Page 109 of Stolen Kisses

Kenny jumps up and down before being engulfed by our families. Herpappoúspicks her up, positioning her on his shoulders as though she’s just hit a home run. Everyone takes turns congratulating the daddy and daughter of the moment, sharing in their ultimate happiness.

“Surprise, Mommy!” Austin cheers as he wraps his hands around my body, looking up at me with a huge smile on his face.

“I’m so surprised you guys aren’t in school.” I raise my brows.

“Nanaand Poppa came and got us.” He smiles mischievously.

Lachlan moves in to hug me. “You’re not mad that we’re not in school are you, Mommy?”

I pullhim close. “No way. I’m so happy you’re here to celebrate with Theo and Kenny.” And I am, but I’m mad at myself that I didn’t think about organizing this for Theo and Kenny myself.

We all sit down at the special table at the back of the restaurant which Theo made when he was younger. Drinks are passed around and toasts are made around the table honoring the guests ofthe moment. I look around the table and my heart swells. This is amazing. Our families get along like we’ve known each other forever, seamlessly joining together, sharing happy times.

The food comes out and it’s as fabulous as usual. The smells and tastes delight my senses. Conversation ceases momentarily as we enjoy the first mouthfuls of deliciousness. Theo’s dad has organized a variety of dishes, completely filling the table. After the initial quiet, conversation starts up again.

“I’m surprised you could make it.” I say to Sarah across the table. “I know you’re always busy at work.”

She swallows down her food. “I started half an hour earlier today, so I could join you guys for lunch. I didn’t want to miss out on the celebration.”

“Hmmm. That’s interesting. Thisseemed like aspur of the moment idea when we left the courthouse.”

She shakes her head in the negative. “Nope. Theo invited us last week.”

Theo’s hand covers mine on the table and I look down at it. It’s hard to see in the low light, but his ring finger looks different from the others. Lifting his hand up in mine, closer to my face, I see there’s a black mark and it’s a little red and puffy. Looking up at Theo, I ask, “What did you do here?” I don’t want to touch it because it looks a little sore.

He kisses my lips tenderly. “Read it.”

I pull it closer because it’s tricky to see. My name, written in a cursive script, wraps across the top of his finger. My heart speeds up in my chest, and I’m worried it’s going to thump its way right out of my body. Turning over his hand, I see an infinity symbol on the other side. I look up at him, completely puzzled. “What’s this about?” I’m so completely confused. He doesn’t have tattoos on any part of his body. Why on earth would he tattoo my name on his finger? Isn’t that the worst possible thing you can get tattooed on your body? I watched a show once, where people were having to go to extreme lengths to remove an ex-lover’s name they had tattooed permanently on their skin.

Raising my hand, he kisses the matching finger. Everyone’s gone quiet now. Out of my periphery, I catch Mom’s hands coming up to cover her mouth as Dad wraps his arm around her shoulder. “I wanted a permanent symbol of my commitment to you. I didn’t want something I could slide on and off.” He gently brushes my hair over my shoulder. “There’s no going back for me, Em.” He holds up his finger, pointing to the fresh ink. “This is forever, just like you’re my forever. You and the boys.”

He slides a beautiful oval diamond, surrounded by a halo of tiny diamonds, set in white gold down my finger until it can go no further. Even in the low light, it’s stunning. My eyes must be as big as saucers as they meet his gorgeous oceanic irises.

Is this what I think it means?

It’s completely out of the blue; I’m not sure if I’m making it up in my mind. He hasn’t actually asked me the question, ‘will you marry me?’, so maybe I’ve got this all wrong. Looking around the table, everyone seems to be waiting. Waiting for what? I lean into my boyfriend. “I’m pretty sure you’re supposed to ask me a question,” I whisper for his ears only. I don’t want to embarrass him in front of our family.

“Nope, I’ve said what Ineeded to say and I’ve put my ring on your finger.” He’s smug in his response.

I pull back, so I can study his face. “Are you asking me to marry you?”

“Nope. Asking allows you to say no. I’m not risking it. This is happening.” He presses his lips to mine, sealing the deal and all I can do is giggle. This man and the way hedoesthings. This ‘proposal’ is Theo to the core. It reminds me of when he decided to sell his house so we could live together. There was no discussion then either.

“Why don’t you ask me and see what happens. It may just be your lucky day.” I smirk at him. He looks between my mouth and my eyes for a few seconds before nodding to himself.

He pushes his chair away from the table, manhandling my chair to help me stand. Taking my hands in each of his, he looks down at me. Our eyes locking and holding. “Emma.” He leans forward, landing a gentle kiss on my lips, just as he has a million times before. He loves stealing kisses at every available opportunity, butthis one feelsdifferent. Against my lips, he whispers just for me, “Marry me, Peaches. Make me the happiest, luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

He still hasn’t asked me, but I have no other answer than the one that escapes freely. “Yes.Of courseI’ll marry you, Stud.”

With matching smiles, our lips meet in a kiss to seal our future. As we wrap each other in our embrace, our families cheer, surrounding us with a giant family hug. Theo reaches down to pick up Kenny and I step out to bring the boys into our family unit.

Five.

It’s no longer just me and the boys. Theo and Kenny are now officially part of our family and it feels amazing.

He moves back in close to whisper, “We’ll have our own celebration later, Peaches.” After a quick kiss, he pulls back, finishing with a wink.

Mmhm. I can’t wait for later.

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