Page 99 of Silver Fox's Secret Baby

I put my hand to my mouth and nod. Astonished.

“Our love story is unconventional. But I think it’s one of the most beautiful ones that has ever been told. And there’s only one thing that is left to do to make it complete.” He opens the box, revealing a gorgeous ruby ring set amongst the most brilliant diamonds I’ve ever seen.

Tears start to swim in my eyes. This doesn’t feel real.

“You filled a hole in my heart I never knew existed. You made me believe in love. You make me better every day,” he says in a near whisper. Emotion is close to overcoming him.

There’s a flurry of movement in my stomach. It’s incredible how she can tell that what’s happening just out of her reach is cause for celebration.

“Will you marry me?”

I nod. “Yes, of course. Of course, I’ll marry you!”

Grant gets to his feet in an instant and pulls me into his arms. As soon as his lips touch mine, tears burst from my eyes. I can’t help it. I never thought I’d have a love like this, let alone a whole baby and a marriage ahead of me.

When we break apart, Grant presses his forehead to mine. “I’m sorry I couldn’t wait.”

“It’s okay. This was perfect. Better than perfect.”

“I got it all on tape!” Amy squeaks excitedly.

I throw my head back in laughter. How could anything be better than sharing this moment with the women I love most in this world?

Grant takes my hand and slips the ring on. “Perfect fit, huh?” he says with a lopsided grin.

I know he’s talking about the ring, but I feel like he’s talking about us. I cup his cheek, relishing the prickle of his beard. “Yeah. Just perfect.”

“Can I see?” Stella peeps at my side.

“Stella–” Gillian starts to pull her away.

“It’s fine. Here, look, honey.” I hold my hand out to her. “Isn’t it pretty?”

Stella’s eyes go wide. “Whoa. It’s so sparkly.”

Grant chuckles and wraps his arm around my waist. He’s loved how I have filled out in pregnancy and can’t take his hands off me most of the time. His hand spreads out against the side of my bump and he smiles proudly at me. I put my hand over his.

“Were you surprised?” he asked.

“Yeah, how could you tell?” I say sarcastically.

“Well, I guess this means we will have to have another baby shower since you ruined this one,” Amy says through happy tears.

“Oh, absolutely,” Grant replies. “It’s only fair.”

There’s no way I’m letting Grant leave now that he’s here, so he sits down with the rest of us, indulging in pastries and coffee, gabbing and laughing just like he’s one of the girls. We call up Dad and have him come down to celebrate too. They’ve come a long way since everything fell out, hugging tightly when Grant tells him the news.

Dad and Grant sit on either side of me. Dad touches the nape of my neck and leans in to kiss me on the cheek. “Congratulations, Harley.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” I say.

He’s got tears in his eyes when he draws away but won’t look at me. They’re not up for discussion. I reach out and grab his hand, holding it tightly. With my other hand, I grab Grant’s hand. My cheeks hurt so bad from smiling, but I can’t help it.

My life is so beautiful. Everyone in this room chose to be here. Chose me. Despite betrayal, anger, or hurt, we are all here together celebrating my baby, the product of love between Grant and me.

And I will choose all of them until my dying day. Through thick or thin.

That’s just how we, Solaces, are.

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