“Yep, that’s the one,” Diesel agreed. Somehow, miraculously, his eyes twinkled with laughter, like his re-found confidence was a raft big enough to save both of us from drowning. “My baby loves a caramel Frappuccino with extra whip.”
“I… I really do,” I agreed faintly, and that was not a lie, but I couldn’t imagine how he’d guessed.
“Quaint. Forgive me, but I notice you don’t wear engagement rings.” Terry cast a side-eyed glance at Diesel. “Was that by choice?”
Was this guy serious? What did this have to do with Marigold?
“Yes,” I lied staunchly. “It was very much my choice. I don’t need a ring to know I love Diesel.”
“Wasn’t my choice,” Diesel piped up, and both of us turned to stare at him. He shrugged. “I always figured if I got engaged, I’d want the whole world to know my man was taken, but then, I’m kind of a caveman that way. Parrish has been a civilizing influence on me.” He winked.
“Not too civilizing, clearly,” I said breathlessly, and then I shook my head, my mind caught on the idea of Diesel staking a claim on someone someday.
Lucky them.
“Interesting. So how did you propose?” Terry asked Diesel.
Shit. Another question we really should have thought of.
“I didn’t,” Diesel lied easily. “Parrish did.”
“He did?” Terry asked.
I did?
“He did,” Diesel repeated. “And it was perfect.” His gaze found mine, and I swear, it was so hypnotizing, I couldn’t look away if I wanted to. But I really didn’t want to. “It was a random Tuesday, and we were walking down Walnut Street over by the new Partridge Pit store, talking about Parrish’s favorite subject…”
“B-butterflies,” I supplied, like the answer was being pulled out of me. “I’m an amateur lepidopterist.”
“That’s right,” Diesel agreed smoothly. “And I said how I’d love to build you a pollinator garden to bring in butterflies, and you said…”
My eyes went misty. How did he know I desperately wanted a garden like that?
I cleared my throat. “I, um… I said, ‘Diesel Church, you are so damn thoughtful and kind. No one in the world’s ever made me feel as special and safe as you do. Will you marry me?’ I tried to make it direct and sincere,” I told Terry, “Just like Diesel.”
There was some kind of emotion working behind Diesel’s eyes too, like maybe he was getting caught up in the moment as well. “Greatest day of my life,” he said, “When Parrish chose me.”
I had to swallow hard against the emotion choking my throat. “I still can’t believe you said yes.”
Diesel laughed lightly. “To you? Baby, who could say no?”
I made a sound that was halfway between a sob and a laugh, and even Terry looked strangely moved.
Suddenly, Marigold laughed one of her deep, full-belly chuckles that never failed to make Diesel and I laugh too, and it broke the strange mood.
Unfortunately, when we all turned to see what had made her laugh, we were just in time to watch Uncle, Diesel’s rooster, climb atop the fence post surrounding the chicken coop and perch there to watch as, one by one, his harem jumped the fence and started pecking the yard.
Terry frowned.
Damn it all.
Diesel sighed, and I put a comforting hand on his arm.
“Look, I can’t lie,” Terry said abruptly. “I like you both. You seem like really good guys, and it’s clear you love Marigold and each other.”
I bit my lip and had to forcibly restrain my eyes from seeking Diesel’s.
“Your house is safe,” he continued. “The baby’s well cared for, and I’m sure she’d do well here.” He hesitated.
“I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming,” Diesel said. He grabbed my hand in his and threaded our fingers together. I held on tight.
Terry nodded. “You’ve gotta understand, Hunt and Brenda Kensington are not only wealthy, they’re well connected. They can provide her everything you can and more besides. A college education, a trust fund, private tutors, summer camp.”
“And a sterile McMansion where she’s constantly reminded of how much she owes them and not allowed to step a toe out of line.” Diesel sounded disgusted. He rubbed a hand over his forehead. “It’s like watching what happened to Beth all over again.”
“I’m sorry,” Terry said sincerely. “Look, I’m not saying that’s the way it’s gonna shake out for sure. I’m writing up my notes impartially, and the judge will make the final call. I just wanted to… to warn you, I guess. The Kensingtons have a lot of money, and they’re really motivated. They’re not gonna let this drop. Maybe consider working out a custody agreement that gives you visitation, Mr. Church. I think right now you’d be in a position to get that.” The implication was that if he pushed the issue, he might not be in that position later.
Diesel’s face crumpled, but he nodded once. “I can’t say I’m surprised. This isn’t too far off from what Stewie’s said in the past. I’m not giving up, though. I love her. She’s my flesh and blood, and taking care of her was the last thing Beth asked of me. I have to at least try.”