From This Moment

I grin. “Will one of you please spit it out?”

They both give me an innocent look before Elise bursts with excitement and shoves her hand in front of my face.

“We’re kind of engaged, but not officially just yet. Hence the ring being on this finger and not my other.”

“You are?” I’m not surprised they’re getting engaged, but I’m surprised they’ve discussed it so soon after everything that has happened.

Seeing Elise’s face start to fall, I realize I’ve been staring at her like an idiot. “God, I’m sorry, Elise.” I take her hand and examine the ring more closely. “Well, Jake, you’ve certainly chosen well,” I look up to him, “and I don’t just mean with this stunning ring.” I pull Elise back into my arms, whispering, “Congratulations. I’m really happy for you both,” into her ear.

Breaking away from her, I walk over to Jake and pull him down for a hug as well. I feel tears building behind my eyes because I’m so happy he has his girl. “Congratulations.” I’m so choked up, my voice wobbles as I give in to the tears and start crying in his arms.

“Fuck, Rona. Please don’t cry. My dad will blame me.”

I pull away. “I’m not crying.” Wiping my eyes kind of makes a liar out of me. “Okay.” I swat at Jake. “I’m just so damn happy for you both.”

“Rona?” Cade appears and walks over to me, tilting my face up so he can have a closer look. “What’s wrong?”

I shake my head. “I’m fine, but your son has something to tell you.” I smile so he doesn’t think it’s something bad.

“It’s not official yet,” Jake starts, “but Elise is going to marry me as soon as this whole mess is over and done with.”

Cade’s grin splits his face. “About damn time.” He laughs and pulls his son into his arms for a hug before making a grab for Elise who blushes. Jake doesn’t help because as soon as Cade releases her, she’s swept into Jake’s arms for a heated kiss.

“I’m making breakfast. You go sit with Rona while we guys wait on our girls.” He grins and nudges Elise toward the table.

“Well, I’m certainly not going to complain about that idea.” I smack Cade on his bottom, and get a heated look from him on my way to the kitchen table and chairs.

Dropping down into a chair, I grin at Elise as she joins me, but what causes me to laugh is how we’re both watching our men in the kitchen.

There’s something so sexy about a man moving around in the kitchen, not to mention from where I’m sitting I have a view of Cades backside, and Elise can ogle Jake’s.

I turn to glance at Elise and we both start laughing. After a few minutes the laughter fades away and I swipe the tears from my eyes. I needed that, but concern rushes through me as Elise’s smile fades to a frown and she turns to me with a serious expression. “You don’t think I’m rushing this with Jake?”

I cover her hand with mine. “Elise, you’ve always been Jake’s girl, and the fact that you’re waiting to make it official should keep the tongues from wagging. I’m just glad Jake has put a ring on your finger because now you know he’s more serious than he’s ever been.”

She smiles. “Thanks, Rona. I’m happy, but I can’t help feel sad for Tom, you know. He wasn’t always like he was in the end, or maybe he was and just hid it from me. I always felt he was controlling, but I chose to ignore it for an easier life. Until I couldn’t anymore.”

“Try not to think about the past anymore and look toward your future with the hot stud in the kitchen who’s making you breakfast.”

Glancing into the kitchen, she has a dreamy look on her face. “He is, isn’t he? So is Cade.”

“Mmm, I’m teasing Cade at the moment.”

Elise glances back to me. “Do tell.”

“I’ve banned sex until we’re on vacation.” Elise looks stunned. “I thought it would be really hot when we get there and I don’t mean the weather.”

> “And what does Cade think about that?” She smirks, obviously knowing my answer.

“I don’t think he’s too happy, but he’ll go along with me.”

“I’m going to tease Jake,” she whispers and mischief flashes in her eyes. “Hey, Jake. Rona’s come up with a great idea.”

Jake stops what he’s doing and gives Elise his full attention, but Cade looks at me so I grin at him followed by a wink. His eyes narrow; he knows I’m up to something.

“Should I be worried?” Jake looks between his father and me.

“Rona’s banned sex until they’re on vacation.”