Page 109 of My Promise To Keep

‘What the hell is that?’ With Zoe’s hands wrapped around Doug’s back, Bree is the first one to notice the ring. Bree stares at me, then Zoe, as Doug releases my girl to find out what’s going on.

‘Surprise.’ Zoe smiles, holding up her left hand.

‘You’re engaged?The collective squeals and questions make us laugh, and I reach for Zoe, pulling her to my side.

‘Oh, my goodness. Do you want to do this soon?’

‘We could do it at the lake.’

‘Bo can wear her Converse, right?’

As they talk amongst themselves, excitedly planning our wedding, I pull my girl close and kiss her temple. We have plenty more to tell them, but right now, I just want to soak it in — all the people we love, happy and excited for us.

‘Uncle Leo.’ Bowie runsout of school and into my waiting arms. When Doug asked if I wanted to go with him to collect her, I couldn’t resist. I’ve missed the little whirlwind.

‘Hey, Miss Bowie.’

Her little arms wrap around my neck.

‘You’re home,’ she says so sweetly close to my ear.

‘Yeah, honey, we’re home.’

‘I saw you on TV.’ I laugh. The reality show extended its filming schedule, meaning me and Zoe, who started working on the welcome desk at Big Blue, became a part of the international phenomenon. It was weird, and it was funny to our family, but it meant I had clients flying in from all over the world to be tattooed by me in San Diego. My social media, which Zoe took charge of, went crazy, and the books at Lion Ink are so full, we might need to think about moving to a bigger shop and taking on another permanent artist or two.

‘Where’s Auntie Zo Zo?’

‘She’s waiting for you at Grandma’s house. Shall we go and get her?’

Bowie nods excitedly, and I catch Doug’s eye. The look of pride at his little girl makes my insides jump. He loves being a dad.

‘Bowie,’ Zoe calls out from the porch and runs into the yard, jumping up and down until Bo runs to her and then jumping up and down some more. ‘I missed you.’

‘I missed you, too.’

Smiling at their excitement to see one another, I pass them and head for the house as Bree comes out and meets me on the porch.

‘Shrimp.’

‘Leo.’

She looks tired, not her usual self. Something’s off.

‘What’s going on, Bree?’ She sits with a soft sigh, and I take the seat next to hers. ‘Shrimp?’

‘Nothin’ Leo. I’m fine. Just been working a lot.’ I reach for her hand, and she turns to look at me. ‘I’m fine. I promise.’

The soft smile does little for my worries. Bree is strong, confident, and always upbeat. Seeing her eyes without their usual sparkle leaves an uncomfortable feeling in the pit of my stomach.

‘I’m not going to push you, chief, but you know she’ll see right through you.’ I nod toward Zoe, and Bree hangs her head, and suddenly I get it. That’s the problem. Zoe’s home and Bree knows she won’t be able to hide whatever it is from her.

‘So, you put a ring on it without telling me.’ She changes the subject, and I shrug.

‘Sorry, Shrimp. Got caught in a moment.’

She squeezes my hand and smiles.

‘As long as she stays as happy as she is, as she has been with you, I don’t care.’

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