrassment. Time stands still altogether as I try to understand what’s happening. We were supposed to go out to dinner tonight to a fancy restaurant downtown. They even got me a dress precisely for the occasion, and Eva’s taking care of the kids for us.

Looking at the ring now, I realize why they were so nervous about tonight.

“So, this is why you took so long at the mall, huh?” I mumble, my face burning pink and my heart already set in a galloping motion as I slowly move around the counter.

Sebastian nods. “I’m so sorry. It was going to be a surprise.”

“Oh, it’s still a surprise, don’t you worry about that, my love.”

Some of the customers are looking at us. A few of them know of my relationship with Sebastian. They’ve all heard the rumors about Riggs and Waylan being a part of it, too. Nobody has ever said a thing since the nightmare ended last year, though. I think they all know it’s true, but they’re better off minding their own business and letting us be.

Sebastian lets a heavy sigh roll from his chest as Riggs and Waylan come closer.

“We might as well do it now, if you want,” Riggs says, a wary look darkening his gaze.

I’m still staring at the ring. I could cry tears of joy and bliss right now because I know my men want to make an honest woman out of me. I knew they were waiting for the right time to do this, but I could never guess what the right time meant for them. Now they’re not sure how to proceed and it’s so damn cute.

Funny thing is, I have a surprise of my own.

“Do you really want to do it now, in front of everybody?” I ask, my voice trembling with emotion. “My God, that diamond is frickin’ huge. Sorry. I can’t stop looking at it.”

Waylan chuckles. “It’s something, isn’t it?”

“Can we pretend this never happened?” Sebastian frowns, inching closer. He puts the ring back in the box and gives it to Waylan. “Here, you hold it.”

“Gee, thanks,” Riggs grumbles. I try not to laugh.

“Cora let’s… yeah, let’s pretend this didn’t happen, and tonight, when we sit in our private dining room at the Champagne Room,” Sebastian takes my hands in his, squeezing gently, “we’ll do it then. The three of us. Officially. Where no one can see. So we can do it properly, the way you deserve to be proposed to.”

I take a deep breath and give him a reassuring nod. “Of course, my darling. You can propose to me at our special dinner tonight. I’ll pretend this never happened.”

“Perfect. You’re amazing,” Sebastian smiles and kisses me.

“And then, after the three of you propose,” I add, acting coy, “I’ll tell you I’m pregnant again. How does that sound?”

Silence.

Shock.

I can barely keep it together.

“What are the odds that we’re going to have twins again?” Waylan mumbles, looking as though he’s just fallen out of a centrifuge, his head still spinning.

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