Secret Indiscretions (Carson Cove Scandals 2)

Jon

Ten months later

“I want to hold the baby!” Melanie ran towards Taylor as soon as she walked into Alcott Manor.

“Shh!” Taylor put her finger to her lips. “He’s sleeping…”

“Sorry!” Melanie grimaced and leaned forward. “Hi, you’re so cute—even when you’re asleep!”

Melanie had been dying for Taylor and Bryant to stop by with the newest addition to the Benson household since Taylor brought David home from the hospital. Melanie tried to visit them at Benson Estate a few times, but it was hard to get any baby-time in with Victoria and Shaina doling over their newest sibling. The Benson’s couldn’t stay long, but I did get to hold David for a few minutes before Melanie took him from me. After they were gone, I waited by the door until Melanie returned.

“Did you resist the urge to kidnap him,” I chuckled under my breath when she walked back inside.

“Yeah—somehow…” She stepped into my arms and hugged me.

“When are you going to have another one of those?” I leaned back from our hug and narrowed my eyes.

“Um…” She looked up at me in confusion.

“I keep thinking it’s going to happen one day…” I pressed my lips to her forehead.

“Did you forget that I’m on the pill?” she laughed nervously.

“That seems like an easy problem to fix.” I tilted my head to the side. “Just stop taking it…”

“Wait, are you serious?” She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“I love you, Melanie.” I smiled. “I plan to spend the rest of my life with you—children are a part of that—if we’re blessed with them.”

“I would like to be married first…” She narrowed her eyes. “Maybe we can discuss it if you ever ask…”

“Alright, that’s fair.” I nodded.

I had been planning to ask Melanie to be my wife for at least a month, but I had to get a few things in order first. I had to get her mother’s blessing, which wasn’t that hard, and I had to convince Charley—which was even easier than asking Lydia—but then I had to get her to swear that she wouldn’t spill the beans. After things were situated with the Monroe family, I had to talk with my kids. They met Melanie over the summer and seemed to like her, but that was different than welcoming her to the family. There was one other piece to take care of, and it was the real reason it took me so long.

“Do you want to watch a movie or something?” Melanie looked back at me.

“Yeah, why don’t you get us a drink first.” I motioned to the bar.

“We aren’t at the office any more mister.” She shook her head back and forth. “How about you get us drinks while I choose the movie. It’s my turn to pick anyway.”

“Come on—just do it…” I chuckled under my breath.

“Fine.” She glared at me before she finally walked to the bar. “Just so you know, I love having you order me around in the bedroom, and I’m obviously fine with it at work, but I’m not your servant—wait, what is this…”

“I don’t know.” I smirked as she picked up the box that was sitting in front of my bottle of whiskey. “Why don’t you open it and find out?”

“Jon…” Melanie’s mouth fell open as she opened the box and turned back towards me.

“There’s a question that goes along with that ring.” I dropped down to one knee.

I barely got to ask her to be my bride before she tackled me with kisses and said yes. Somewhere in the midst of standing up and making out, I managed to get the ring on her finger so that we were officially engaged.

“You knew you were about to ask me!” She gave me a nudge as soon as she processed everything and recovered from the shock.

“Yes, but where’s the fun in that?” I shrugged and laughed.

“Do you really want to have a baby?” She raised her eyebrows inquisitively.