“So. Are you going to give me my answer?” Dane asked as they walked out of the medical center together.
She stopped and unlinked her arm from his. When he cocked an eyebrow, she extended her hand. “You may put the ring on my finger.”
“Finally!”
He grinned and pulled out the familiar velvet box. He popped it open to reveal a beautiful sapphire ring—an heirloom from his grandmother. It fit perfectly on Sophia’s finger. The huge blue stone sparkled under the bright sun.
“It suits you.” He kissed her knuckles. “You just made me the happiest man in the world.”
“And you just made me the luckiest woman in the world. I love you, Dane.”
With a broad smile, he picked her up and spun with her until they were both breathless. Then touching his lips to hers, he said, “I love you, too.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
–Two and a half years later
“Absolutely not,” Dane said, tapping a finger twice on the report on his desk. “Tell him to get his act together. He has a week.”
“Yes, sir.”
Quiet knocks at the door, then it opened, and Sophia poked her head in. “Sorry, I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“You aren’t.” Dane grinned.
The meeting was supposed to continue for another half an hour, but his employees knew better than to object. There were only two types of people in Dane’s world now: his wife and everyone else.
The men got up and left, nodding at Sophia. “Ma’am.”
On the other side of the open door was Chad, who nodded at Dane once, but otherwise remained impassive. He stared at the men one by one as they walked past.
When the door closed, she smiled sheepishly. “I definitely interrupted. I shouldn’t have come without an appointment.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. My wife does not need an appointment to see me.” He got up and kissed her. “I’d love to think that you came by because you missed me, but it’s only been four hours since I had you coming in my arms.”
She giggled, her cheeks turning red. “You’re so naughty. What if someone hears you?”
“Men will hate me, and women will envy you. See if I care.” He perched on the edge of his desk and pulled her closer, turning her until her ass cradled his hardening cock.
“You’re incorrigible. Anyway, you’re right. I do have some good news. I have to share now or I’m going to burst.”
He laughed at her enthusiasm and rested his chin on her shoulder. “All right. Go on.”
She ran her hands over his. “You remember Jillian Lim?”
“The young figure skater?” Sophia had started to sponsor some promising skaters who needed financial help. At first Dane had been concerned, worried she might feel depressed or resentful about her broken dreams. But the work seemed to energize her, connecting her to the world she loved so much.
“Right. She won the regional!”
“That’s fantastic. So is she going to the national championships?”
Sophia shook her head. Her loose hair tickled Dane’s nose, and he inhaled her intoxicating scent. “She needs to do well at the sectional first, but I’m sure she will. She’s amazing.”
“Congratulations, honey.”
“Jillian’s mom sent me an email and a link to a video. If you want, we can watch it later.”
“I’d love to. Want to have lunch to celebrate?” Jillian was the first skater Sophia had sponsored.
“Wait. There’s more.”
He arched an eyebrow.
She turned so she could face him. “You’re going to be a father.”
Warmth spread from the center of his heart until his entire body tingled. His mouth parted, and he could feel it curving into the goofiest and happiest smile. “How far along are you?”
“Five weeks and five days. Hold on. I have a picture.” She dug into her purse and pulled out an envelope. Inside was a black and white photo of what appeared to be a squishy dot. “He’s really small. Still sesame seed-sized.”
“But the most amazing and wonderful baby ever.” He dropped to his knees and pressed his ear against her flat belly. “I can tell.”
Sophia laughed, the gentle sound rippling over his soul. “You can’t hear anything yet.”
“I don’t need to.” He turned his face and looked up at her. A lump in his throat thickened his voice. “Our baby’s going to be as perfect as its mother.” He kissed her stomach. “Thank you for this incredible gift.”
“You’re welcome, love.”
Her fingers brushed through his hair, stroking him. He closed his eyes as sweet contentment spread through him.