Page 144 of Daddy's Naughty List

Without taking his eyes off her, he opened the box.

She sucked in a breath. It held the most exquisite ring she’d ever seen. She knew her mouth was hanging open, but there was nothing she could do about it. Her muscles were locked in place.

At the center of the ring, a large oval-shaped stone of sea-green sparkled fire like an ocean in the early morning sun. It was held in place by a delicate silver branch design with tiny diamonds adorning each leaf. She’d never seen anything like it.

He cleared his throat. “If you don’t like it, we’ll go together and pick one out that you do like. I picked this one because the tourmaline stone reminded me of your eyes.”

“It’s beautiful. How could I not like it?”

He sank to one knee. “Belissa Jayne Carpenter, I love you more than life itself. You are already my babygirl, and I promise you here and now that will never change. I want you to have my name. I want Nori to have my name. And when you think the time is right, I want Sadie and Sophie to have my name, too. Would you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“I’m wearing Santa pajamas.”

Yep. Those were the words that came out of her mouth.

He grinned. “I can’t think of a better outfit for a Little girl to wear when agreeing to marry. You look adorable.”

If he thought that, he really must love her. “I love you more than any man I’ve ever met. Are you sure?”

“I’ve never been surer of anything in my life.”

She was sure, too. She’d loved him since he’d scolded her about talking to strangers the first time they’d met. She’d love him forever. All she had to do was utter one small word. But did she dare?

“Then marry me, precious girl. Will you make me the happiest Daddy in the world?”

She knew what she wanted to say. For once, Mary and Miranda both agreed.

Suddenly it was the easiest word she’d ever spoken. Would she marry him?

“Yes.”

Connor slid the ring on her finger. The babies must have sensed something in the air because their cries rang out. The cries may have broken into the moment, but they interrupted nothing. They were now all a family. And that was that.

Connor smiled down at her, and the joy in his eyes melted her heart. “We’ll celebrate more tonight. Right now, lets go get our girls.”

He took her hand, and they walked toward their girls’ room and into their new life. Together.

The End

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