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As we ate our food on the sofa, as we did at my cabin, the baby was at the forefront of my mind. “Have you had morning sickness?”
“Yes. Usually when you’re taking Phantom out.”
“And coffee? You don’t order it when we go out, but the pot is half empty when I come later in the morning.”
“I pour myself two cups and toss it down the drain. I’m sorry for deceiving you, Cade.”
“Listen, I don’t want you worrying about me or trying to protect me. No more secrets, okay?” I reached for her hand and kissed the top. “I’m in it for the long haul. I’ll take the good, the bad, and the ugly so long as you’re by my side.”
“Yes. I promise. I just hate all this.”
“I know, but we’ll be okay, sweetheart.”
“You’re priceless, and I’m the luckiest woman in the world.”
I leaned toward her and kissed her. “For almost twelve years, I imagined what this moment would be like. How I’d woo you. Romance you, then get on one knee, and ask you to be my wife.”
“Just ask me.” Her eyes brimmed with happy tears. “I don’t need a grand gesture, or a romantic trip, or a poetic speech. Just. Ask. Me.”
“So bossy, so perfect for me.” I kissed her left hand, then pulled out the ring from my pocket.
She gasped. “You have a ring?”
“Been saving it for thirteen years.”
“Why am I not surprised?”
“Because when you know, you know.” I winked and placed it at the tip of her ring finger, then went down on one knee in front of her and locked our gazes. “Shelby Grace Smithfield, I haveloved you my whole life, and it would be an honor to call you my wife. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man alive?”
“Yes, Cade Norris, I will marry you.”
We spent the rest of the evening cuddling on the couch until the clock struck twelve. Everything I’d wanted was finally coming true. Shelby said yes to being my wife, and she was pregnant withmychild.
But I couldn’t forget Jake-ass was still out there, likely plotting his next move. And my girl had unintentionally given him a reason to come out of hiding when she went to the clinic to confirm her pregnancy. I was confident Jake had been waiting for her name to come up in the system.
It was good we were going to Storm’s club tomorrow. I needed his help in preparing for Jake’s attack. Shelby’s and my life wouldn’t stop. I had a ranch run, and I knew she’d balk at being locked down. So I need to plan how I’d keep my woman and baby safe.
In a silent prayer I begged…Godplease, let this baby be mine.
30
Shelby
The cheap flip phone Cade had given me to communicate with Martina and my family vibrated on the nightstand. It was eight in the morning and my bestie had sent me a text. Probably to wish me a Happy New Year.
Martina had gone to California against Cade’s warnings. Jake hadn’t been found and he might use her to get to me. But my fearless friend thanked him for his concern and left anyway.
I understood her reasons. Burntwood wasn’t her home, but she had grown comfortable in my small town, and a certain biker president had caught her eye. I had a sneaky suspicion she’d return after her cousins helped her move out of her apartment. But in typical Martina fashion, she hadn’t revealed her plan to me, because she probably didn’t have one.
The phone vibrated again with another message.
I peered at Cade. My fiancé was sound asleep beside me, so I slid out of the bed and tiptoed, naked, into the bathroom with the phone.
Martina: Happy New Year!
Martina: Did you tell him?
Shelby: Happy New Year to you too! I told him.
