Page 80 of All The Happily Ever Afters

“Mikey’s in reception today; he can take that last payment there if you still insist on paying.” I wanted to do it for free. After all, he’s my girl’s father. And I’ve got enough business that I’m not at a loss. But he’s been persistent.

“I know where it is,” he says with a smile.

“I’m getting a Coke,” Catherine says, absentmindedly walking over to the vending machine. I swear she uses the machines more than the guys do.

I watch her walk easily across the garage and my eyes wander to that ass of hers. I want her today just as much as I did when I first met her, maybe even more.

“Walk with me, Ryker,” her father says as he heads up the stairs to the receptionist's area inside the shop attached to the garage. I nod my head and walk behind him.

As soon as we’re inside the building, he stops and turns to face me.

“It’s been two years, hasn’t it?” George asks me.

“Two years?”

“Since you and Catherine started,” he waves his hand in front of him and purses his lips trying to think up the right word.

“Dating?” I offer. Although what we have is so much more than that. She’s my everything, and I’m the same to her.

“Sure,” he says as he turns to face me with his brow furrowed. “What I’m getting at is the fact her finger doesn’t have a ring on it.” My fingers itch to reach into my pocket. I just got one last week. He doesn’t know, but I’m proposing tonight. My heart swells, and pride runs through me.

“Is that your blessing, George?” I ask him.

“It’s the best you’re gonna get, son.” I nod my head and start to tell him my intention, but Catherine opens the door. I look over my shoulder and see her narrow her eyes as she says, “You two having a pow wow?” she asks.

Her father chuckles and says, “Just headed in now, sweetie.”

He walks off down the hall and I turn to face Catherine. I’m gonna marry this woman. I’m a lucky man.

“What were you two talking about?” she asks suspiciously.

“None of your business.” I hold her gaze as she clucks her tongue. She’s deciding if she wants to push, but I know she won’t.

She sighs and crosses her arms. “Are you gonna get dressed now at least?”

“Yeah, I’m heading back now.”

We’re going as school girl and professor tonight. Catherine’s choice.

I kiss the tip of her nose. “I love you, kitten.” She's showed me over the years what those words really mean, and I really do love her.

“I love you too,” she begins in a peppy voice, “but I’m gonna kick your ass if you don’t get dressed.”

I smirk down at her and make sure her father’s out of sight so I can pinch her ass. She squeals and jumps.

“Watch that mouth of yours,” I warn her like I always do. “It's gonna get you into trouble.”

She winks at me and saunters off, trying to be sexy, which she is. “I’m counting on it.”

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