Page 149 of The Bronze Garza

The intense earnestness of his tone and hint of guilt in his eyes sobers me. “What is it?”

“We talked about it on your birthday. We made the decision together…”

Ah… “Kids?”

With a nod, he finds my hand and laces our fingers together. “I know it’s fucking selfish of me ‘cause you’re at such a great place in your life right now, being groomed for the business plus this whole TV show thing with Jo, and you’re young and just getting started but…being here these past few days made me realize…I want kids. I do. And I only want them with you.”

Wow. This one I didn’t see coming. He’s been quite adamant about not wanting kids. A couple of months ago while in New Orleans for my birthday, we had a big talk about it, and I’d adjusted to the idea of a life without kids. Because I’d rather a life with him and without kids than the other way around.

The prospect of a life with no kids and a husband who’s gone a lot is one of the reasons I’ve been working so hard, making sure I’d have something to fill that gap. I’ve found that something and I’m loving it more than I imagined.

Now this… A family with Torin Garza, the man of my dreams. Iwantit. I want it so badly.

But, I also like my life as it is now. How do I reconcile the two? I feel like bursting into tears. But I don’t know if it’s with sadness or joy.

He’s watching me expectantly, waiting.

“Torin, you know I’ll do anything for you…”

“But?”

“Three years,” I say, making a decision that would give us both what we want. “Give me three years and we can get right on it.”

Fickle me might be ready much sooner than that, but three years is enough time to focus on learning the ins and out of Dad’s business and to mentally prepare and plan for motherhood.

Torin’s face falls, an audibly sad sigh flowing through those perfect lips.

“Oh my God, are you seriously trying to manipulate me right now?”

Another sad sigh, lids drooping pitifully this time. “What do you mean, babe?”

This sonofabitch. “Okay, fine.Twoyears. No sooner,” I cave, adding, “And I swear to God, if you sad sigh again I’m kicking you off this lounger.”

The manipulative jerkhole grins. Broadly. It’s the most teeth I’ve ever seen him show. “Two years.”

“Ugh. I’m such a sucker.”

He lifts our laced hands and kisses the rock on my finger. A princess-cut diamond encrusted, with a wide shank that affords a line of purple diamonds accent.

He’d proposed to me four months ago. While he was buried deep inside me and I was on the verge of an orgasm. Suffice it to say, I screamed, “Oh my God, yes!” as I came.

Leave it to Torin Garza to ensure he gets a yes out of me by any means necessary.

“I’ll do my best to make choosing this life with me worth it, Lyra, I promise.”

I dust my fingers through his scruff. He’s due for a grooming. “It’s already worth it, baby.”

“But it could be better if—”

“Stop,” I plead. “I don’t resent your job, Torin. I’m not complaining, I promise. I love you. I loveus. I want you to enjoy your job and trust that I’m fine with it.”

“And when the kids come?”

“They’ll know their daddy loves them and will move heaven and earth for them, becauseyouwill show them. Like you’ve shown me.”

He touches his palm to my bare stomach. “Can’t wait.”

I giggle. “There’s nothing in there right now but lunch and pina colada. And you know, maybe we should focus onsetting a wedding datefirst?”