“Thank you, darling. I can’t express how much it means to me to hear you say that. You have such a beautiful heart, and I’m so thankful to have you by my side for this. You’ve completely turned me inside out in all the best ways. I’m so glad I met you.”
I was so screwed. In that moment, I knew I was so deeply in love with him, and there was no turning back. The words burned at the back ofmy throat, and I desperately wanted to set them free, but I couldn’t... not yet.
“I feel the same. When I’m with you, I feel more at peace than I have in years... possibly ever. I’ll be by your side for as long as you’ll have me.”
David raised his head, his gaze full of love and desire. “Oh, princess, if I have any say about it, I’ll have you always.”
Hope swelled within me, and I couldn’t help but ask. “And forever?”
David’s smile was beaming. “Damn straight, darling.” He stood up straight and pulled me tight against him, making me gasp in surprise. He took advantage of my open mouth and immediately dove in with fervor.
I whimpered as he sucked on my tongue, and he ate up the sound greedily, humming against my lips. When we finally pulled apart, we were panting. “As much as I want to keep devouring your delicious mouth, we’ve got a dinner to get to.”
Nodding in agreement, I adjusted my rumpled clothing and we headed out the door. It wasn’t long before we were pulling up to Daniel’s. The second we pulled into the driveway, the door burst open, and Tristan barreled out of the house in one of his many dragon onesies with Ember held tightly against his chest.
David got out of the car and opened my door for me. He offered me his hand, and I threaded our fingers together without hesitation. We’d spent nearly every day and night together, so touching him was becoming second nature, and I couldn’t hold back if I tried.
“Ellie! David! You’re here.” His gaze landed on our joined hands, and he stood still for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. It didn’t take him long before his free hand came up to cover his mouth as he chuckled. “You came together?”
My cheeks heated as the realization hit. I’d been so focused on being here for David that I’d completely forgotten we’d also be announcing our relationship... or at least I assumed we would.
My cheeks were red hot as I turned toward David with a questioning look. The most shit-eating grin covered his face as he nodded his silent permission.
Letting go of David’s hand, I walked over to Tristan and leaned in close, my voice full of mischief. “We did come together... multiple times.”
Tristan threw his head back, giggling so hard I thought he was going to pass out. “Oh em gee, bestie. I’m so excited! So?”
I nodded and smiled so wide I thought my cheeks would crack. “We went on the best date ever, and he took such good care of me. He asked to be my Daddy, and I said yes.”
Tristan was so excited that he dropped Ember, and his arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace. “Bestie, this is awesome. I’m so happy for you.”
“Sweetheart, what’s going on? You were supposed to let them inside.” Daniel’s worried voice cut through our loud cheering.
Tristan let go of me and picked up Ember before speed walking toward Daniel. “But Daddy, when I came outside they were holding handsand looking at each other with heart eyes. I couldn’t help but ask right away.”
Daniel’s eyes widened in shock as he waved us to come in. Once we were all inside and the door was shut, Daniel met David with a questioning gaze. When I turned around to see David’s reaction and the absolute joy on his face, my heart melted.
“Ellery and I are together now. Looks like I’m not the only one who got lucky with finding their perfect match in an unsuspecting place.”
Daniel made his way over to David and wrapped him in a hug. “I’m happy for you, man.” He turned toward me and smiled. “I’m happy for you too. I’m also thankful he has you now. Take care of him for me... He can be stubborn.”
All three of us chuckled, except for David, who gasped in mock outrage, but his eyes sparkled with amusement. “Oh, he definitely is, but it’s a part of his charm.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I turned to David and winked. His cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink, and it made my chest puff up with pride. My Daddy was adorable and drop-dead sexy when he blushed.
Making my way over to Daniel, I gave him a hug, which he happily returned. “Thank you, Daniel.” I couldn’t help but glance at David, my lips turning up in a smile like they couldn’t help it. “He is pretty amazing. I promise... I plan on taking as much care of him as he will of me.”
A timer went off in the kitchen, making Tristan and me jump, but the Daddies were completely unfazed.
“That’s dinner! The table is already set. Take a seat. I’ll bring the food out shortly. David, can you help me get the drinks?”
David nodded in agreement and headed toward the kitchen with Daniel.
Tristan grabbed my hand and led me to the dining area. When he sat down, he motioned to the seat next to him. “Come on, Ellie. Sit!”
Tristan seemed to be hovering between big and small, but I didn’t mind. “I’m coming, buddy.” I was barely in my seat before Tristan’s intense gaze was locked on mine. This was definitely big Tristan.
“Okay, I need to know how this happened.”
