Page 145 of Worth the Risk

“Oh my God, yes.” I lift her hand, take the ring out of the box, and place it on her finger, hoping she’ll like it. She smiles big as she gawks at it. It’s a custom-paved diamond ring set against an array of diamonds within scalloped platinum. The jeweler’s words, not mine. I don’t know shit about these things. Sierra thought it was a good choice, and I trust her opinion.

“It’s perfect,” she whispers.

After admiring her ring for a few more seconds, she places her hands on my cheeks and kisses me—a kiss filled with love.

I inch back before we get too carried away since Riley is here with us.

Riley hugs us both while asking, “Can I be a princess in the wedding?”

“You are a princess, so, of course, you’ll be one in our wedding,” I say.

Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I start a group text.

Me:She said yes. Bring your asses in here.

Two minutes later, we’re surrounded by our friends and family.

Champagne flows and Riley has her own glass of apple juice. She takes a sip, then spits it out, and we all turn to her in surprise.

“It tickled my throat,” she states like that should make sense to everyone.

“When Mommy drinks Daddy’s juice, and it tickles her throat, she spits it out. But that’s okay because Daddy says he has plenty of special juice with vitamins to share with her.”

Everyone goes quiet, and Kylie coughs.

Hopefully, they won’t realize what we were actually talking about, but how could they not by the stunned expressions on Kylie’s and my faces. I look on as everyone stands quiet with their mouths hanging open and their eyes wide.

The tension is too much, and I laugh.

“Why are you laughing, Daddy?” Riley asks.

Sierra says while trying to keep a straight face, “Sweetie, we didn’t know Daddy’s juice has vitamins in it.”

“It does. He’ll share with you, too, if you want some.”

Everyone laughs now, and Riley looks at us like we’ve lost the plot before she shakes her head and goes back to eating her dessert.

“Your fault,” Kylie mouths.

Yep. It is.

Later, a hand circles my forearm, and a mischievous Manda smiles at me. “Did you know that the human body has two hundred and six bones in it?” she asks with a raised eyebrow.

I shake my head. There’s a reason for her question. This woman has no problem verbalizing what she has on her mind.

“You ever break Kylie’s heart again, I promise I’ll break each and every one of those bones. Slowly… and I’ll enjoy every moment of it.” She wears a smile that hides the threat of her words.

Well, shit.

“No need for threats, Manda. I promise to cherish her heart and help you break anyone’s bones who threaten to harm it,” I tell her.

She stares at me curiously for a few moments as I hold my breath, waiting for her next threat.

She beams and says, “You know, Leo, I believe you. Now take care of my Kylie. I’m going to trust you to make her happy for the rest of her life.” I breathe a sigh of relief before she adds, “But I’ll still be watching you.”

I can’t help it. I laugh while shaking my head. How can I not? That woman will definitely keep me on my toes, and I look forward to it.

Hugging Kylie from behind, she turns around and wraps her arms around my neck.

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