Page 109 of Moonlight & Matrimony
“Yes, sweet girl. I’d like that.”
“Yes!” she squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. I pull both of my girls into my arms, grateful for this beautiful life. After a beat, I release them and slide a delicate bracelet onto Rylin’s wrist, a small moon and star charm dangling against her palm.
With Ivy’s blessing, I had the adoption paperwork drawn up last month, but I didn’t tell her I was going to propose like this to both of my girls. The entire group chat, minus Ivy, was in on it, along with most of Oak Ridge. How we even managed to keep it a secret is beyond me. A crowd has gathered now, chattering excitedly amongst themselves.
“Celebration at Rosie’s!” I declare.
“Thank god,” Ivy says. “I’ve been craving a slice of cheesecake.”
“Mmm. Maybe we can take an extra one home for later,” I say, my voice laced with a suggestive undertone. Pregnancy has only made Ivy more ravenous, and I’ve been taking full advantage.
“Ugh. Stop eye fucking each other. I’m starving,” Miles calls.
“Bad word, Uncle Miles.”
He winces. “Sorry Ry Ry.”
Ivy catches my eye, and we burst into laughter. Miles throws Rylin over his shoulder, leading the way to Rosie’s with the rest of our crew following closely behind, the sound of our girl’s giggles floating through the air.
After a boisterous celebration at the diner, I lead my girl into our home, takeout container in hand, and a mind full of filthy ideas.
Bonus Epilogue
Mags
? Vigilante Shit - Taylor Swift
2 years ago
Here’s the thing…
When I gently nudged Paige to sign up for RateMate, I had no intention of signing myself up alongside her. But curiosity — and wine — got the better of me, so while my bestie is passed out with her feet on my lap, I’m busy swiping through profiles hoping to come across the hottie named Miles that showed up on Paige’s phone.
Yes, I do realize how much of a hypocrite I am for steering her away from him, but in my defense, Paige has never been into blondes. I have less… discriminating tastes. Admittedly, this Miles guy being from Kentucky makes it a challenge, but my dad is the CEO of a travel magazine based in Tennessee, and I’ll be in the area over Christmas break. What happens in Tennessee,stays in Tennessee, right? Ok, so that’s Vegas, but same basic premise.
I check the time — 2:20am. I’ll give it ten more minutes and if I don’t find this guy, I’ll call it a night. I’m not sure what drew me to his profile in the first place. It might’ve been the devastating jawline or the deep blue eyes that screamed trouble. Who am I kidding? The man is jacked, and he could definitely wear me like a JanSport. Bonus points for not having a fishing photo in his carousel.
I’m starting to lose hope, frantically swiping past profile after profile when I’m stopped dead in my tracks by that gorgeous smile. I spend the next few minutes going over his details, 28-year-old contractor from Kentucky. Likes animals, not looking for a serious relationship — no problem there.
My finger hovers over the ten button in the rating box when I notice a little green light above his messaging icon — he’s online right now.
Maggie: Hey Kentucky, got any plans over the holidays?
Miles: Hey there, gorgeous. Are you offering to give me something to do?
Maggie: Or someone. ??
Miles: Not for nothing, but maybe we should get to know each other first.
Mags: What do you wanna know?
Miles: Favorite movie?
Maggie: Pride and Prejudice (the 2005 version, obviously.) You?
Miles: Empire Strikes Back
Maggie: Star Wars? Never would’ve pegged you for a nerd.
