Her sigh brings a genuine smile to my face. There’s not a day that goes by that I’m not thankful for this girl.
“I want to tell you. I really, really do, but it’s a surprise.”
I reach over the seat and shake her hand. “It’s okay. Don’t stress yourself.”
When we get to the farm, I carry Aspen inside. She doesn’t even open her eyes.
“She’s either all the way on or all the way off.” Willow laughs. “You can take her upstairs.”
“I think Grandpa will join her for a nap.”
Her smile widens. “Go on. I’ll be in the kitchen if you need anything.”
Aspen and I stretch back on her parent’s bed. I roll toward her, lightly running my finger over her cheekbone. She has a tiny heart shaped birthmark there.
I place a kiss on her forehead before letting my eyes fall closed.
Chapter Two
Raffe
“Dad. Dad, wake up.”
I sit up straight. “What? What is it? What’s wrong?”
Jackson chuckles in my face, grabbing me by my arms. “Chill out, old man. I was just waking you for supper. Grandma and Ray are here.”
My eyes flit around the room, and he releases me. “Fuck. How long was I out?”
“Willow said you’ve been asleep for five hours.”
My eyebrows jump in surprise. “Shit. I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
I glance behind me, looking for Aspen.
Jackson laughs. “I wish she took five-hour naps, but no such luck. She’s been up and at ‘em for a while now.”
“Dammit. I was supposed to be keeping an eye on her for Willow.”
He pats me on the back as we jog down the stairs. “Don’t worry about it. You must have needed the sleep.”
Everyone is already sitting around the table.
“Papa. Papa.” Aspen immediately points in the direction of the empty chair beside her.
I shake Ray’s hand and give Grandma a kiss on the cheek before settling beside my little princess.
“So,” Ray begins after we’ve finished our meal and are starting on dessert. “Maggie and I have something we need to talk to you all about.”
Jackson fills his plate. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“Well, I’ve asked her to marry me.”
My son’s eyebrows jump off his face. “Whoa now, mister. My grandma’s not that type of girl.”
Maggie rolls her eyes. “Where’s my flyswatter, boy?” She pretends to look around.
