Page 57 of Tiago

I love how she giggled.It told me she wasn’t regretting her decision.I was a bit worried that she’d made her declaration in the heat of the moment.

Now, we’re both clean, and we’ve arrived with damp hair and a big secret.

Claire is the first to look up, and she immediately squeals and claps her hands together.We haven’t even said anything yet.Our announcement is clearly written on our faces.

Ryder stands and comes around to slap me on the back.“Congratulations.”

Claire shoves her chair back and rushes to wrap her arms around Reagan.“I’m so excited.If you get pregnant right away, we can have our babies at the same time.”

I’m pretty sure Reagan is still a bit overwhelmed by that prospect, but I seem to have inadvertently convinced her to get on board with my plan with a simple futuristic sketch.I’ll take the win.

Dallas is at the head of the table again, and he rolls his eyes, but he’s smirking.“Weddings and babies,” he mumbles.“It’s like a pandemic.”

I chuckle.“Tell me again about that librarian you met.What was her name?”

Claire answers for him, “Arianna.”She giggles.

Dallas smirks again.“Let’s not get carried away.I met her once.”

As Claire and Ryder return to their seats, I pull out a chair for Reagan at the table.“Let me think how soon after meeting Reagan I knew she was it for me?”I tap my lips and pretend to contemplate.“Oh, that’s right.Five seconds.”

Reagan swats at me as I take my seat.“You’re exaggerating.”

“Am I?”

Gretchen bustles into the room with a steaming dish that obviously came out of the oven five seconds ago.It smells delicious.As she sets it in the middle of the table, she glances around at us.“This is a very happy group.Did something exciting happen?”

I clear my throat.“Reagan hasfinallyagreed to marry me.”

Gretchen claps her hands together and beams.

Reagan cocks her head and rolls her eyes.“Finally?We’ve been together one week.”

I shake my head.“Nope.Nine days.Seemed like an eternity.”

Gretchen rounds the table to give both of us a hug.

Reagan winces as I stand to fill her plate.“We better go talk to my grandfather after dinner.I’d hate for the news to reach him from someone else.”

“We’ll do that,” I agree as I scoop a helping of the casserole.There’s chicken, pasta, and broccoli, as well as several other vegetables and cheese in the pot.We’re all going to get fat eating in this mansion.

As soon as everyone is served, Ryder says, “There’s another town meeting tomorrow night.We’ll announce the plan to freeze rent for all homes and businesses for three months to help everyone get back in the black.It will boost morale and show that our intentions are aimed toward goodwill and progress for the community.We can also let the townsfolk voice any concerns and see about beginning to address them.”

I nod.“Thanks for setting that up.How’s the website coming?Are people engaging with it?”

“Some,” Ryder answers.“I’ll also make an announcement tomorrow so everyone in town is aware that the website will, from now on, be a useful resource for all things Wilde.Claire has agreed to help me make sure it’s always up to date.”

Claire reaches for her water and pauses.“Oh, so you’re saying I’m permitted to help with something?”she asks sarcastically.“After hovering over me all day and forcing me to nap twice, I was thinking maybe I might need nine months of bedrest just because I’m pregnant.”

Ryder gives her a smug look.“You probably will spend most of your pregnancy lying on your side in bed because your bottom will be too sore to sit on it.”

Claire sighs and turns her attention toward Reagan.“Thinkverycarefully before you head down the aisle.This is what you have to look forward to.”

Reagan surprises me by wrapping her arm around mine.She leans her head against my bicep.“Mmm.I know.”

A rush of warmth runs through me.My girl likes it when I swat her bottom.Duly noted.

Dallas clears his throat.“This discussion has now switched from babies and weddings to how often your women need their butts spanked, and it’s riveting, but if you don’t mind getting back to business, Gretchen gave me a list of people to hire at the estate.I say we divide it and start contacting people.”

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