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“Mom.”

“It’s a legit question. You and Anika are my only daughters. Your sister has disappeared to God knows where, so you are my only option for becoming a grandmother. I need to know where his mind is.”

Ronan swallows hard and a distant look comes to his face. It happens so fast, but I catch it. It’s almost a look of longing or disappointment.

“Aye, I would like to be a father if that’s in the cards. Sometimes ya don’t know how much ya want something until it’s taken away.” He clears his throat then reaches to take a sip of his drink.

“Good, Danny froze her eggs earlier this year. There’s still hope.”

“Mom,” I growl.

That was something I wanted to share with him at another time, like the fact that I started birth control right after I froze them. There is a lot we still need to address as a couple. Although I know a lot more about him since sitting at this table.

“Girl, you’re dating to play. I’m helping you date this man for marriage. Hush up.”

I cover my face and groan as I sink down in my seat, feeling like I’m sixteen all over again. Ronan laughs and reaches to place his hand behind my neck to give it a gentle squeeze. I look at him and his eyes are sparkling.

See, I knew I didn’t need these two to meet; they have us married already. The problem is, I can see it too.

“Not everyone wants to get married, Mom.”

“I used to say the same thing. I think sometimes ya have to find the right person then the desire to be with them and only them comes.”

“Exactly, that desire needs to come quick around here. I’m not going to live forever. I want to see my baby girl walk down the aisle to someone who cares about her. Someone I can trust.”

“Nothing is wrong with that. A life spent with Danny would be one filled with love, laughs, passion, and adventure. Aye, a grand life that would be.”

“Perfect. It’s settled. You two can get married right here in Vegas and give this mother her dying wish.”

“Mom. I can’t with you right now. How the heck are you going to apply that kind of pressure to our relationship? There’s still so much we don’t even know about each other. He doesn’t want to marry me.”

“Aye, love. I do.”

I freeze and stop breathing as I slowly turn my head to look at him. He’s serious. There is a huge smile on his face and a sparkle in his eyes.

“What are you talking about?” I ask with my brows knit.

“I told ya. You are mine. I wasn’t talking temporarily. My brother-in-law has this saying he has taught his boys. This life has taught me its truth.Lorg a h-uile duine leatha agus cùm i leat leat fhèin.”

“That sounds beautiful. What does it mean?” my mother asks.

“Find her worthy and keep her for your own,” Ronan replies as he looks me in my eyes.

“It sounds like you two need to do some talking. I’m going upstairs to bed. I’m hopeful for a wedding in the next two days.”

With that, Mom gets up and leaves. I remain seated, trying to figure out what the fuck has happened today. My head is spinning.

“We can head to my suite and have a yarn,” Ronan leans into my ear to breathe.

“I think that would be best. I have a lot to tell you before you decide if I’m what you want.”

* * *

Ronan

I watchas Danika paces my hotel suite. She has kicked off her shoes and let her hair down and now she’s tugging at her locs, looking as if she’s trying to figure out some puzzle.

“Ach, love, yer going to wear a hole through the floor. Come sit and have a drink with me. We don’t have to rush,” I call as I pour two glasses of whiskey.