Page 43 of Enamored
“Lana, you mean everything to me. Fate has brought you back to me, and only a real fool would be stupid enough to let you go again. I’m sorry for what happened between us in the past, but we can’t change that now. We can only look to the future, and you’re my future. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you exactly how much you mean to me. Will you marry me?”
Chapter 23
Lana
Istare at him, not sure I heard the words coming out correctly.Will you marry me?He shifts his weight around as he waits for my answer. The longer it takes, the more he’s starting to sweat. I have to put the poor guy out of his misery.
“Are you sure?” I bite my lower lip, waiting.
“You’re the only thing in my whole damn life I’ve ever been sure of.”
“Yes, Tristan.” I nod my head vigorously to drive home my answer. Tears prick my eyes as I push the words past my lips. “I’ll marry you.”
He slips the beautiful ring on my finger and scoops me up in his arms, pressing his lips to mine. It’s a perfect moment. He sets me on my feet but keeps his hands on my hips. I hold my left hand in front of me and admire the ornate ring.
“Where did you find this? It’s perfect, exactly the ring I’ve always wanted,” I gush.
“Mom gave it to me.”
I jerk my head up to look into his eyes. “Your parents knew you were going to ask me?”
He nods. “Mom is thrilled. They also both know about the baby, too.”
“You said your mom is thrilled. Is your dad not happy?” I play with the bottom of my shirt as I wait for him to respond.
“He wants what’s best for me. I think he’s afraid I’ll give up the ranch and we’ll have to close it down. He knows you make me happy, and he’s thrilled to be a grandfather.
“Come on, let’s get you to bed. We have a lot of planning to do for the few days I’m here. I’ll help in any way I can. I don’t want you rushing into anything, so if you want to stay here until you deliver, that’s fine with me. I’ll be here any way I can.” We walk to the bedroom and change into pajamas before crawling into bed.
Wow, I didn’t even think of that. I spent all this time picking out the perfect doctor for my little nugget, yet as soon as Tristan told me he was looking for a job, I was ready to change my life around in a flash for him.
I really am in too deep.
“I want to talk with Eloise, and I haven’t decided on where I want to give birth. I really want you here with me for all the steps, but I know that won’t be possible right now. It’s still early in the pregnancy, so I have a little bit of time to figure it out.” I hesitate. “I want to bring you home to my parents. They remember you from our trip, and I think it would be good for them to see the man you have become.”
He takes a deep breath and nods. “I’d love to do that.” He smiles, but it’s not quite as genuine as I’d hope.
“What’s wrong? You don’t like my parents?”
He shakes his head. “It’s not that. I’m the asshole that knocked up their only daughter. I don’t imagine they’re going to be thrilled to see me.”
I toss my leg over his hip and turn him on his side so he’s facing me. “You’re also the man that is trying to make it right and wants to be there. Not everyone would do that.” He nods, and I snuggle down into him.
“I saw you graduate, you know?” he says. I’m almost asleep and nearly miss it. I sit up and look down at him in shock. “I was planning on seeing you and sweeping you off your feet, but I saw how well you were doing without me. I didn’t want to ruin anything for you.” He tucks some loose hair behind my ear.
My lips turn up in a small smirk. “I knew you were there. I didn’t see you, but I could feel you. Beth thought I was crazy. I’m glad you didn’t talk to me, though, as much as I hate to admit it. I was finally in a decent headspace, and seeing you would have brought it all rushing back.”
“I couldn’t do that to you. I didn’t want to cause you any more heartache than I already did.” He kisses the top of my head, and I fall asleep to the sound of his steady heartbeat.
* * *
One thing at a time. I want him to see my parents and talk to them before I give Eloise my notice. I need them to be able to accept the decisions I’m about to make. I need their love and support through this. I know, in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter, but I want everyone to get along.
I pull up outside their house in Connecticut, and we get out. He’s in his dark dress slacks and a button-down top. The top two buttons are left open, and if that doesn’t add to his sexiness, I don’t know what will. His shoes are shined nicely. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look so professional.
“You clean up nice,” I say, taking his hand in mine as we walk up the front steps.
He smirks. “You make it seem like I don’t know how to dress nicely. Although, I thought you preferred me in my cowboy get up.”
