doesn’t hesitate with her reply.
It’s the day before Christmas Eve, and here I am in the jewelry store picking out a ring. It’s fast, and some might think we need more time before we make this kind of decision. I don’t agree with them. Not with this. I know she’s the one. In my mind, Hollis and I are together, and we will eventually get married and have more kids, but life is short. I don’t want to wait to let her know that’s where I see this going. I want my ring on her finger. A sort of misunderstanding brought her to us, and no way are we letting her go. I know I love her. I know my son loves her. There is nothing that is going to change that. Not even time. No, in fact, time will only make us love her more. I want my ring on her finger, and I need her to plan a wedding. Sooner rather than later.
“Colton?” I hear, and turn to see Gwen smiling at me with a grinning Sophia in her stroller. “Are you waiting until the last minute to get Hollis a present?” She tsks at me.
“No, this is… extra.”
“Extra?” Her brow furrows in confusion.
The jeweler decides this is the right moment to bring my purchase out to me. “You’re in luck.” She grins. “We have her size in stock.” She holds up the ring to show me.
“Oh my God! Are you going to propose?” Gwen asks. She rotates the stroller and comes closer, getting a better look. “Colton, she’s going to love it.”
“Please don’t tell her.”
“Never. I’m so excited for the two of you.”
“Thank you. I know it seems soon—” I start, but she holds her hand up, stopping me.
“When you know, you know. You do what’s best for you, Colt. You and the precious baby boy of yours. She loves him like her own.” She waves her hand in the air. “I know you already know that, but I thought it was worth saying.”
“He loves her too. We both do.”
“You found a good one. When’s the big day?” she asks, handing Sophia a sippy cup.
“Soon.”
She nods. “I figured. You and Chase are a lot alike.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” Her phone rings. She looks down and then back up at me with panic in her eyes.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Just Hollis is here in the mall. I told her I was shopping, and she and Milo are here now. She wants to know where I am.”
“Shit. Okay, can you distract her at the other end of the mall? This is my only purchase. As soon as I get it, I’m leaving.”
“Where does she think you are?”
“I told her I had to help Dad with something. He’s on board, so is Mom.”
“The things I do for love.” She grins. “All right, Soph. Let’s go visit Aunt Hollis and your cousin Milo.” She looks up at me. “I’ve got this.” She starts pushing the stroller with one hand, her phone at her ear. “Hollis…” I hear her say before she’s out of sight.
I make a mental note to do something really nice for Gwen. Maybe we can watch Sophia for them one night. I’ll have to bring that up to Hollis after I propose, of course. Can’t go giving away the surprise.
I don’t know when I’m going to propose. I’ve gone back and forth with an elaborate proposal, something intimate, Christmas morning, and even when we get together with the gang to celebrate the holiday. My parents are watching Milo on New Year’s Eve, so I thought about doing it then, but that’s a week away. I don’t know if I can wait that long.
I thought that if this moment ever came in my life that I would be nervous. I’m not the least bit nervous. I’m excited to start our life together. The three of us. I’m excited for what’s yet to come. I know we love each other. I know she loves Milo. What I don’t know is when I’m actually going to ask her.
As the jeweler hands me a small black bag and my receipt, one thing is for sure, this ring is going to burn a hole in my pocket.
Chapter 16
Hollis
Christmas Eve is here. The morning is bright, the sun shining, and the temperature just over freezing. But I’m not cold. Oh, no. I’m snuggled into Colton’s naked chest, the sound of his steady heartbeat echoing against my ear and the scent of his soap