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“Is that why you’re not always at school?” Tommy pointed at Bree’s stomach.
She nodded. “Yes, I felt sick for a while.”
“Did the baby make your head hurt? My Dad’s head hurts a lot.”
Bree stood up straight and gave Keenan a reassuring smile. “I’m sorry to hear that, Keenan.”
“Can I go eat now?” Tommy shifted his weight from side to side.
Keenan nodded, and Tommy leaped through the back door.
“How are you holding up, Keenan? Is there anything I can do for you?”
“We’re not having this conversation now, Bree. This should be a fun day. You just got engaged!” Keenan patted her shoulder to dismiss the discussion.
“I know, but I’m your boy’s teacher and you are one of Dec’s best friends. Please, let me help.”
Keenan smiled. “My Cuz did good in tying you down. You are one special lady, you know that? Always looking out for others. The way you are with Tommy…”
Keenan put his hands in the pockets of his slacks and kicked a small rock. “I feel like I’m fuckin’ everything up, you know? Working overtime, helping Aiden and Dad to smooth out the takeover from Dad’s company.”
“I heard you had some problems with finding a good nanny… I’ll keep my eyes and ears open, okay? Maybe I can—”
Keenan leaned in and kissed Bree on her cheek. “It’s going to be alright. I’ve got an interview with someone in a few days.”
Bree placed his hand on his shoulder. “That’s good, Keen. I hope everything turns out all right.”
Joan stepped up and Keenan excused himself, leaving Bree alone with Joan. Before Bree could greet her mom, Joan tugged Bree in for a tight embrace.
“Congratulations, my sweet Bree. I know I haven’t been your biggest supporter but when Dec called me last night—”
Bree turned and beamed up at Declan, who had joined them. “You called my mom?”
Declan pulled her in to his side and put his arm around her shoulder. “Yeah. I had to ask your mom for your hand in marriage, didn’t I?”
He smirked at her confusion. She rubbed at her eyebrows that squished together.
She turned at her mother, who said, “Yes. It was the right thing to do. Giving you kids my blessing was the right thing to do. I only say this once: don’t mess it up. I know where to find you, Declan Mills.”
Bree giggled, but her mother seemed as serious as a heart attack with her lips pursed and narrowed eyes.
“I know Joan. But that will not be necessary.” Declan said with a smile in his voice.
“Good. Now. I’m going to see if I can get a plate to eat before Ronan devours everything.” Bree rolled her eyes before she watched her mom walk inside the Mills house.
“Let me see the ring!” Errin said from across the yard on her way over.
“Shit.” Declan said beside Bree. His arm around Bree’s shoulders stiffened.
Bree glanced at Dec and broke out in laughter.
An engagement ring. Declan hadn’t given her a ring. Declan let go of her shoulders and rummaged around in his pocket. Sweat trailed down the side of his face. He clenched his jaw.
“Shit,” he said again. His other hand went into his other pocket.
Bree bit on her bottom lip to keep from laughing.
“Yes!”
