Midlife Baby (Small Town Lovers)

“Will you guys be here for the wedding?” Trey asked the question because he and Valona had planned a small Christmas Eve wedding with only a few close friends and their three girls.

Derek shrugged. “Allegedly but the tour is selling so well they keep adding dates. Bella’s already got her dress and a little birdie told me that Everest’s tie and pocket square matches Keri’s dress.”

The group fell silent and all eyes turned to see Trey’s reaction. Trey smiled and shrugged. “Who do you think had to call the dress shop to not only get the exact color but a fabric sample to give to your woman?”

A round of masculine laughter erupted around the beer fridge and we all grabbed something before joining our women in the living room.

“Lacey! I wasn’t sure you guys were going to be able to make it!” Lacey and Levi showed up just before the shower officially began with Mikey standing between them. The adorable little boy had become fast friends with Lance and made a beeline for him as soon as he spotted him.

Lacey smiled and wrapped me in a hug. “We weren’t sure either but we leave tomorrow for Cambodia to cover the coup attempt and I wanted to make sure we dropped off a gift for the little ones. They’ll probably be here before we get back.”

“Let’s hope so? Or hope not,” I shrugged, not really sure.

Levi laughed and enveloped me in a hug. “I hope your babies stay put until they’re good and ready, as for Cambodia I’m not sure what I’m hoping for yet. Kind of looking forward to an adventure like this with Lacey.”

“Sounds like you two have something up your sleeve. Want to share?”

Lacey and Levi wore matching grins and shook their head simultaneously. “Nothing to tell,” Lacey assured me. “At least nothing that I’m aware of.”

“I don’t believe you. Either of you.”

Levi shook his head. “That’s because you’re a suspicious woman,” he flashed a teasing grin. “But I do have some news,” he said and held up a copy of the Carson Creek Daily Journal.

I grabbed the paper and opened it up with a gasp at the full page ad just as Carlotta called for the guests to gather for the gift opening portion of the celebration.

The smaller groups all converged on the spacious living with the cozy furniture that was the perfect place for a baby shower. I took my seat on the plush lounge Grady insisted on buying so I could get work done away from the office in my current state.

Carlotta stood in the middle of the room with her hands clasped together. “Before we start with the gifts, Grady has something he’d like to say.”

Grady stepped forward, a big an imposing figure even in the middle of a crowd. He smiled at everyone and winked at me. “It looks as if we have more to celebrate than the arrival of Marlo and Devlin and I’m hoping to add more one thing to the list.” He flashed a nervous grin and turned to face me. “Margot, babe. We have had quite the road to get here, haven’t we? Enemies first and then friends, then loves and finally, family.”

I blinked away tears that started to form because I didn’t want to miss one moment of whatever beautiful words he spoke next.

“Once we stopped fightin’ the inevitable, we created something really special together.”

“Very special,” I agreed with a shaky breath.

His shoulders sagged with relief. “We fell in love and every day for months we’ve lived out our version of happily ever after. With the twins comin’ soon, the picture will be complete. Almost.” He came to me and knelt down at my side. “I know you want the fairytale babe and I want to be the man to give it to you, starting with this.” Grady produced a gorgeous cushion cut diamond that was pale pink in color, surrounded by dozens of smaller white diamonds. “Margot Devereaux-Blanchard, love of my life, mother of my twins and classiest woman I have ever met, will you do me the honor of marrying me and livin’ out our happy ending for the rest of our lives?”

I blinked and nodded, unable to find my words at his heartfelt words and unexpected proposal. “Grady, you’re sure?”

“Positive. You’re mine already babe and I can’t wait to see you float down the aisle or the meadow in a big white dress. What do you say?”

“I say hell yes! I love you.” I tried in vain to slide to the edge of the lounger to get my hands on my man but I failed and Grady wrapped his arms around me and held me tight, kissed me long and hard.

“I love you too Margot.” The love shone in his eyes and I couldn’t look away as he slid the ring on my finger and brushed a kiss to the back of my hand. “So damn much.”