Page 80 of Vex

“Before we get into anything else, I want you to know a few things first. I’m not asking you this because we’re pregnant. Please know that. I’m asking because it’s what I really want for my life even if it seems quick. Will you marry me?”

I hear and see the words leave Vex’s mouth, but I’m not comprehending them. I see his mouth jerk up on one side in a small smile before he gives my hand a shake.

“Taja? Will you?”

Holy shit balls, I did hear what I thought I heard.

“Making me nervous, Taj.”

“Yes. Absolutely, yes,” I answer in a hushed voice. I think I’m a little shell-shocked.

“You can’t take that back. I heard you say yes. It’s official. We’re getting married. And it’s going to be soon, so prepare your mind for that. Taja? You with me, doll?” Vex asks with a smile in his voice.

I focus and see his gorgeous face close to mine. I lean forward enough to kiss him. He’s not into a quick kiss and I know that when he throws his arms around me and lifts me from the chair. Feet off the floor, Vex spins us in a circle. Arms around his shoulders and neck, I deepen our kiss until my feet are back on the floor.

“I can’t believe you just asked me to marry you.”

“I don’t like to fuck around once my mind’s made up. I spent a few months wanting you but not going after you. That was a mistake. I’m not making another one like that. We’re getting married, and it can be as big or small as you like, but it needs to be soon. I want our baby born with my name. That’s important to me, but it’s not why I asked. I asked because I fucking love you and want you with me no matter where life takes us.”

“I want that too. I want you as mine legally, spiritually, every way possible, Vex.”

“Then you better get this on your finger so every swinging dick knows you’re taken,” Vex says while holding out a small jeweler’s box. “We’re going to have our wedding bands tattooed on our ring fingers, but you deserve an engagement ring too. Open it up and try it on.”

I open it to find a beautiful chocolate diamond solitaire glittering back at me. It’s set in a silver-white palladium band and it’s stunning. Vex removes the ring from the box and slides it onto my finger. He then places a soft kiss on it. I’m at a loss for words. The stone reminds me of his eyes, and I love it even more.

“Baby, I’m not joking when I tell you we can afford this place and a few more just like it. My mom’s family were wealthy and my grandmother left me an inheritance. I’ve never really touched it, to spend I mean, so it’s been sitting there for years drawing interest. I’ve managed it and learned how to invest wisely, so it’s done nothing but grow. This place will not make a dent in it. I want this place for you and Tessie. For us and our baby. For the family we’ll continue to grow in the future. But if you really don’t like it, we’ll find something you do. We’ll look until we do, or we’ll build exactly what you want.”

“I love this place! It’s beautiful, but I thought it was just too much for us! I didn’t want you feeling like you had to give us the world when all I need is you,” I say with tears streaming down my face.

“I love you, Taj. I don’t feel like I need to give you the world, but I want to do just that.”

“Love you too, Vex. So much.”

Those words bring a beautiful, perfect smile to Vex’s face as his eyes warm. I know hearing them meant something to him. His did to me too. God, I love this man.

“You can come in now, Tessie. We’re buying the house!” Vex shouts over my shoulder.

“Yes! Yes! I knew you could do it, Vex! Score!” Tessie screeches from the doorway as it swings open.

Vex turns my body so that my back is pressed to his front. His hand naturally slips down to rest on my bump. He grasps my left hand and holds it out in front of me. It takes Tessie a few seconds to notice because she’s doing some weird kind of happy dance. But her face is priceless when she does.

“You didn’t ask my permission,” Tessie states oddly.

“Sorry. Didn’t know I was supposed to,” Vex replies.

“Well, yeah! I’m her only living relative. You have to get past me first. Then you ask her. That’s the order of things,” Tessie states like she’s talking to a child.

“Can I marry your sister?” Vex plays along while Rex’s fighting laughter behind Tessie’s back.

“Do you remember the house rules we discussed before?” Tessie questions.

“Yes. No boxer briefs, but boxers are fine. Jeans are better. Toilet seat down at all times. Blah, blah, blah. I remember them,” Vex answers with a laugh.

“Those rules still apply when we’re living in your house and not ours?” Tessie asks.

“It’s not mine or yours. It’s always going to beourhome. All three of us. So yes, Miss Tessie, the rules still apply.”

“Will I get an allowance now?”

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