Dean (Face-Off 6)

“Yes,” the Baldwin brothers say in unison.

My mom is a sobbing mess, held up by Nick. She hugs me and chokes out, “Congrats, baby.”

I kiss her on the cheek. “Thanks, Mom. You’re an amazing mother. You’ll be an even better grandmother. Noah will love you as much as I do.”

She smiles. “I guess it’s about time I leave Florida. My boys need me.”

I nod. “We do.”

When Nick welcomes me into the family, the feeling is surreal. I’m officially a father and one of the Baldwins.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Kat

After dinner, Dean offers to watch Noah. I’m so exhausted from the lack of sleep that I sink into the couch cushions and close my eyes. Dean takes Noah into his bedroom to play on the floor with some of his new toys, giving Mommy a much-needed break. Sleep has been non-existent since Noah was born. I love him to death, but I had no idea I would never sit down or get a decent night of sleep ever again.

Maybe in a few years, I had told myself—until the doctor confirmed my second pregnancy. Now that we have another baby on the way, I’m looking forward to Dean’s mother coming to live with us.

I doze off for what I swear is only five minutes before I hear Dean talking to Noah in his baby voice. Dean is so adorable when he speaks to him in the tone he reserves only for our child. Pretending to sleep, I keep my eyes shut, but Dean has other plans. He drops to the floor next to me and places Noah on my stomach.

I turn my head to look at him. “Dean, c’mon. I need a few more minutes.”

With a good grip on the baby, he holds him in place and leans in closer. “Noah has something he wants to show you.”

“What do you want to show me, sweetie?” He has no idea what I’m saying but giggles at the sound of my voice. I grab Noah’s little fingers. A silk pouch falls from his hand and onto my chest.

I look at Dean, with a curious smile on my face. “Did you get me that hockey charm we saw at the mall?”

“Nope, I got you something better.”

I tug at the strings and turn the pouch over. A diamond engagement ring falls into my hand. My mouth widens in shock as Dean takes the ring from me.

“I…” I have trouble getting out the words. “Are we? Are you?”

He nods. “I had the perfect engagement all planned out before you told me you’re pregnant again. But I don’t think we need a grand gesture to show each other how much we love each other. Plus, Noah should be here when I ask you the most important question I will ever ask you.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I wipe away the tears that slide down my cheeks.

Dean holds Noah with one hand and the ring in the other, staring into my eyes. He clears h

is throat and sits up straighter. “Okay, here goes. Why am I so nervous?”

“Don’t be,” I say. “It’s just me. I’m still the same girl you stalked freshman year.”

He laughs. “I did not stalk you. I observed you from a distance. There’s a difference.”

“Observing. Stalking. Same difference.” I flash a wicked grin at him. “I’m glad you found me. It was one of the best days of my life.”

“Mine too.” Dean takes a deep breath. “Kitten,” he says, his tone serious. “You’re my best friend, the love of my life, and the mother of my children. I love you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?”

I nod, the tears streaming down my face and onto my shirt. “Yes, of course, I’ll marry you, Dean.” I hold out my hand for him to slip the ring on my finger.

Noah raises his arm in the air and then slaps it down on Dean’s forearm.

“Does that mean you approve, little man?”

Noah giggles.