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She blinks, caught off guard. “You know I do.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” My voice drops, softer now. “I want this, Megan. I want you. I don’t want our son growing up the way either of us did. I want him to grow up knowing his parents are in love and we're in this for the long haul. No doubts. No hesitations.”
Her throat bobs with a swallow. “We’re already in this for the long haul.”
“Stop stalling, beautiful.” I press a lingering kiss to the corner of her mouth with no concern about the other people in the dining room. “Marry me next month.”
Megan chuckles, resting her forehead against mine. “Next month? Who can plan a wedding in a month?”
“Justice of the Peace is fine by me.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, and for a second, I think she’s about to find another excuse. But then, she tilts her head, studying me with something unreadable in her expression. “Three months,” she finally says.
I lean back, my smirk widening. “That sounds like a yes.”
“As long as there’s no drama–”
“Like your sister showing up at our house?” I quip back, knowing that she thinks she was able to keep that little visit under wraps.
“Lars is such a snitch,” she laments.
“Who works for me.” I remind her.
“And will also work for me when we get married in three months. He’ll have to reevaluate his loyalties then.”
I kiss her again, long and slow, until I feel her melt against me. “If you marry me in three months, I’ll make sure Lars only takes orders from you moving forward.”
“You’d give up your most loyal employee just to marry me?”
“Do you really need me to answer that?” I growl. Her head tilts up, and her lips meet mine.
“Nope.”
And just like that, the deal is sealed.
We're getting married.
Chapter 37
What’s The Catch?
MEGAN
When I got the call, I was stunned.
Linda John, assistant curator of the Los Angeles Starlight Art Foundation, wanted to have lunch. Just when I was sure she had completely given up on me. Honestly, I wouldn’t have blamed her.
The last time we spoke, she had tentatively offered me a spot in an upcoming art exhibit, In The Shade and The Shadows. But it wasn’t a guaranteed spot—I had to submit my final piece for approval before she could make it official.
A piece I never finished.
So, basically… I flaked.
At the time, I hadn’t realized just how much pregnancy—and the chaos at the club—would drain my motivation to paint. My life had become a never-ending cycle of fires to put out, and my art, which once felt as natural as breathing, suddenly felt like an afterthought.
And now?
Now, I’m a mother. My entire world has begun to revolve around Deuce, every hour of my day measured in feeding schedules, diaper changes, and the occasional nap where I can steal a moment of peace.