Bidding Wars (Love Strikes)(31)

Not only was she going to shock the hell out of everyone there about the baby, she was now sporting the most beautiful diamond ring she’d ever seen. Luke had surprised her and picked out the ring all by himself. She’d had a feeling a proposal had been around the corner, but he’d done it in such a way, she was shocked.

He’d stopped by after work with Sammy one evening.

“Hey, Sammy. Where’s your dad?” Molly glanced toward the door.

“My dad needs you. He’s outside.” Sammy had a big, mysterious grin on his face.

She eyed the young child, wondering what was going on, but knew the only way to find out was to go out there. She stepped onto the front porch, and Luke was standing right before the stairs.

“What are you doing?”

He dropped onto one knee.

“What’s going on?” Her heart raced.

He held a black box in his hand. “This is where we met. Right here. And this spot is where my life changed forever.”

“Luke.”

“I love you, Molly Harper. You drive me crazy sometimes and make me wonder if you’re a sane person, but you keep life fun. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He held the box out to her, the diamond sparking in the sunlight.

Now they had to set a date. Because she’d already done the whole big wedding once before, they were pretty sure a small ceremony in the back yard was the way they were going in their new home. Luke was slowly moving in. She told him just to get it over with, but he insisted it was her house and he was a guest. She rolled her eyes. Sammy had his own room already because they were here so much.

“Need any help?” Luke stood in the kitchen doorway.

“I got it. Oh, wait, I made my own potato salad for tonight. Give it a taste and let me know what you think. Maybe we can trade secrets.” She winked at him.

A moment later she heard him moan in delight. “It’s good. A close second to mine.”

She giggled. “Go make sure Sammy washes his hands.”

As she finished up dinner, she heard some of their friends coming up the steps. Luke had invited Annie from his work, and Molly had Sandy and Theresa coming. She’d invited Dr. Hancock, but he told her that he didn’t want to intrude. She missed the old man, but would be returning to work soon.

“Hey, girl.” Sandy came into the kitchen. “Need any help?”

Molly turned and hid her left hand from view. “Can you send Sammy in? He wanted to be the official taste tester.”

“Lucky damn kid.” Sandy laughed and left to get him.

Sammy ran into the kitchen and climbed up onto his stool. “Be honest.”

He tasted each thing and gave her the thumbs up. “Can I go back and play with Erica now?”

“Yes, but we’re about to eat. Tell your dad to see who wants wine and get their glasses ready.”

Twenty minutes later, she announced that she had everything ready. Their friends gathered at the dining room table and took their seats.

“This looks so good.” Theresa gazed at the spread before her. “I need to get cooking lessons from you. Maybe then I can snag a man.”

“Anytime, girl.”

Everyone stared at Molly, and she began to feel her cheeks burn. She looked over at Carrie, her sister, who was here. It meant a lot to her that Carrie had come. They hadn’t spoken more than once or twice since the divorce. Boy, was her sister going to be in for a shocker tonight.

Luke reached down and took her hand, pulling her up with him. Now all eyes really were on them. He whispered in her ear and asked if she wanted to talk first. She shook her head, feeling tongue-tied.

“We have a few announcements to make.” He lifted his wine glass, and Molly lifted hers as well—water in it, of course. “I’m pleased to share with you all that Molly has agreed to marry me.”

“Oh my!” Sandy dropped her napkin. “You’re getting married?”

Molly nodded and held her hand out. Sandy and Theresa leaped out of their seats and came over to inspect the ring. After they took their seats again, Carrie came over to her and hugged her.

“I’m so glad you’ve found someone.” She softened her voice. “I’m sorry for being so aloof this past year.”

“Thanks, and you’re forgiven. I could never stay mad at you. I love you.”

After Carrie made her way back to her seat, everyone held their drinks up in a toast and took a sip. Luke nudged her. It was her turn to share the next bit of news.

She took a long sip of water and then cleared her voice. “That’s not all we have to share.” Her throat felt dry again. Taking another sip, she gathered her courage. “As you know, I’ve been sick, and I’m finally doing better thanks to a lot of rest. But there was a reason why I was sick, and…I really don’t know how to say this.”

She looked at everyone staring at her. Sandy had a look of concern on her face. Their friends probably thought she was about to announce she was dying.

“You can do it, sweetie.” Luke squeezed her hand.

She smiled up at him and rested her free hand on her favorite place: her belly. “We’re pregnant.”

Sandy knocked over her wine glass, spilling it. Theresa quickly threw her napkin over it, but looked as though she’d seen a ghost.

“Are you OK, Sandy?”

“No. Did you just say you were pregnant? Because I think I heard you wrong.”

Molly giggled. “You heard right. I’ve been home on bed rest from the amount of morning sickness I had. I know; it’s crazy. I’m still trying to figure out if I’m dreaming, but I have pictures to prove that Luke and I are growing a baby inside my belly.”

Molly glanced toward Carrie, who was crying. She wasn’t sure how her sister was feeling, but this was a new chapter. They could bury the old wounds and move forward. The questions started from everyone on how it happened, when was the baby coming, were they going to find out the sex. Molly took her seat and told everyone to start to eat before the food got cold. They could talk while they ate.

Luke pulled her chair closer to his and leaned over to whisper in her ear. “I love you so much. And if I do say so myself, I’ve never been happier in my life.”

She poked him in the side. “This was your plan all along. Make me fall in love with you, so you didn’t only get the girl, but you got the house as well.”

He smiled. “Hey, it worked. And don’t forget the clock.”