Baby Daddy Wanted (Crescent Cove 5)

“Nah. We were wild for each other. But not the right kind of wild. It was sex and adrenaline. We had shit-all in common. And by the time I was getting paraded around to her famous friends I knew I should have gotten out. That wasn’t the life for me.”

“Everything about Veronica fits me.”

“Then I guess we’re getting a ring today.”

I nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, I am. I could have gotten her a ring the first week. I just knew.”

“Then you’re one of the lucky ones, pal. For me, everything is about Dani and that’s the way it needs to stay.” Gideon looked out the window.

Talk about decisive statement. The rest of the trip was quiet. Classic rock filled in for the lack of conversation. I didn’t know what was up with Gideon lately, but I knew something was bothering him. He’d spill after her figured it out.

The one thing women didn’t understand about guys was that we didn’t want to talk it out. We wanted to figure it out then fix the problem.

And right now, I was going to fix my problem.

Making sure Veronica knew I wanted marriage and babies if they happened. But the most important part was marriage. That I wanted her forever no matter what.

I rolled up to the family run jeweler that my father had used for my mother. Every Christmas we went in and got her a little something. It was tradition. A good one that I intended on keeping.

I strode up the walkway, Gideon walking slower than usual with his hands fisted in his pockets. I held the door for him. “Still pouting?”

“I hate shopping.”

“Look at it this way, you can get Dani’s birthday present while you’re here. Shopping all done.”

“She’s seven,” he grumbled.

“And little girls love to have something special.” A statuesque blond came out from behind the glass case.

Gideon glowered and took a spot near the wall just inside.

“Murphy,” she said warmly and kissed his cheek. “I was surprised you called. It’s not like you to come in after November.”

“I know.” I rubbed my palms down my thighs. “Bit of a special request.”

“I pulled out all my favorites based on what you told me about your special woman.”

“You’re a lifesaver, Cara.”

“We love all the Mastersons. Especially since you each choose such special pieces.” She held her arm out. “Come, this way and we’ll find something perfect for her.”

Two hours later I was sitting in the chair deciding between the final two rings. Cara had wandered over to see Gideon and had finally gotten him to actually look at the dainty necklaces made for little girls. He had one wrapped up in a sparkly unicorn bag before I could even get mine done.

Bastard.

In the end, we both walked out with little bags.

The car ride back was just as quiet, except this time it was me who was pensive. The ring was important of course. But this was Vee. She didn’t care about jewelry or the sparkly things most women did. She had the one necklace she wore, but it was more because it was a gift from Macy when she’d graduated from pastry school.

“Where’s that restaurant place we use?”

Gideon gave me a look. “Just outside of Laurel.”

“We’ve got one more stop.”

“Dare I ask? Are you going to put the ring on a cookie sheet or something? Bake it in a pie?”

“Fuck off.”