Page 77 of Heart of Stone

"Let him be," I say, remembering how it feels to be caught off guard by unexpected feelings.

Speaking of. Andi comes outside, a strange expression on her face, her cell held limply in one hand.

"Everything okay?" I ask quietly.

She glances up at me, a strange mix of emotions crossing her face. "Can I talk to you?"

I leave Lee, following Andi inside our house and down into the bedroom. She shuts the door, locking it.

A tingle of apprehension snakes up my spine.

I pull her in, holding her close. "What's happened?"

"Amanda called."

My body goes rigid. "And?"

"She signed them. The papers. All of them."

My world stops. "She what?"

"Signed over her parental rights." Andi's voice cracks. "We can officially adopt our kids."

My throat feels tight. I open my mouth to speak, but feel the words get caught.

I’m fucking devastated for my kids that their mother could discard them so easily. But one look at Andi and I knowAmanda’s made the right choice. Those kids will never want for love in their life.

My woman watches me, her gaze searching my face. "That's if you still want?—"

I cut her off with a kiss.

"Always," I promise against her lips. "They were always ours."

She smiles, tears in her eyes. "Yeah?"

"Yeah." I pull her closer. "Though, if we're making that official, I figure we should do the same."

I begin backing her up toward our chest of drawers.

Her breath catches. "What do you mean?"

I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment—knowing I need to give her a little slice of the joy she’s brought into my life.

Now seems the perfect time.

I pull a drawer open, digging out the small box I'd purchased weeks ago. "Marry me, Andi."

Her breath catches, her eyes widening.

I'm not asking.

"Hawk—"

"Marry me," I repeat, opening the box to reveal a diamond and sapphire ring. "Be my wife."

She stares at the ring, then at me. "You planned this?"

"Been planning it since you forgave me." I take her hand. "Just waiting for the right moment."