Placing her hand on her chest, Evangeline exhaled a relieved breath. “Yes, he is.”
“I’m not going to be able to sleep for a week.” Trevon kissed his sleeping son’s forehead. “I’m sorry Hannah went through her pregnancy without me, but I’m grateful she had you.”
“I’m grateful she has you, too, now,” Evangeline said.
“My sister is my hero.” Hannah put her arm around Evangeline. “I was terrified to tell you, but she encouraged me. I’m sorry that I—”
“No more apologizing,” Trevon said. “I wasn’t there for you, but I will be going forward. I’ve missed you, Hannah.” He shifted his attention to Evangeline. “My mom isn’t well and I’ve been spending all of my free time with her.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Pausing, he smiled at his son. “This little guy is such a blessing.” Then, he kissed Hannah. “Thank you for doing the right thing. Robert deservesourbest.”
Evangeline could not stop smiling. She wrapped up two pieces of lasagna, snapped several pictures of the happy family, and left, grateful that Hannah had found her voice.
After cutting her engine in Sin’s driveway, she texted Sanchez. “Thank you for being there for my family and me. Your strength and words of empowerment changed Hannah for the better. I’m grateful to know you.” She finished with a heart emoji and sent it off.
Dots appeared, then a text. “I’m crying all over myself right now. Thank you so much for saying that. It was my absolute pleasure.” A smiley emoji with heart eyes completed her text.
* * *
Sin accepted the bottle of beer from Evangeline’s dad and drank down a mouthful. Being in unchartered waters, he was unsure how to proceed.
With bottle in hand, Henry Worthington eased down across from him at the kitchen table. “I’m glad the report of your death wasn’t true. My gut tells me you had a hand in that.”
Sin just smiled.
“Uh-huh, that’s what I thought.” Henry chuckled. “I appreciate your stepping up to help Evangeline with the video scandal. That was one hell of a mess. I’m relieved she got reinstated.” Pausing, Henry tossed back some brew. “You two make a good team.”
“We do, and that’s why I’m here. I asked her to move in with me.”
Henry’s eyes widened. “That was fast.”
“It looks that way, but I’ve known Evangeline for a couple of years and was disappointed when work transferred her north.”
“I didn’t know that.” He tilted his head. “So, what did she say about moving in with you?”
“She’s good with it, but her job could send her back to New Jersey.”
“Her sister and mom would be sorry to see her go.” Henry swigged more beer. “Me, too. I love having her around.”
“I’m hoping things work out and she stays.” Pushing out of his chair, Sin leaned against the counter. “I came here tonight to tell you I’m in love with your daughter and to ask for her hand in marriage. I know that’s old fashioned, but I respect you, Henry. Always have.”
“I appreciate that, Sinclair.” Henry broke eye contact for several seconds. “Marriage is a lifelong commitment. I took the chicken way out. I left her mom. I gave up, wouldn’t go to marriage counseling, wouldn’t be the kind of husband who made her happy.” He hung his head, then looked up at him. “Not something I’m proud of, and I want better for my daughter. She shouldn’t go through the pain her mom and I endured. Divorce is rough, and worse if children are involved.”
Sin nodded. “I will love her and protect her. Be her life partner and respect her. I’m a man of my word. You know that. I’m not one to ask for permission before taking action, but in this particular case, I’m asking. I want to marry your daughter and I’d like your blessing before I propose.”
Henry studied Sinclair for an extra beat, then stood and extended his hand. “I’d be damn proud to call you my son-in-law. But you take one step out of line and I’ll blow your balls off.”
Both men laughed as they shook hands, but Sin knew Henry wasn’t joking.
“Thank you,” Sin said.
“If you can’t live without her, then make sure you don’t.”
“That’s the plan.”
Once outside, Sin powered up the bike and headed towards home. The one he now shared with the woman he adored. The woman he hoped to make his wife.
