Billionaire Bachelors 7 ; The Billionaire's Final Stand(77)

"I'll keep that in mind. Now, get out of here so I can shower and go check on my patient."

"Okay, I get it. You're done talking for now. I'll see you at dinner."

Kinsey's stomach knotted again as she shut the door behind her friend. She'd forgotten about their big dinner that night. They were celebrating Joseph returning home, even though he was still in a coma. Katherine felt him coming home was the first true step of his recovery. This was the dinner Austin had demanded she come to with him. She guessed he'd gotten his way.

Kinsey locked the door, then walked into the huge bathroom attached to her suite. She turned on the tap and started filling the tub, which was big enough for four people.

As she sank into the sudsy water, her stress started melting away. She laid her head back and pushed everything negative from her mind. She had a couple hours of peace and she was taking full advantage of it.



Austin sat at the huge table, his eyes repeatedly looking to the door. Kinsey was late. He listened to the chaos surrounding him, catching a word here and there, but not much else. He didn't know how any of them were having a conversation with everyone speaking at once.

It didn't matter, though. He loved the chaos. As he looked around at his siblings and cousins, and all of their spouses and children, he thought they were a pretty lucky group, indeed.

He couldn't imagine how lonely life would be if it weren't for the people in that room. The laughter, tears, and even anger, were a part of his life, and he wouldn't have it any other way. He felt almost complete. 

As Kinsey finally made her entrance, he instantly knew what had been missing. As much as he'd fought it, rebelled against it, he wanted what the rest of his family members had. He wanted a wife and kids.

He wanted what he couldn't have.

Unless …

He didn't want to go there. She refused to even speak to him, so he couldn't begin to think about whether they'd be parents or not. It was too soon. Only a week had passed. It felt like a month.

He'd made sure to leave an empty chair next to him, but as his bad luck would have it, there was also one empty spot next to Emily. Of course, Kinsey spotted it and made a beeline there. She wouldn't even look up and acknowledge him.

Food was served and conversation continued to pour in from every direction. Austin didn't pay much attention. He knew he was acting sullen, but he didn't care.

"I've had enough. Everyone quiet!"

Austin turned in shock to see his father standing at the head of the table. Katherine was looking down at her plate and smiling. Esther looked surprised, but also a bit proud.

Austin gave his full attention to George. He wanted to know what had gotten him so riled up.

"You all know I love you. I'm grateful every day for the big family I've been granted. But right now, I could just whip each and every one of you. I've been trying and trying to get this beautiful woman alone for five minutes. That's all. Just five minutes. But for the past month, there's been emergency after emergency," George huffed as he glared at everyone.

Heads turned back and forth between George, and a very red faced Esther.

"I'm sorry to do it like this Esther, but I love you. I love you so much my heart swells when I have the slightest thought of you. I can't pass a floral shop without wanting to go in and buy out the entire store. I loved my late wife, as I know you loved your late husband, and I'd never ask to replace him. But, I've been granted a second chance at happiness. A chance to grow old in the arms of the woman I love. I know you wanted to wait. I know you're worried about the family, and think I'm being rash because of the accident. But, dang it, woman, I love you. I can't stand the thought of going even one more night without my lips touching yours. I want to go to bed each night with you by my side, and wake up in the morning to the beauty of your face. Please make me the happiest man alive and say you'll marry me?" George asked as he got down on his knee in front of her.

Tears were streaming down Esther's face as she looked at George. You could've heard a pin drop, it was so silent, as they waited to hear what she'd say.

Finally, her eyes lifted and she looked around the table, seemingly embarrassed to be the center of attention.

"I … I don't … " she trailed off.

"It's about time you asked, George. We've been wondering what's taking you so long," Katherine said with an approving smile on her face.

Everyone chorused their approval, smiling in encouragement at Esther. It seemed it was just what she needed because she turned back to George, love radiating from her.

"Yes, George, yes I'd like to marry you. I want all of that and more," she whispered.

Everyone applauded and Katherine signaled the staff to bring out the Champaign and sparkling cider.