Page 79 of Shame

“Damn right she is.”

Cora looks at me, rolling her eyes. I kiss her on the head.

“We brought you a new plant,” Cora says, going over to the windowsill to put the succulent next to the other two. Cora was surprised when the nursing staff told her that her father loved the gardening classes they did. It’s something that he keeps focus on, so we bring him a new plant now and then to add to his collection. Soon enough, it’ll be a jungle in here.

“We have some news,” I say to her father, knowing Cora likely won’t be the one to bring it up.

“News? Good, I hope,” he chuckles.

“Fantastic,” I say, looking at Cora.

She grins, but I see the nervousness on her face. Sometimes she still worries we’re moving too fast, and I can see why, but fuck that. I know what I want in life, and it’s her and our family.

“We’re having a baby,” she announces, and I put my hand on her belly. I’ve never felt happier in my entire life than when she told me she was pregnant. It was the best news I’ve ever gotten.

“Well, hot damn, congratulations!” Calvin says, getting to his feet and walking over to us to hug us both. “You’ll make great parents.”

Cora’s eyes water, which happens all the time these days, but there is more reason for it now. She’s happy her father thinks she’ll be a good mother. Of course that’s a reason to be emotional. There’s another knock at the door, and Sheila walks in. She’s one of the nurses here, and very nice.

“Mr. Davies, I see your family is here. Did you remember you had something for them?” she asks, and I hide my smirk with my hand.

“He has something for us?” Cora asks with a bright smile. She loves when her father gives us stuff, even if he doesn’t realize why or remember what it is. But this thing? It’s super special.

Calvin shrugs. “Guess so.”

The nurse goes to his dresser, pulling open the top drawer. Calvin meets her there. She points to something.

“This?” he asks, lifting it up.

“That’s the one,” Sheila says, winking at me and stepping back.

Calvin turns to us. “Don’t know what it is, but I guess it’s for you.”

He offers us the small box. Cora looks at me and I shrug, hoping it comes across that I don’t know what this is all about,even though I’m the one who planted it there and talked to the staff about it.

Cora takes the box and flips it open. She looks at her dad, and while she’s facing away from me, I drop to one knee. And in just enough time, because she turns back, about to say something, but snaps her mouth shut when she sees where I am. She gasps, covering her hand with her mouth.

“Kaison…” The faucet opens, and tears pour down her cheeks. I can’t help but laugh.

I take the box from her hand and hold it up for her to get a better look at the ring. It’s simple. A thin band with a diamond that shines as bright as her eyes.

“I know it hasn’t been long, but I know what I want in this life. And Cora, what I want is you. Us. Our life. Our family. Our baby. Forever. Will you marry me?”

She’s sobbing, her face pink, and it’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. “Of course I will!”

I take the ring out and put it on her finger as I get to my feet. She lunges for me, hugging me tightly.

“I can’t believe you did this here, with my dad, and in front of all the nurses. Here I am, crying like a baby.” She’s rambling on about all of this so quickly it has me laughing.

“Well, you’ll be even more upset to learn they took video of the whole thing,” I tell her quietly.

“What?” She cries louder, slapping my chest. “No!”

“Yes, sweetheart. I wanted to remember this forever. And you will too.”

She sobs harder, hiding her face against my chest.

I shrug, looking at Calvin, who seems a little concerned. Like maybe my soon-to-be wife is a little nuts. It’s funny as hell.

---