Page 64 of Moonlight & Matrimony (Oak Ridge #2)

Luca

? Forever - Noah Kahan

A riot of nerves courses through me as I stare over at my very pregnant wife, her stunning red gown pulled tight against her bump as she cradles our daughter.

The sun is setting, casting a golden glow over the park as Paige waves me over to the large oak tree.

She directs us into several positions, mimicking our wedding photos from almost a year ago.

So much has changed in the last seven months.

Rylin attends weekly therapy sessions masked as riding lessons with Evelyn and she’s thriving.

She doesn’t talk about her dad, and we don’t push her to.

Austin is exactly where he belongs — in the past. Everything we’ve accomplished since his death is a testament to the hard-fought journey and the strength it took to get to this place of peace and contentment.

Ivy and Rylin have taught me that even when people leave, the right ones will always find their way back.

“Give me a second. I need to change my memory card,” Paige says. And that’s my cue.

As Ivy smooths down her gown, paying no attention to me, I take that moment to drop onto one knee. The clicks of Paige’s shutter sound off behind me as I glance up at my wife.

“Luca, what are you doing?”

Rylin squeals in the distance, and Ivy’s eyes crinkle with her gorgeous unrestrained smile. The scars are still there, but we’re healing, and fuck, is it beautiful to watch her bloom.

“I want to do it right this time. I want to do this, not out of some deep-seated need to keep you safe, but because I love you wholly, completely, and relentlessly. I’m not perfect, but I believe we can be perfect together, if you’ll have me. Ivy Jo, will you marry me… again?”

Ivy cups my cheeks, kissing me softly so as not to smudge her red lipstick.

“Yes,” she says, her voice a little choked.

I slide a smaller band of diamonds onto her finger above the family heirloom that rests there.

“Fourth time’s a charm, I guess.” A chorus of laughter erupts as I reach my hand into my pocket and turn to face my next task.

“And you, my little bug. You’ve held my heart in the palm of your tiny hand from the moment you sat down on my tree swing. I can’t imagine my life without your light guiding the way. Rylin Jade — will you be my daughter?”

“Does that mean I can call you daddy? Just like my sister?”

Fuck, I swore I wasn’t going to cry. I look around at our gathered friends, not a single dry eye — though Miles is clearly doing his best to hide behind his aviators.

“Yes, sweet girl. I’d like that.”

“Yes!” she squeals, throwing her arms around my neck. I pull both of my girls into my arms, grateful for this beautiful life. After a beat, I release them and slide a delicate bracelet onto Rylin’s wrist, a small moon and star charm dangling against her palm.

With Ivy’s blessing, I had the adoption paperwork drawn up last month, but I didn’t tell her I was going to propose like this to both of my girls.

The entire group chat, minus Ivy, was in on it, along with most of Oak Ridge.

How we even managed to keep it a secret is beyond me.

A crowd has gathered now, chattering excitedly amongst themselves.

“Celebration at Rosie’s!” I declare.

“Thank god,” Ivy says. “I’ve been craving a slice of cheesecake.”

“Mmm. Maybe we can take an extra one home for later,” I say, my voice laced with a suggestive undertone. Pregnancy has only made Ivy more ravenous, and I’ve been taking full advantage.

“Ugh. Stop eye fucking each other. I’m starving,” Miles calls.

“Bad word, Uncle Miles.”

He winces. “Sorry Ry Ry.”

Ivy catches my eye, and we burst into laughter. Miles throws Rylin over his shoulder, leading the way to Rosie’s with the rest of our crew following closely behind, the sound of our girl’s giggles floating through the air.

After a boisterous celebration at the diner, I lead my girl into our home, takeout container in hand, and a mind full of filthy ideas.