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“It has,” Ethan agrees as soon as we enter the place. The lights are low, and there’s a warm glow from the overhead chandeliers. Didn’t expect this place to be so fancy, but I’m not complaining since I dressed up for it. Ethan tells the hostess we’re here for the TSBA reservation, and we’re led through the restaurant to a private room in the back. Though we’re fifteen minutes early, I feel like we're late based on how many people are already here.
“There are our two lovebirds.” Mrs. Davenport waves us over. She’s sipping a glass of white wine. A waiter stops by and asks what we’d like to drink.
“Whiskey,” Ethan tells him.
“Chardonnay for me, please,” I say.
“Harper and Ethan, this is Bruce Silvertown.”
Ethan gives him a firm handshake before Bruce takes mine. For a moment, I’m starstruck.
“It’s so nice to meet you,” I greet.
“Pleasure is all mine. I enjoyed your panel today. Brilliant,” Bruce says, and my cheeks flush.
“Oh, we should probably take our seats.” Mrs. Davenport scrambles around, noticing the room filling up with more people.
Once we sit, Ethan leans over and whispers in my ear, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say that author was checking you out.”
I snort and playfully smack his hand that’s on my thigh. “Stop it! He’s twice my age,” I whisper-hiss.
“Thought you liked that? Johnny Depp?” He raises his brows, and I have to stop myself from bursting out laughing.
When I pick up a menu, I notice two people take a seat opposite us. When I look up, I see Shayla. I offer a small grin, but she narrows her eyes with a scowl while her fiancé returns the gesture. At least he’s polite when she’s not walking all over him.
Moments later, Patricia Lettington and her husband, Carl, sit next to Shayla and Leonard.
“Harper, congratulations,” Patricia offers, glancing down at my gigantic engagement ring that sparkles even more under these lights.
“Thank you so much,” I say, leaning into Ethan, who wraps his arm around me before placing a soft kiss on my lips. Electricity surges through me, and I nervously smile. “This is Ethan. He actually runs the goat farm where I purchase the milk for my products.”
This piques Shayla’s interest. She arches a brow as she listens.
“Really? Is that a lot of work?” Patricia genuinely asks.
“Yes, ma’am, but I love it. Grew up on a ranch, so it honestly came naturally,” Ethan tells her.
“That’s incredible. So, how long have you two been together?”
We confidently answer her questions just as we rehearsed.
“Oh, we just got our engagement pictures back,” I add after telling her all the details of our relationship. Once I unlock my phone, I happily show them off. The annoyed look on Shayla’s face was worth the nerves that came the day of the shoot.
The pictures turned out so good, and if Hadleigh ever wants to give up nursing, she might have a second profession in photography. I show everyone at our end of the table my favorite one with the sunset behind us, and I’m almost brought back to that moment when Ethan stole my breath away.
“These are gorgeous.” She beams. “Your ring is stunning.” I hold out my hand, giving them all a good look at the diamond I’m gonna miss once it has to go back.
“Any plans on starting a little family after the wedding?” Charlene asks, and I can tell Shayla feels like she’s got the upper hand. We all know her plan is to get knocked up as soon as possible
That nervous energy rolls through me, and my cheeks heat. I slap on a confident smile and meet Ethan’s eyes before allowing my heart to speak.
“We’re in no rush because we’re both growing our businesses, but I imagine having three or four kids. Eventually, I mean. Ethan’s family is huge, and I’m sure as soon as we say ‘I Do,’ everyone’s gonna be askin’.”
“Three or four? ” Ethan playfully asks. “There’s no limit. I’d have a million babies with you.”
A laugh escapes me just as Bruce speaks up. “I can really tell how much you two care about each other. The love you have shines through. Growing a business while also growing a family is more than doable, so don’t let that hold you back on getting started.”
He stands up and makes his way down the table, chatting with each couple individually.
“Don’t you think the responsible thing would be to get caught up with your orders before adding more to your plate?” Shayla asks, but the question even has Mrs. Davenport making faces.
“None of that matters. I hope you get pregnant the night of our wedding,” Ethan says, capturing my lips with his. Pulling away, I meet his gaze and am so damn happy he’s here.
“So when is the wedding? Do you have a date set?” Patricia asks.
