Chaser (Dive Bar #3)(83)

Suddenly, I knew exactly what I was going to say. Champagne bottles started popping over at the table, Lydia giving me a knowing glance. So some people knew why we’d all gotten together tonight. Not enough to risk spoiling the surprise.

“I’d like to make a toast,” I said loudly enough to make all of the chuckleheads quiet down. My family. With the exception of mom and dad, who were in Hawaii. Again. And good on them.

“What’s up?” asked Rosie, curious.

I handed the special glass of champagne to Jean, keeping another for myself. Her blue eyes were shining, a smile hovering about her lips. Fuck she was pretty. And all mine. I intended to keep it that way. Ada sat on her lap, trying to make a dive for anything within reach so she could stick it in her mouth. Napkins, cutlery, you name it. Keeping shit out of grasping range was our new mission in life, and would be for quite a few years to come.

Ah, parenthood. It was the best.

“To my girls, Jean and Ada,” I said, glass held high. “You’ve filled my life with joy.”

“Thought we did that,” mumbled Joe. I ignored him.

“Before you two, I wasn’t really sure where I belonged, what I was doing. I was just cruising, you know,” I said. “Going with the flow, taking the easy road.”

“Diapers are not easy,” Pat said with a pained expression.

Nell nudged him to be quiet. Christ, was she crying? Already?

I just shook my head. “If a bit of poo scares you, you’ve got no chance surviving what’s ahead. Just saying.”

Pat laughed.

“Anyway, back to the toast.” I raised my glass a little higher. “I wanted to ask you a question in front of all of our family and friends tonight. So, Jean and Ada, my wonderful beautiful precious girls. You’ve filled my heart and my life, and I can’t imagine being without you both.”

Jean’s smile was huge, eyes glossy. Then, with an arm tucked around Ada’s waist, she raised the glass of champagne to her lips. Her head tilted back, just a tiny amount, but my gut squeezed in sudden alarm.

“Fuck, don’t drink it!” I shouted in a panic. “There’s a ring.”

Her eyes widened to the size of plates. “My throat was dry. Wait. What?”

Even Ada looked up at me, mouth trembling at the loud noise.

I took a deep breath and smiled. “Sorry, sweetheart. Didn’t mean to freak. But there’s an engagement ring in your glass. Maybe don’t down it, in case it chokes you, okay?”

So Nell had been right. Dammit. I hated when that happened.

“A ring?” Jean looked into the champagne, brows drawn tight. “Oh my God.”

“Will you marry me?”

Ada yelled out something no doubt highly important yet completely undecipherable. A couple of other people were expressing their surprise and delight. But only my girls mattered.

“Marry you?” Jean repeated, still looking mighty stunned. “Really?”

“Yes,” I said, swallowing hard. “I was trying to propose to you.”

“Wow.”

“Why don’t I take Ada?” asked Lydia with a smile.

“Thank you.”

The minute our girl was out of her lap, Jean had her fingers in the champagne flute, fishing for the diamond. Surprise, elation, more surprise, it all crossed her expressive face. Also, a whole lot of determination. The woman obviously wanted that ring.

“Are you going to give me an answer?” I asked, not too concerned. Okay, honestly, I was still nervous as all hell.

“Hmm? Got it.” She held the ring up, triumphant. “Look at it, it’s gorgeous! I love it.”

“Is that a yes? Jean?”

Finally, she stopped, ring already on her finger and gaze full of emotion. “Of course I’ll marry you.”

Christ, the smile on my face. It was huge. “You will?”

She jumped out of the chair, throwing her arms around me. “Yes, yes, yes.”

“Okay. Good.” A wave of relief washed over me. “Whew.”

“I love you, Eric.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

My brother Joe stood, holding his glass aloft. “To Jean and Eric.”

“And Ada,” added Nell.

“Too Jean, Eric, and Ada. Congratulations, guys.”

There was cheering, clapping, and more bottles popping. Even Ada seemed caught up in it all, doing her cute little baby laugh. Samuel woke up with a cry, but Nell soon settled him with hugs and kisses. I had my girls, I had my family, I had my bar.

Everything was good.