Page 38 of His Virgin Woman
“Congratulations?”
Wade frowned and looked at him.“You do know what Frances is telling everyone, don’t you?”
Shae hadn’t even taken a trip into town.He ended up sending Leah and Peyton to load up on food and supplies, as the work at the ranch dominated his time.
Shae winced.“What is Frances telling everyone?”
“Uh, I don’t think it’s my—”
“For fuck’s sake, Wade, you are the one that brought it up, so why don’t you cut the bullshit and just tell me?”
His friend looked at him and clearly knew not to play around, as he held his free hand up.“Fine, fine, but don’t shoot the messenger.”
Shae ignored him and instead went straight to the kitchen, where he found his woman, alone.It looked like the turkeys had already come out of the oven and were standing under some aluminum foil.
“Hey,” he said, moving closer to her.
She looked up and offered him a smile.She glanced over his shoulder toward everyone.This was not the most ideal of situations as he didn’t want witnesses.Thankfully, their friends would know to look the other way.
“We need to talk,” he said.
“I know.”She rubbed her temple.“There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, and the truth is, I don’t know how to tell you.”
Shae saw the fear in her eyes.This was the best time.
Reaching into his jacket pocket, he sunk to his knees and opened the small red box he had kept his mother’s ring in.His father had given it to him, just as his grandfather had given it to his father.The Marino line had an heirloom, and seeing as none of his line ever got divorced, the ring forever stayed.When the time was right, and if he had a son, the ring would go to him.
“Marry me, Peyton.Marry me and make me the happiest man in the fucking world, because ...I’m in love with you.I’ve been in love with you for a long damn time, and I’m done pretending this is nothing more than two people enjoying each other.I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Her eyes had gone wide, and he even saw the glisten of tears as she stared right back at him in shock.
“I’m pregnant,” she said.
“I know.”
“You’re—”
“Happy.So fucking happy.There’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you.I want to grow old with you.Fill this house with kids, and make memories.”
“I love you,” Peyton said.“I really do.”
“So, is that a yes?”he asked.
“Yes, that’s a yes.”
He took the ring out of the box and slid it right onto her finger, and lo and behold it was a perfect fit.Getting to his feet, he cupped her face and kissed her.Behind him, he heard the applause, but he didn’t give a shit that they were clapping their hands and congratulating them.
There was only one person he was interested in, and she was in his arms, and he looked into her eyes.The smile on her lips was the one he had dreamed about for what felt like a lifetime.
“Am I dreaming?”she asked.
“I hope not, but you know what, let’s not wake up from this dream.”
“Shae, anyone ever tell you, you’re a romantic?”she asked.
“They wouldn’t fucking dare.”
And then he kissed her, but this time they didn’t get chance to just enjoy one another, as their guests took it upon themselves to come and congratulate them.Wade shook his hand, along with Hank, and several of his men.Peyton was swallowed up by the women, hugging her, and seeing the engagement ring.
