and Palmer are still in the apartment I used to share with Juno.
“Because she’s your sister and still needs help when she’s traveling.”
Sedona’s traveling more now after getting a job with a travel magazine, following in my mom’s footsteps. Sometimes she takes Palmer, and other times she leaves her with us or Austin or Phoenix.
“Fine. Only because I like that I’m Palmer’s favorite uncle and I want to really cement the spot.”
Stella shakes her head at my competitive nature. “We’ll ask her tonight then. Palmer can have her own room.”
“You’re really okay with this?” I ask her.
“It was my idea. Of course I am.”
We finally reach where my truck is parked and I help her out with her board, then the two of us get to the truck. Unfortunately, the buzz of accomplishing the bore tide has worn off now that we’re discussing my sister and niece moving in with us. But whatever.
We get out of our wetsuits and I stare at Stella in her swimsuit. “Want to make out in the back of my truck? Pretend we’re in high school or something?”
She chuckles. “Sure.” She hops into the back, leaving me to get everything situated.
I hear her turn on the ignition. I’m sure she’s cranking the heat, and sure enough, when I climb into the back seat, it feels like I’m in a damn sauna.
She straddles me, and I take the opportunity to tug down the straps of her swimsuit, exposing her tits. “I love these.”
I cover her tit with my mouth, and she rocks against my hard-on. We make out like teenagers—except we’re adults so we actually fuck in the back seat. It’s a little irresponsible since we have to use fast food napkins to clean up, but it’s all worth it.
Back at our house, we have plenty of time to get ready, so Stella and I take a little longer, relishing the quiet. As she gets her purse, I stuff the ring into my pocket. I’m not worried that she’ll say no. She could, but I doubt it.
“Ready?” I ask.
“I love baby showers.”
We walk out of the house, but rather than heading in the direction of the party at Terra and Mare, I lead her the opposite way.
“Where are we going?” she asks.
“Just come.” I guide her to the dock.
She snuggles closer to me, probably remembering our moments here the same way I did. “You’re being romantic.”
We walk to the edge of the dock, but we don’t sit because we’re in nice clothes and spring has just arrived with the nicer weather.
“I thought I loved you, but the day you jumped in that lake, I knew for sure you were the one for me,” I say.
“It was a moment of temporary insanity. Though maybe I should do it again sometime now that I can enjoy you warming my body up.” She steps closer, but I fall down to my knee.
She smiles, tilting her head, and I hold up the ring. “Stella Harrison, you are the love of my life. You stole my heart at ten and have held it ever since. Make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”
“King,” she says, her hands covering her face. “Yes.”
I slide the ring onto her finger, and she holds it up in the air.
“It’s beautiful.” She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me.
“You must be crazy to say yes,” I say.
She giggles. “I knew you were a keeper when you shared your textbook with me and asked about my dad. You were always different than the other boys.”
She kisses me again, and my heart feels as if it explodes into fireworks. I can’t believe we’re finally here, full circle, and she’s going to be my wife.
We’re hand in hand when we step into Terra and Mare for the baby shower. Stella asked on the way over if I would mind not announcing our engagement, since it’s not our big day. But all eyes zero in on us when we walk in.
Palmer runs to me and I swoop her up in my arms. She hugs Stella and kisses both of us on the cheek. Then she picks up Stella’s hand, looks at the ring, and lets her hand drop. I showed the ring to her yesterday.
Palmer looks at me and signs her thoughts. Pretty.
Palmer only knows basic words so far, but she’s getting there. Sedona started sign language with her as soon as she found out Palmer was deaf. In a way, the entire family has all been