CEO Daddy (Crescent Cove 6.50)

belly was barely anything at this point, but it was enough to make her pause. And me pause as she gripped my jaw. “I want to share my business with you, but I already have a partner.”

“Who?” Indignation filled my voice.

“Gabby. I just asked her tonight. She took over the rest of my deliveries when my car broke down.” She covered my hands on her belly with her own. “But we have our own collaboration going right now.”

I swallowed hard. “Yes, we do.” I leaned up until our noses were an inch apart. “You’re going to have to marry me. There’s simply no other solution.”

“What?”

“You heard me. I’m on my knees. I’m asking you to marry me. Be my wife. Commit to the lifetime of insanity that is guaranteed to be ours—”

Lily banged her juice box before pitching it right between us, managing to splash little purple droplets all over Hannah’s white shirt. I don’t know who laughed louder, the baby or me.

Or Hannah.

“You’re not—” She pressed her lips together at my raised eyebrows. “I wasn’t going to ask about alcohol, I swear. This time, I was saying you’re not going to change your mind.”

“Not a fucking chance. Sorry, Lily,” I said without looking her way. “I love you. I love you so much.”

Hannah’s eyes went bright and she blinked over and over. It still didn’t keep the tears from sneaking free. “I love you too. I think I always have from the first night. For sure from the time I came to your house for the nanny job and you acted like a jackass.”

“Shocker.”

Dare’s reaction barely registered. Right now, I had more important considerations.

“Good thing you love assholes.” I rubbed her cheek, blotting up her tears.

“You aren’t an asshole underneath. But you do a very good impression of one. Just like I do a good impression of wanting to be alone. I thought I didn’t want to have to take care of anyone, when I’ve never been happier than these days I’ve spent with you and Lily.” She sniffled. “I just never wanted the ones I love to leave.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” I said roughly, catching her tears as fast as they fell. “This is all I want for the rest of my days.” With my other hand, I reached for Lily. “No matter how many there are, there will never be enough.”

Hannah’s smile was like the sun emerging after the darkest of days. She shifted on her chair, clutching the juice box in one hand and the flowers in the other as she pressed her forehead to mine. “Let’s get married, Asher Wainwright.”

The café erupted in applause as we kissed. Even Dare joined in.

When I eased back, he clapped me on the back. “Congratulations.” Then he tucked something in my pocket—Hannah’s service bill.

I pried it out, expecting a reason to grouse. Hey, I was ridiculously happy right now, but I was still me.

Instead, a big fat zero with a smiley face had been written on the bill. “You’re not charging?”

“Nope. On the house. Consider it a wedding present.” Dare smiled at Hannah. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Aww, that’s so sweet of you.”

“Welcome to the Cove. You too, Money Bags.”

“Thanks.”

“Dare is a sweetheart, isn’t he?” Macy swept forward and planted a bill on Hannah’s table. “But I’m not. Although if he messes up, call me, Hannah. I’ll help you bury the body.”

We all laughed. Even me.

Mostly.

Epilogue

September