Page 50 of Faking It With the Single Dad

I recollect his words:Make sure you pick your favorite gown for tonight’s dinner.

After the trip to the amusement park and the mall with him and the kids, we went on a few dates alone. They were fun, and he was such a gentleman. He opened doors for me, pulled out chairs, and always held my hand. I’m always nervous whenever we go out together. I can feel the stares of the gossips and naysayers whenever we walk around town together.

“Don’t worry about them. They’ll find something else to discuss in due time,” he says.

I try my best to block out the noise, and now I think I’m getting better at letting the gossip and snide remarks slide. I’m with someone who doesn’t hide me away from the world. His love and affection give me so much courage and comfort that I’m ready to face anything with him by my side.

I continue to think about his wonderful qualities. He’s so good with the kids. He’s also hinted that he wants more kids. That thought makes me a little scared, but at the same time, it’s enthralling. Luke calls him Dad now, which fills my heart with so much warmth and joy that it’s surreal, like a dream I don’t want to wake up from.

I have a feeling tonight’s outing will be very special. He booked reservations at the best Italian restaurant in Cedar Ridge. My heart begins to tremble in anticipation. Could it be what I think it is? Is he actually going to…?

Luke’s rumbling makes me jump. He runs to the sitting room, full of joy, a morning person through and through. “Mommy!”he yells. I hear Alice moving around upstairs, starting her day at a slower pace.

“Good morning, kiddo. I hope you slept well?” I say.

“I certainly did,” he replies cheerfully.

I take him to the bathroom, brush his teeth, and give him a quick bath. I prepare breakfast for us, which is just toast, eggs, and tea. He gobbles it down excitedly.

Alice takes her bath and comes down moments later. I hand over her breakfast and she utters a cheerful “Thank you.”

“Mom, can we watch TV?” Luke asks.

I gladly say yes, grateful that I don’t have to keep up with them for a few hours. I set the channel to Nickelodeon, which they happily watch. I use the opportunity to engage in a little cleaning. I mop the floor, sweep the kitchen, and then head to the bathroom. I spend the rest of the day checking off my to-do list and making sure I leave no chore or responsibility undone in anticipation of the dinner with Ryan later tonight.

Ryan shows up at my door around 7:30. He’s wearing a black suit. It looks very expensive, and I have no doubt it’s tailor-made for him. He holds out a bouquet. “Roses just as beautiful as you, my love,” he says while handing them over. I’m flattered, and I can’t hide the blush that appears on my cheeks.

He looks at me, and a huge smile covers his face. “You’re absolutely stunning. You look dressed to kill tonight.”

“Thank you. I’m only following your instructions, you know, since you insisted I dress my best for this.”

“Thank you for humoring me,” he says, and then he proceeds to quietly sit down on one of the chairs.

“Where are the kids?” he asks.

“Oh, they’re asleep. Luke wanted to rest up for the football practice you promised him tomorrow, and Alice wouldn’t dream of having a different bedtime than her partner in crime.”

He chuckles. “Are you ready now?”

“Erm, give me about five minutes. I need to check my makeup.”

“Women always know how to take their time,” he says with a cheesy smile on his face.

I feign annoyance before I burst into laughter.

The drive to the restaurant is short. He plays slow romantic music, trying to set the mood. The songs are actually quite nice, showcasing his good taste in music. When we get to the restaurant, he opens my door and holds my hand as we walk in.

The soft hum of violins and the scent of garlic and basil fill the air as I sit across from Ryan in a cozy corner of the Italian restaurant. The flickering candlelight bathes his face in a warm glow, and he looks impossibly handsome in his tailored suit. His dark eyes hold a nervous energy I can’t quite place, though he’s doing a good job hiding it behind his easy smile.

“I hope you like the wine,” he says, lifting his glass and nodding toward me. “The waiter said it pairs well with the ravioli you ordered.”

I pick up my glass and take a sip, the velvety red rolling over my tongue. It’s perfect, but I barely register the taste. There’s something different about his demeanor tonight. His fingers tap lightly against the edge of the table, and his gaze keeps darting to the small velvet box sitting just behind the candle. My breath catches every time my eyes flick toward it.

Ryan stands in front of me, his eyes steady and his shoulders squared, as if he’s preparing for a fight.

My heart is pounding now, the weight of his words crashing over me like a wave. He pulls the box closer and flips it open to reveal a stunning ring—delicate and timeless, clearly chosen with care.

He goes down on one knee, “Bella Parker,” he says, his voice steady despite the emotions swimming in his eyes, “will you marry me?”

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