Page 69 of Relentless (The Titans of Founder's Ridge 2)

“She’s good. Got a clean bill of health at her last appointment.” He gives Ives a hug. “And I know for sure because I went with her. Annoyed the crap outta her, but you know how she is, always being cagey.”

“Yeah, never a straight answer.” We bump fists. “At some point on this trip, I want to ask you a few questions, get your opinion on something.”

“No doubt. I’ll only be with you guys for two days before I have to get back to Chicago though.”

“Maybe on the plane, once everyone settles down.” I look over at Ivy who’s buckling up beside Griff. “I want to keep this all between us for a bit, until I make my move.”

“Now I’m intrigued.” His mossy green eyes follow mine to Ivy. “I hear you two are back together.”

“Yeah,” I smile, “word travels fast.”

“Lil texted me and Ma first thing Tuesday. I wasn’t even out of bed. I’m happy for you guys.”

“Thanks.” We settle into club chairs across from each other.

* * *

“Okay,” Con says dropping into the seat beside me as Griff sits beside Zion, “since Z is only going to be here for two days, I have to propose tomorrow morning.”

“Alright,” I shoot a glance over at the girls who are all curled up in a ball together on the couch behind us, “what’s the plan?”

“She loves sunrises, so I’ve coordinated a sunrise sail around the island we’ll be anchored off of the first two days. Then the chef is preparing a celebratory brunch. You all have to be awake and ready to party when we get back.”

“Of course,” Griff answers.

“I’m always ready to party,” I say.

“I can’t believe Lil is getting married,” Z has a soft smile looking over at her, but then his face turns hard. “You hurt her, just once, I will fucking take you out,” he says to Con.

“I’ll help,” I say.

“I’ll cover it up,” Griff says.

“I won’t.”

“I’ll kill you, too, if you hurt Ivy,” Z says to me with the same hard look.

I hold my hands up, “I’m not the one who does the hurting in our relationship.”

“It’s true.” Con nods.

“So,” I clear my throat, “I have news. I told Dad that I don’t want to work with him after I graduate. Let him know I changed my major last year. I also floated the idea of Ivy taking my spot instead of me.”

“Solid plan,” Griff nods, “she’s top of her class at Yale. She’s always been smart and driven.”

“What’d Frank say?” Con asks.

“He was surprised but didn’t seem too disappointed, especially when I tossed out the idea of Ives coming on board. He really seemed to relax when I mentioned my intention to wife her up. He does want me to keep my seat on the board and continue to participate in the company that way.”

“You’re going to propose?” Con asks with surprise coloring his voice.

“I told her a long time ago I was going to marry her and put like five babies inside her. I won’t steal your thunder, though.” I slap him on the back. “We might be engaged by the time you guys get married.”

“Does Claire know you’re proposing?” Griff asks Con as he looks over at her.

“Yeah, of course.” Con’s affection for his baby sister has only grown over the few years they were separated. “I couldn’t keep something like that from her.”

We all settle in for the remainder of the flight. Griff pulls out a laptop, two tablets, and his phone to work. Zion pulls his hood over his eyes and stretches out. Con taps his thumb on his knee while staring out over the inky midnight Atlantic. I go grab a sleeping Ivy and carry her back to the bedroom to snuggle and nap with.

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