Page 89 of Recon Rendezvous

Before she can respond, Dad's pulling London into his grasp. “It's so nice to meet you, young lady. As my lovely wife said, Alex has spoken very highly of you, and we're already impressed.”

London seems to come around then, an enchanting smile lifting her lips. “Absolutely, Mr. and Mrs. Grant. It’s so lovely to meet you and I can't wait to get to know you better myself. Congratulations on your anniversary, how many years is it?”

My parents take each other's hands, smiling as they look into each other's eyes. “It's been thirty-seven wonderful years,” Mom says proudly. “And please call us Marilyn and John.”

London nods, smiling broadly. “That’s wonderful and I'm sure you both have some stories to share and especially the sagas that came with raising this one. Lunch would be too fun to miss.”

My parents laugh at her words. “Yes, we absolutely have stories that we could share.” Mom pats my cheek. “But you two kids go have fun.”

Dad gestures to the bar and the waiters. “Dinner starts in forty-five minutes. Drink up and be merry and we'll see you two later.”

Bending, I drop a kiss to Mom’s cheek and slap Dad on the back. “You two don't get too crazy tonight. Remember you're not young kids anymore, think about your hips. No dancing on the tables this year.”

“That’s enough out of you. It's our party and we'll grind if we want to,” Dad says with a laugh. They both give London another hug before they head off into the crowd to dance and celebrate with their friends.

Turning to London, her mouth is already moving before I can even get a word out. “The future Mrs. Grant? Did you really just introduce me to your parents as your future wife? We haven't spoken since… and our relationship was just…” She shakes her head. “No, what am I even talking about. There is no relationship here, and I feel bad I just had to lie to your parents that we need to get together for dinner or lunch or whatever the fuck.”

I knew that was coming. I was ready for her outburst. Squaring my shoulders, I nod. “Come on.”

“What?”

“Come with me. I want to speak to you privately, and maybe if you’re my good girl, you’ll get rewarded.”

Her glare would wither a lesser man, but it just makes my dick harder. “Don’t say that. Your parents are right over there.”She shakes her head but allows me to take her hand and guide her down the hall to a secluded back patio.

Soft twinkling lights frame the space, highlighting the ornate chaise and small table with an ice bucket with London’s favorite white wine.

“Have a seat.” I gesture to the chaise and prepare our drinks.

“Xander, I really don't want to do this now and cause a scene at your parents’ party. I'm just here with the girls to have fun and hopefully forget all of this.” She gestures between us before declining the offered wine.

Okay, she’s going to make me work for this, but she’s fucking worth it.

“Forget me? Damn, that’s a dagger. But come on. You and I both know that's impossible. So why don't wetalkand figure this out together since you did all the talking last time.”

She nods, looking away and waving her hand as if telling me to continue.

“There are things you want in life, I understand that. You moved here to be closer to your family, to lay down roots and to start your own family. And before you mentioned it, it wasn't on my radar. I'll admit that. But the more time I spend with you, the more time I want to spend with you. Not to sound like an asshole, but that doesn't usually happen.”

She laughs. “You can be a bit of a yawn. I’d be shocked if anyone would want to spend any more time with you than they have to.”

My hand flies to cover my heart. “We both know there's not a boring bone in my body. Let’s not forget that you’ve been up close and personal with my very prominent bone, and you loved every second.” She shakes her head, but the glint in her eyes spurs me on. “But like I said, spending time with you has made me see how much I'm missing in my life. How unfulfilled I am. Money. Got it. The apartment. The cars. They mean nothing. Ithought I had the best of everything, but I was wrong. I didn’t have you. Everything about me is better with you.”

Her eyes widen, as the words I should have said forever ago continue to fall from my lips. Without thought, I move closer, my hand finds her cheek, cradling it gently.

“Yes, I introduced you to my family as the future Mrs. because I want to be your partner, in all the ways that matter and all the ways you need. So, you wanting a family doesn't scare me. It makes me want those things with you. If that's today, tomorrow, next month, next year. I'm your man and I want everything that comes along with that.”

Shaking her head, she whispers, “Xander, you don't know what you're saying.”

“Beautiful, stubborn woman, I know exactly what I’m saying.” My thumb strokes rhythmically to reassure her, and she leans into my touch. “You moved here to start a family, go the whole strong, independent single mom route. While I find that admirable, you don't have to do it alone. You have me. I could throw in that you also have Ty, Sasha, Eli, Gem, Mia, and Drew. That you have family here ready to support you. How we’re your family now. But you have me. You haveme, baby. You never have to do another thing alone.”

Her eyes gleam under the lights as she watches me. “This is crazy,” she whispers.

“Totally, ten thousand percent. I am fucking crazy about you. The thought of you pregnant and swollen with my baby inside of you gets my dick so fucking hard. But besides that, I can't wait to meet a little you and a little me and get all those years back that we missed before we met. See you through the eyes of our children.”

My heart beats erratically waiting for her response. I can’t lose her. Not now, not ever.

“Xan... I don't know if this is just you being afraid to lose what we have. I get it. Everything between us has been incredible, but this is too much, you’re not ready for me. We've known each other for such a short period of time. I don’t know what else to say to this… insanity. You can’t mean…”

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