Limitless Love (Lotus House #4)(89)
“Clay, get the lead out. I’m growing wider by the second. I’ll be as big as your house when you finally ask me what it is you want.”
She was not lying. The woman was only into her seventh month of pregnancy and her belly did seem to grow daily. Sometimes it was as if she’d had a basketball shoved under her top, and other times a watermelon. Weird as shit, the whole pregnancy gig, but I couldn’t wait to try it out with my woman down the road. Sometime very soon.
Mila’s groan broke me out of my musings. “Shit, this must be good if you’re freaking out.”
“I want to ask Monet to marry me,” I said it quick, like ripping off a bandage.
“And?”
“And? You act like that’s a small thing.” Heat prickled against my neck and I began to sweat. I gripped the velvet box and flipped it open to remind myself the ring was still there. A thin platinum band with one center round diamond with two baguettes flanking it. The wedding band was in another box hidden in the back of my sock drawer. I knew the second I saw the ring it was perfect.
“No, it’s not a small thing, but it’s not like I’m surprised.”
I sucked in a harsh breath and let it fly. “I want to do it today. At the party, after your ceremony, when everyone is giving the speeches. Would that be okay?”
She laughed heartily. “Curly, get this. Clay’s gonna pop the question during his speech today.”
“Right on, man!” I heard Atlas shout through the line. “Way to grab life by the horns!”
“Totally cool!” Mila gasped. “I love it. Unconventional, and so you to do it in front of everyone.”
“Gotta stake my claim.” I flicked the box shut and shoved it in my pocket.
“Oh, I think you did that a long time ago, but I’m going to enjoy the show. It will just make the day more special.”
I shouldn’t have been nervous. Mila and Atlas were our closest friends; hell, they were family. Of course they’d want us to be happy and share in their day.
“Cool. I just wanted to make sure. Now the second thing… Can I marry your best friend?” I asked once again, the nerves making my heart palpitate.
“Uh, Clay, I’m not sure I’m understanding. Are you asking me personally for my best friend’s hand in marriage?”
“And I’m going to adopt Lily,” I added matter-of-factly.
“So you’re asking for my approval to marry my best friend and adopt my niece,” she clarified, her tone indecipherable.
“Yes, I am. You’re her only family. I think it’s important that the other person who loves her as much as I do be on board with my plan to make them mine.”
She cursed and laughed. “Classy brother all the way. Okay, sparky, I’ll bite. Are you going to take care of her?” Her tone bordered on a warning.
“Until my last breath.”
“And Lily?”
“Will never want for anything.”
She hummed into the line. “That’s what I like to hear. Then yes, you can marry my best friend, you crazy loon!” She laughed. “Now come outside and help us with the loads of stuff in the car. We’re out front.”
I chuckled and ended the call. Mila had given her permission. The ring was in my pocket, the sun was shining, and all things led to her saying yes. God, I hoped she’d say yes.
MONET
The ceremony was absolutely perfect. Mila looked a vision in her white shimmery sundress. I’d suggested an all white and blue party, so all the partygoers were in various shades of white and blue. Genevieve had pulled Mila’s hair back into a bundle of curls on the top of her head with strategic locks falling down for the super soft effect. Atlas had worn khakis and a white button-down shirt open at the collar. They only had eyes for one another. The ceremony was quick—as requested—and then came the reception slash baby shower part of the night.
We weren’t playing any games because we were keeping the day-to-evening event classy. The sun had just set, and a round of champagne was being passed out for the official toasts and speeches.
I stood at the microphone next to Clayton. He looked stunning in a pair of khakis and a pale-blue dress shirt. I wore a white lace sundress with a large blue sash at the waist that matched his shirt. Lily scampered by in her fluffy flower girl dress, chasing after baby Will. Will was in a baby suit looking incredibly adorable and moving surprisingly fast for a toddler.
My large deck and surrounding trees had twinkle lights. Candles lit every possible surface without being intrusive. I’d hired a DJ to play soft music while people mingled. A huge buffet table was laid out on one side of the deck with fresh fruits, cheeses, small sandwiches, and plenty of bite-sized gourmet appetizers. The bride wanted a variety of options, specifically one of everything. In her gestating state, she was like a baby herself, putting everything in sight into her mouth.
Holding the mic up, I tapped the top, gathering our guests’ attention. “Hello, everyone. I want to first thank you all for coming. It means a lot to me to have you all here, as I know it does to our couple of the night, Mila and Atlas.” I nodded toward the couple sitting ten feet from me.
Atlas had his arm wrapped around his now wife and beamed as though he’d just won the lottery. I guess in a way he had, because I couldn’t imagine anyone who would love him more than Mila.