AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I gaze around again, letting the emotions flood through me. “Thank you, angel. Without you, I wouldn’t be here right now.” I kiss Eli’s head. “Without both of you. You gave me a life worth living.”
She starts crying, wiping under her eyes before giving me one last squeeze. “Don’t make me cry. I’m actually wearing mascara for once.” She gives me a quick kiss, whispering in my ear, “Your mom and dad offered to watch the baby tonight. For the entire night.”
When she steps back, I grin down at her. “Well, what are we waiting for? Kick these fuckers out right now so we can go.”
She swats my chest but giggles and steps away, and I look around the room, blown away that all of these people are here for me.
I’m the luckiest son of a bitch alive.
And the day is only going to get better.
See, I have a surprise up my sleeve too. One that I hope she’ll love as much as I love her.
My mom hugs me, kissing my cheek. “I’m so proud of you, my boy. I hope you know that.”
I hug her back before looking down, amused. “Guess you’ve been keeping secrets for more than just me, huh, Mama?”
Her eyes widen as she releases me. “First you with your grand plan for tonight. And then Haley with this party.” She runs her hand across her forehead. “I thought for sure I’d blow one of your covers.”
A month ago, after talking to Buck and Kobra, I told them I would follow theone year soberrule, but that the second that time was up, I was getting my girl back and we were going to be a family. I told them that not only did I want to be with her, but I also wanted to marry her. To be a family with her and my son. They, of course, wanted to make sure I was ready and that I wasn’t putting myself in a situation that would compromise my sobriety, but after an hour-long chat, I think they realized that Haley and Eli were probably the best thing for my sobriety. So, tonight, not only am I going to propose, but I hope we can get married too. Because I can’t go another day without making her my wife.
I just pray she’ll say yes.
35
Haley
“You know, for literally a few hours’ notice … you really pulled together the night.” I smile at Cade as he opens the passenger door, letting me out. “It’s almost like you … planned it or something.”
He gives me a mischievous grin, but says nothing. He doesn’t have to; I know that he didn’t just happen to have a dress in my pre-motherhood body in the back of his closet. Or a room booked at the nicest, swankiest place this side of Georgia.
“What are you up to, Mr. Huff?” I wrap my hand around his arm as we walk into the gorgeous lobby.
“The things I’ll do to get eight hours of uninterrupted time with your body without Eli crying is kind of pathetic, huh?” He smirks. “But what can I say? I want to fuck you six ways to Sunday.”
A shiver runs up my spine. He might have snuck in at midnight, and we might have had sex this morning, too, but I’malready ready for more. When you wait so long for someone, it’s hard to not feel this way.
Cade stops, turning toward me. “How long do I have to wait?”
I frown. “For what?”
“To marry you. How long is the appropriate time to ask? Because, Haley … I’m so fucking ready.”
I’m in shock by his words. Obviously, I’d love nothing more than to be married to Cade. And not just because he’s the father of my child, but also because I’ve been so stupidly, crazily in love with him for so long.
“Cade, I’d marry you right now if I could.” I smile, never expecting what happens next to happen.
“Will you then?” He slides to one knee, keeping my hands in his. “Will you marry me tonight?”
I stare down at him in complete and utter shock. And then I wonder if I’m dreaming and I’m about to wake up. That would suck. But even if this is a dream, I’m not ready for it to end.
“Just promise me something,” I say, my emotions finally catching up to me. “That you aren’t just doing this for Eli. Because, Cade … I want the best for you.”
“Haley, before I even knew there was going to be an Eli, I was all in.” He nods slowly. “I was going to let you go because, well, I thought that would be best for you. But there wasn’t a single second when you weren’t on my mind. You’re it for me, Haley. I want to be your husband. And I hope I can somehow trick you into being my wife.”
“Yes,” I squeak. “One million times over, yes!”
He stands, cupping my cheeks and kissing me. “I love you so much. And thank you. Because if you’d said no … that would have been embarrassing.”
