Page 66 of This Is Love (The Light to My Darkness 3)

“Rob…”

“You’re a perfect 10.”

“I don’t know how Daphne isn’t always mad at you.”

“She understands me. Just like James understands you. And loves you. He’s not going to divorce you, Penny. Not in a million years.”

I ran my thumb along the tan line on my ring finger. I hope you’re right. “Hey, you got me to stop crying.”

“It was all my lines right? How about…your body is a wonderland?”

“I’m going to go hang out with Liam. He can’t say inappropriate things yet.”

“Silence is consent.”

“Gross, Rob.”

He laughed. “I love you, Penny. Cheer up, okay? We’re planning a huge welcome home party for you guys. Bring back J.J. for us.”

“His name is Liam.” I stood up and brushed the dust off my ass.

“Whatever. Let me know when you’re heading back. We might even hire your gay wedding planner to organize the event just to make James and Mason super uncomfortable. I’m still a little pissed that he never hit on me.”

“You can’t hire Justin. He only does weddings. Besides, you can’t have all the men and all the women in New York fawning over you.”

“Why not? What happened to freedom of…sex or whatever.”

I laughed. “Bye, Rob.”

“Bye, sweet-cheeks.”

I slid the phone back into my pocket. Freedom of sex. Not the right terminology whatsoever. But it had given me an idea. I looked down at my empty ring finger. That was the part of me that was missing. I was used to wearing a ring to symbolize my love and devotion to James. I only saw one way to fix that. I needed to get my rings back.

I made my way down the hall to the NICU. The only problem with getting my rings back was that I didn’t know how. Should I just ask for them back? Should I propose?

The nurse started unhooking Liam from tubes and machines when I walked in. After a few minutes, he was in my arms and for a moment I was able to forget about all my worries. He felt so comfortable in my arms. I hoped he felt as comforted by my presence as I did by his.

“What do you think, baby boy?” I whispered. “What should I do?”

He blinked up at me.

“If I propose, it needs to be the epitome of romance. Your dad always does these huge grand gestures. I want to do something like that for him.”

He opened his tiny little mouth and yawned.

“Am I boring you?” I leaned down and kissed his forehead. “What would you do, Liam?”

He yawned again.

“It’s easy for you. You’d propose beautifully. You’ll be perfectly romantic just like your father.” I smiled. Just like your father. “You’re brilliant, Liam.” I kissed his forehead again and looked up at the nurse in the room. “Do you know when Dr. Hughes is going to be done with his deliveries?”

“I haven’t heard anything from him yet, so it’ll still be awhile.”

“If James comes, could you tell him I stepped out for a minute?”

“Where should I tell him you’ve gone?”

“If he’s worried just…have him text me.” I'd almost forgotten that I had my phone back. “I’ll be back soon, baby boy.” I rocked Liam in my arms once more. “Keep Daddy distracted okay?” I handed him over to the nurse and then ran out of the room.

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