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“Hiroshi tells me you’re doing well. I’m pleased the two of you were able to work things out.”
Once I learned that Tanaka was actually a good guy, it was easier to get to know him. I was also shocked to learn his wealthy wife was the Seattle gallery owner who hired Dempsey for commission work. Small world. Because of this, we’ve gone to dinner on a double date with them a few times now. Mona and Dempsey nerd out over art, while me and Tanaka talk about work, mostly to discuss updates on how Bishop and the mayor are faring in prison. I even talked Tanaka into buying the station a badass coffee machine when I got a few drinks in him one night.
“Me too,” I agree with a smile. “And Mona just found a buyer for a piece Dempsey is working on. Did he tell you? They’re from New York and offered him fifty thousand.”
Nathan nods, pleasure gleaming in his eyes. “He’s well worth it. Does this mean he’s going to pay off that ridiculous car now?”
The pearl-white Dodge Hellcat Redeye, the Widebody Jailbreak edition, purchase was another source of contention between Nathan and Dempsey. I’d cosigned on it for Dempsey since his credit’s still new, which didn’t earn me any brownie points from his father. Nathan thought Dempsey would choose something more practical or affordable. But my man prefers 807 horsepower over practicality. The girlfriend in me thinks he’s hot driving the thing. The cop in me nearly has a shit fit whenever he exceeds the speed limit.
“Doubtful,” I tell him honestly. “He wants to remodel the kitchen.”
Nathan narrows his eyes for a moment, considers my answer, and then nods. “Your kitchen does need updating.”
I flip him off. “I know, I know. My oven sucks and it drives Dempsey insane. You two are cut from the same cloth.”
Nathan claps me on the shoulder and then leaves me be. I find my seat beside Dempsey as Jamie starts bringing out casserole dishes. Beauty is asleep in Dempsey’s lap, so his hand is free to take mine and he threads our fingers together.
I’m happy—really happy—with him.
Rex, who’s now in a highchair between Spencer and Dempsey, tries to make a grab for the puppy. Luckily, his arms aren’t long enough. He settles for throwing his sippy cup instead. Dempsey deflects it with his elbow and then playfully tickles Rex until he squeals. Then Dempsey turns to me and mouths, “Thank God you don’t want kids.”
I burst out laughing. It’s a conversation we’ve had many times over. I wanted to make sure he was okay with the fact I never plan to get pregnant. He’s young and I didn’t want him to be held back if that’s what he wanted. Thankfully, we were on the same page. Sure, he’d make a great dad, but he’s a fantastic uncle not just to the kids in his family, but to those in mine.
I’m okay with being Aunt Sloane and Uncle Dempsey over Mom and Dad.
My phone buzzes again. When I pull it out to peek at it, it’s my other sister this time.
Rhiannon: Trevor got the job! He’s going to be a mechanic’s apprentice at the garage. They’re paying him fifteen dollars an hour with no experience and working around his school schedule. I’m so proud of him!
I send her back a bunch of hearts and clapping emojis. I show Dempsey and he grins. Jamie lent me the money and we were able to get Trevor into a fantastic rehab facility. Not only did he get sober and proper mental health treatment while there, but they also enrolled him in a tech program for him to continue now that he’s out of rehab.
Rhiannon: I think we should celebrate. Mom says everyone should meet up at Nadine’s for supper one day this week. Can you and Dempsey make it? I know it’d mean a lot to Trevor.
Me: Absolutely. We’ll be there.
Rhiannon: Yay! I’ll start making plans and let you know the exact date.
I put my phone away as soon as the table is set with mountains of food. Jamie sits beside me and we chat about Kaden while food is passed around. I tell her the good news about Trevor and she’s just as thrilled as I am. The dynamics of our friendship have changed since I’m with her son, but we’re finding new ground and I’m grateful to have her back in my life.
Dinner is the usual whirlwind with everyone talking over each other, babies crying, and more food than we could ever eat. Tate and Jude steal Beauty, but we’ll steal her back before we leave.
Dempsey stands, grabs his butter knife, and loudly clanks his glass. “Yo! Listen up, fam!”
I look up at him, wondering what in the world he’s going to tell them. With Dempsey, you never know what’ll come out of his mouth. Sometimes he blurts out exactly what’s on his mind. That can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
“So I know we’re planning a spring wedding for Tate and Jude,” he says, grinning at the recently engaged couple, “but I was wondering how you all also thought about having a wedding this summer.”
I blink at him in confusion. “What are you saying?”
He fishes a box out of his pocket and sits back down, facing me. “I’m saying let’s make us official, babe. I love you. I want to be with you forever. Say yes.”
Heat floods my cheeks. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me. This is wild and reckless, and most assuredly way too soon.
“Yes, of course,” I rush out because despite those things, life’s too short to let opportunities pass you by. “I love you too, honey.”
Dempsey fist pumps the air and then pulls me to him for a filthy kiss that has no business being shown to the whole damn family. When he pulls away, I’m breathless and dizzy. He slides on a simple rose gold band with a few tiny diamonds embedded in it. I love how simple and me the ring is. It’ll be easy to work in too. Just goes to show that even when he appears to be spontaneous, Dempsey puts a lot of thought into pleasing the ones he loves.
The whole family talks over each other after that. Callum thinks it’s hysterical and won’t stop laughing. Hugo seems embarrassed on our behalf. Spencer has a lot to say but mostly inappropriate stuff that has Aubrey trying to cover his mouth with her hand. Tate wears a cheesy grin, whereas Jude scowls at Dempsey, probably for overshadowing their own engagement. Nathan shakes his head with a mix of irritation and amusement. Gemma and Jamie both keep saying, “Oh my God.” Kaden babbles about how he should get to be the best man and lists all the reasons why.
