Page 45 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
“I don’t give a damn. Just tell me.”
A small gasp escapes before she clears her throat. “Unfortunately, yes. His body is experiencing major organ failure despite the life support measures in place. Dr. Shah has consulted with several specialists, and they agree, with his recommendation, to end the medical intervention being provided.”
His heart starts beating again as relief washes through him. It’s over. Death finally claims the monster to hell, ending the torment burning in him since childhood. His father will never again hurt anyone he loves. “Fine. Do it.”
After a few seconds, her more formal voice comes through the phone. “There’s paperwork that needs to be signed. If you can make yourself available this afternoon, we can proceed.”
“I have something to take care of today. But I’ll be there in the morning.”
“Please know you have my sympathies for your father. I’m very sorry.”
She’s the only one. “Thank you.”
He tosses the phone onto the small table between the chairs. Only the mystery of what that bastard did to his mother keeps him from complete freedom. Maybe it’s better not to know.
“Nick?”
He turns around at Shae’s soft voice behind him. God, she’s so beautiful. His fingers stroke her cheek, the pinkness brightening at his touch. He’ll never tire of staring at her angelic face. Or her dazzling smile that makes his breath catch every time he sees it. Max said he was powerful, but it’s all her. He’s at the mercy of a tiny woman with an enormous heart. “Marry me.”
Her gentle laugh wraps around his heart and weaves into his soul, creating an unspoken promise within him to never jeopardize her happiness again. She wiggles her fingers at him, her ring turning in the sunlight. “You already asked me that. I said yes, remember?”
“No, I mean today.” He cups her delicate face, his heart racing at the love reflecting back in her shining eyes. They’ve waited too long and fought too hard to get here. Their perfect life needs to start now. “We’ve been through hell and made it back to each other. You two are my family now, and I want to make it official.”
She bites her lip, giving him her shy smile. “I’ve kind of been thinking about it too, since I found out about the baby. I know it’s old fashioned, but I would like to be married before I start showing. I don’t want all the ‘baby bump watch’ pictures to start with rumors about who his father might be.”
He sure as hell isn’t going to let that fucking happen. His wife, his baby. No one will ever question who they are or what they mean to him. “Then we’re doing it.”
Her body shivers with excitement that rocks him to his core. His beautiful sweetness loves him and wants to marry him. No man should be this fucking lucky.
“But how? I don’t want to go to Las Vegas, and I don’t think we can get a church on such short notice.”
“How about the beach at sunset? I’ll take care of everything.”
“Perfect.” She winks at him and tugs on his shirt. “Well then, Mr. DeMarco. I’ll meet you at your house at seven o’clock.”
“I love you.” He kisses her gently before dropping to his knees and pushing up the hem of her shirt. Her body shudders again as he presses his lips against her stomach. “You too, sweet baby.”
“We love you too.” Her fingers entwine his hair, rubbing across his scalp. “But now, you have to get out of here. I’ve got a lot to do. I’m getting married today.”
“Delivery for Shae Armstrong.”
Shae smiles at Carrie’s voice behind her before crawling backward out of her closet and resting on her heels. The butterflies in her stomach swirl for the hundredth time today at the white box in Carrie’s hands. “What is it?”
Like a kid at Christmas, Carrie peeks under the pink ribbon, trying to figure out what’s inside. “I don’t know. Jacks brought it to the front door for you.”
Carrie plops down next to her and gasps as Shae lifts the lid. The rich scent of flowers fills her bedroom from the bouquet nestled in tissue paper. A single, white rose peeks out from the center of two dozen pink ones wrapped together with iridescent tulle around the stems.
Carrie’s silver fingernails furiously click against her phone, her head bobbing as she reads. “White roses symbolize innocence, purity, and new beginnings.” She looks up from the screen and smiles. “It’s for the baby.”
Shae’s fingertips glide across the silky petals before she brings them to her nose. He said he would take care of everything. Peace fills her swelling heart, knowing he means more than just for today. “They’re perfect.”
After digging through the box, Carrie holds up two envelopes. “There’s more.”
With shaking hands, Shae opens the smaller one and slips out the folded paper.
Shae,
When you said you would meet me at my house, it made me realize you are the one making all the changes for us to be together. I want you to know everything I have is yours, and everything I do is for you. Tonight, we’re creating a life that is ours together. I can’t wait to get started.
