Page 38 of Paradox
Ellen joins us, threading her fingers through Dr. E’s. He smiles down at her and the love is evident. Gage looks at me the same way.
“I don’t know how much of an announcement this is since everyone is expecting it but… I asked Ellen to marry me and she said yes.”
The noise starts up again, and all the brothers come forward to offer congratulations.
“Here’s to the prez and VP providing the next generation of Dealers!” Venom shouts over the din.
Laughing, I stand and pull Ellen into a hug. “I’m so happy for you!”
“Thanks, Raven. This kinda wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
“I’m flattered, but you two would have found each other without me. Love always finds a way.”
“I guess it does.” She smiles, her contentment obvious.
“It does. Now let me see the ring, bitch.”
Giggling, she extends her hand, showing off the rock on her finger. Dr. E did well. It’s gorgeous.
“My turn!” Emily says, sidling up next to us and excitedly taking Ellen’s hand to admire her ring.
“In more ways than one.” I wink, jerking my head toward Venom.
“I just got out of a marriage, not looking to jump back into another one anytime soon.”
“We’ll see,” Ellen says.
“Okay, that’s my cue to start serving cake.”
Ellen and I laugh, but before she can dash off, Ellen grabs Emily’s hand.
“Whoa there. Don’t go running off so quickly. How are things with the bakery?”
“It’s going really well.” The blonde’s eyes light up. “The people are still warming up to me, but the feedback has been great so far.”
“Of course it is. Your stuff is amazing,” I tell her. “I’ll be expecting some of those strawberry and cheese—”
“Oh jeez!” she interrupts me, a nervous smile on her lips. “Gage wasveryspecific about those. I’m practicing the recipe until I get it right.”
“He didn’t scare you, did he? I know how he can be a dick.”
She laughs, glancing over at him. “No, it’s just that this is my dream. I need to prove to myself that I can do this. Not to mention the MC has invested a lot of money and placed even more confidence in me. I don’t want to disappoint them.”
“You won’t,” Ellen assures her. “Everything you’ve made for my events has been a smashing success. In fact, revenue is up, and I’m sure you’ve played a huge part in that.”
“Thank you.” Emily blushes, turning to me. “What about you? How’s it going with your art program?”
“I fell behind the last few months with the pregnancy, but I only have one module to finish. I have no idea what I’m going to do with the certificate, though. It’s more of a passion.”
“Well, you’re still young,” Ellen says. “Even if you wait until the kids are in school, you still have plenty of time to figure things out.”
“True.”
“Look at us following our dreams.” Emily beams. “If this doesn’t call for cake, I don’t know what does.” She rushes off, leaving Ellen and me smiling in agreement.
I stay long enough to have some cake, then take Gage’s hand and lead him to our room. It’s a bit of a mess, but the reason is evident—he put the crib together. I stand there for a moment, admiring it. I still can’t believe I’m a mother.
“It’s beautiful, Gage.”
