Page 98 of Accepted Precedent
“Aw! We missed present,” Grace cries, and I pick her up.
“You didn’t miss anything, love. Thank you for my birthday present. Actually, I have one for your mam.” I take the box out of my pocket. “Do you want to give it to her, or should I?”
“Me! I want to!”
I set her down and she hands Evie the box. Evelyn’s eyes widen as realization sets in, sucking in a sharp breath. “The second box.”
“It’s about time you open it, angel.”
Evelyn opens the teal box to reveal an enhancer band meant to surround her current ring. The sight drags me back to the day she told me she was pregnant with Brandon and Grace. I knew I couldn’t give her both boxes. While I walked away with the ring, it was always supposed to be hers. I wanted to give it to her on our wedding day, but Evelyn deserves a real engagement, with a real wedding, and it’s time I give her everything I promised.
I drop to one knee and take her hand in mine. “I should’ve done this a long time ago.” There are a few gasps behind me, but I ignore them. Raising my voice, I continue, “You deserve someone better than me. But not deserving you and your lovedoesn’t mean I’m not going to ask anyway. Evelyn, will you let me spend the rest of my life loving you and our family—until we’re old and gray—by your side as your partner?”
She cups my cheek and whispers, “Only if you let me do the same.”
I stand and slip off the ring I gave her years ago, add the new one, and return it to its rightful place on her hand. Her eyes are glassy, and I’m struggling to hold it together myself. “I love you, angel. Thank you for always being my anchor.”
“Uncle Mickey, don’t cry,” Grace says with a frown.
“Happy tears, Gracie. Only happy tears,” I assure her, but my sweet daughter hugs my leg to comfort me anyway.
“Time for cake?”
“Not yet,” Evie laughs, wiping away a few tears that escaped the corner of her eye. “We’re going to make lunch. Cake comes after.”
“Okay,” Grace grumbles. She runs off, and I take a few moments to enjoy watching the kids play. I hate that the twins have to grow up in a world where I can’t openly admit they’re mine, but if this is the price I have to pay for my sins, I’ll gladly accept it. I’m surrounded by friends and family who I’d kill for without a second thought—the life my Grandad lived and loved.
“Congratulations on proposing to your wife,” Kristin quips as she fires up the grill. “Also, I’m only making lunch because it’s your birthday.”
“Thank you.” I huff a laugh. “Be sure to leave the instruction manual. I’m sure I’ll figure it out for next time.”
“So, who did you hire to write that?” Evie asks with a wide grin.
“No one. It doesn’t matter if you’re pregnant again, you’remo rúnsearc.”
“You’ve said that before. What does it mean?”
I slide my hand in her hair and bring her lips to mine, muttering against them, “You’re mine, angel.”
“Ah-hem,” Kristin dramatically clears her throat. “It doesn’t mean that. I’ve worked enough with Finn that I’ve needed to do a quick internet search from time to time, and he’s calling you his ‘secret love.’ So… there’s that.”
“Just as Ileah is no longer Finn’s secret love, you’re no longer mine,” I whisper beside Evie’s ear. “But it’s what Grandad called the love of his life.”
“Mick, my hormones are all screwed up right now. If you don’t stop with your declarations, we’re going to have to sneak away for a quickie,” Evie laughs, and I can’t help stealing another kiss from her. “Stop it! Kristin and I need to make lunch.”
As Evie and Kristin get everything ready, I stuff my hands in my pockets, neither of them allowing me to help. I truly am speechless, my heart full of so much love for them and everyone else who came today.
Andrew slides up beside me, and I whisper, “She’s good for you,” referring to my sister-in-law.
“I know.” He doesn’t qualify it, doesn’t argue. Sliding his hand into mine, he adds, “So are you. Even if I hold a different place in your heart than Evie does, I’ll always be yours.”
“Hey, Andrew! Can you help me with the drinks?” Alex asks over his shoulder as he opens the sliding glass door.
Andrew nods, squeezing my hand once before releasing it, and heads inside. I follow but make my way to the cellar to retrieve a bottle of whiskey I’ve been saving for a special occasion.
When I return outside, Evelyn is adding round filets to the grill. From how everything was smelling, I could’ve sworn she used barbecue sauce on something. I peer over her shoulder, searching for the culprit, and there are a few chicken breasts in a glass dish. I breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t on the filets as some sort of pregnancy craving. Though in truth, I’d likely eat anything she made.
Kristin catches me spying and spots the bottle of whiskey. “Oh, let me get a few glasses.”
