Page 49 of Stolen Moments with a Bad Boy

I slipped the custom made, diamond encrusted, princess-cut ring on her finger. She fell into my arms, and I held her tightly so she wouldn’t fall over.

“Ro, I love you forever and always.”

“The sentiment will always be shared. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the world.”

Erie and I held each other a little longer before our family and friends came forward. Londen and my aunt examined her ring as she looked around.

“This is so beautiful, guys! When did you all find the time to plan this?”

Londen gushed over Erie’s ring then pointed over Erie’s head to me.

“It was all his idea. Janeiro had a vision, but he didn't know how to execute it, so he called in the expert. You know I done worked hella jobs in my life,” Londen replied, making everyone chuckle.

“Thank you so much, baby. I truly appreciate all the effort you put into making me happy,” she hiccupped. Erie stayed with the hiccups now that she was pregnant.

“It’s my job and my pleasure, beautiful.”

I kissed the side of her temple. Tonight was the first night of forever for us.

Erie

“Alright, alright, alright. It’s party time!” Londen cheered.

She led me through the kitchen and into the dining room. Ro's long dining room table was set in gold and white with all the table accessories to match. My fiancé pulled out my chair then took the seat next to me, which was placed at the head of the table. It was his home after all.

My dad sauntered over to us and kissed me on the forehead.

“Congratulations, Sweet Pea. Good shit, Ro. Our family is growing and thriving, and I owe a lot of this blessing to you, son,” my dad voiced humbly.

“It really is all my pleasure. Thank you for agreeing to give me Erie’s hand in marriage. Without her . . .” Ro’s sentence trailed off.

My baby had seen some really dark days in his life. We hadn’t talked about if suicide was on his list once before. Despite that, no such thing would come to light as long as there was breath inmy body. I would die for that man. Not to mention, I planned to spend every day of my life loving him a little longer and harder, especially during the tough days.

“Thank you, Daddy, for everything,” I professed.

“Anything for you, Sweet Pea. How are my grandbabies?”

“They’re doing well, Daddy. I love being pregnant, but I’m ready to have them already. My back feels like it’s about to snap any minute. I’m done after this. I know I can’t endure any more children after this bunch. We won't be missing out on nothing. We got three our first time around.” I chuckled, and they all joined in with me.

“You may be right about that, Sweet Pea. I can’t wait to meet my youngins when they arrive.”

He rubbed his hands together like Birdman.

“Daddy, you're so silly.”

He took his seat next to Londen, and I entertained Ro’s aunt and uncle until it was time to eat. While I ate, I took my time and really looked around the room. There were beautiful 3D blocks decorated in gold and white. The boxes were stacked on the floor of each end of the table. There was a beautiful balloon arch adorned in gold and white glitter balloons. I had never seen glitter balloons before in my life.

The other long table was filled with delicious smelling food. I was pretty sure they came from my café because I knew the aroma anywhere. They were my Gigi’s recipes. There were six different dispensers on another table that had my top-selling fruity teas in rotation.

That was when it dawned on me that my whole staff was there. I turned to my Ro abruptly.

“How did you get everyone here?” I asked excitedly.

“I paid everyone quite handsomely. I even paid for your café to be closed today so Londen could help decorate how shewanted, and they all not miss a day from their paycheck,” he responded.

“Baby, I truly love what you did, but you didn’t have to pay them for today. I could have done that,” I expressed.

Janeiro turned in his seat to face me. “Again, Bella. I got enough money to spend in three lifetimes. I’m excited I get to finally spend it. My money is your money. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so wipe that pout off of your face.”

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