Conviction (Consolation Duet #2)(67)

More minutes go by, and finally Liam walks in without Aaron.

Great.

“What happened?” I ask.

“We needed to talk, Lee. Man to man. He needed to know from me.”

I turn my head and try to hold my anger in. “You should’ve talked to me.”

“Natalie,” he tries to capture my attention. “Look at me.”

I let out a shaky breath and then turn to him.

“I did what I would want him to do. I told him the truth. The more we lie, the worse this will be. I know him. I know you’re afraid to hurt him any more. And believe me, I don’t want to watch him suffer either. He was my f*cking friend. He’s going to be a part of our lives forever.” Liam looks at Aara. “He’s her father. Aaron has a place in our family, and that’s the reality we face. So I went to him as his friend and told him I asked you to marry me.”

My throat feels like it’s closing in. All of this is so overwhelming. My future husband is telling my former husband that he plans to marry me. I’ve decided that I’m the only one in the world who has to deal with this shit.

“He isn’t happy, but he respects it. He said he knew it was coming and we talked. Will he be at our wedding? No. Will he be happy about it? I sure as f*ck wouldn’t be. But he knows and he won’t be blindsided when it happens. We’re both grown men and I won’t lie, and I sure as hell am not going to hide. This is our life and we have to find a way to live it.”

“I know. It’s just a lot. A baby, a marriage, you just lost your mom. I just want us to be sure. I want to build a solid marriage, not one that you or I feel like is because of something else.”

It’s not me who I worry about . . . it’s him. He asked me to marry me as his mother was dying. I’m pregnant with a very high-risk pregnancy. And that is on the heels of him having major complications on a very dangerous deployment.

“I know this . . . you and I have been through hell. We’ve come out stronger, in love, together, and a family. I want to marry you and know that when I’m gone, you’ll have the military backing. I’d wait twenty years if it took you that long to be ready to marry me, but that’s not what you’re saying. You keep saying it’s me. It’s not me, Lee. If you don’t want to get married because you need more time . . . just tell me. But don’t turn this on me, sweetheart. I’d pack the car and go today.”

“It’s not me I worry about. But if you mean it, then let’s do it.”

Liam lifts me into his lap then pulls my face to his. We kiss, and I feel the joy coming from his body. It’s as if I just gave him the best gift. Only it’s him who is giving me more than I can express. I really don’t know how I could’ve gotten so lucky.

We head into the kitchen and I start to fuss about how there’s nothing to eat. I swear I never had any cravings with Aarabelle, but this one, all I want is chicken and cashews. I could eat it every meal and be happy. Of course, I don’t, but I try to convince Liam to order out. Aara sits in her highchair eating her tiny pieces of chicken nuggets while I groan and moan about Liam not getting his pregnant fiancée what she wants.

“I have something for you.”

“You do? Is it an eggroll?”

“Oh, I got your eggroll, sweetheart. I think you’ll like this better.”

“Doubtful,” I huff playfully.

Aarabelle and I make faces at each other while Liam taps his foot. “Are you done being a brat?”

“You did not just call me a brat!” My eyes widen, and I drop the fork.

“I did . . . now, I’m trying to be romantic, and you’re killing the mood.”

“Romance in the kitchen? I’m excited now.” I sit up, pretending to be fully engaged. I’m tired, hungry, and feel nauseated all at the same time.

“Brat,” he repeats as he gets down on one knee again. “Now do I have your attention?” Liam’s smile is soft and his eyes are full of love.

I nod as he extracts a black box and then places it on my knee unopened.

“Aarabelle, I’m going to ask you if this is okay . . .” She looks at him while he grins. “Eat, cry, whine, poop, stare off or at me, or smile if you want me to marry your mommy.”

I laugh and she looks at me.

“Sold!” Liam exclaims. “Natalie and Aarabelle . . . I want to be a part of your lives forever. I want to care for you, love you, and be here for you.” He grabs her hand and I cover my mouth with my hand. “I’ll be your Dad even though I’m not your father. You already own me and I’ll do anything for you.”

A tear falls as he addresses the one thing in this world that would’ve stopped me from being with him.

Liam’s eyes shift and he touches my knee. “This was my mother’s ring.”

With shaky hands, I touch the box and open it slowly. Nestled in the velvet is the most beautiful antique ring. It’s white gold with pave diamonds on the band and around the center stone. The large diamond is round and protected by the other diamonds. It’s absolutely beautiful.

“Liam,” I look up as another tear falls, “It’s . . .”

“My father said he thinks she would want you to wear it. She would’ve loved you and he hopes we have as much love as they shared.” He takes it out and slides it on my left ring finger.