Page 219 of The Archer Brothers

“What if I tell you nothing has to change except that you have to carry the baby.”

“What do you mean?”

“What if I leave the Navy and be a stay-at-home dad?”

“Nate, I can’t ask you to give up your job.”

“You’re not asking,” I point out. “It’s something I’m willing to do. I can do the dad thing and set up playdates and whatever else needs to be done. I was hands-on with EJ. And yes, I’ll be giving up my job in the Navy, but I’ll still be working with Evan. And this is why the house is perfect. Not only is it close to my brother, but I can work from home, and when I need to go someplace to check a system, I have a feeling Ryley would be more than willing to babysit.”

“You make it sound so perfect.”

“That’s because, to me, it is. Being with you it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done. I want you to be happy, and I don’t want you to give up your career for anything. But I also want this baby. Our baby.” I place my hand on her stomach. “We created him or her, together. And while it’s ultimately your decision, I need you to know that this child is wanted. Deep down, I know you want this baby too.”

“I do,” she says while nodding. “But I’m scared.”

“We can be scared together. I’m not going anywhere.” I drop down to my knee while pulling the ring box out of my pocket. Cara covers her mouth with her hand. “The night you told me you were pregnant was the night I planned to do this. Since then, I’ve looked for the right moment, but every moment I spend with you is the right one for me. I love you, Cara. More than I can put into words, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

She nods rapidly. “Yes, I will.” She holds out her hand. It’s shaking. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous.”

I laugh. “Because deep down, you’re afraid you won’t like the ring.” I slip it onto her finger, and it fits perfectly. She holds her hand up.

“It’s gorgeous, Nate.”

I stand and pull her into my arms. We kiss, and I wipe her tears away. “I have one more thing to ask you.”

“What is it?”

I motion in the direction of the house. “Do you want to buy a house with me?”

“Yes, but only if it’s that house.”

“Deal.” My eyes travel toward her midsection. “And . . .?”

Cara cups my cheeks. “And I think we should go see if Ryley and Evan are home because I want to share the news that we’re engaged and pregnant.”

I pick her up and twirl her around while kissing her. “God, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

On our way to Evan’s, I call Louise and tell her we’ll take the house and promise to get the necessary paperwork in order. Every time I look at Cara, she’s holding her hand out, turning it to check all angles of her ring.

“I’m going to hate having to take it off.”

“I know, but it’ll always be there, waiting for you when you get home from work.”

“Downfall of my job, I suppose.” One of many. I keep my thoughts to myself.

When we get to Evan’s, we hear laughter coming from the backyard, and as tempting as it is just to head back there, I call him first. Knowing Evan, he’s probably rigged the gate.

“Hey, Cara and I are out front. Is it cool to come back there?” I ask as soon as he picks up.

“Of course, the gates unlocked.”

Cara and I head into the back. EJ’s in the pool while Evan and Ryley sit on their back patio, enjoying drinks.

“Hey,” Ryley says when we come into view. “What are you guys doing in the neighborhood?”

I glance toward Cara, and she nods. But before I can say anything, she holds up her hand, and Ryley starts squealing. She rushes toward us, grabs Cara’s hand, and then looks at me with wide eyes.

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