“But before we talk about Grams, I have something important to do.” Aiden dropped to his knees and spun my chair toward him. The rest of the room stayed quiet. “This was Mama’s ring. I told myself that I never gave it to you when I proposed because I wanted to win you over. I wanted you to know that I could give you the world. But the real reason was that I was ashamed. I hadn’t been honest and Mama wouldn’t have approved. I know now that this ring suits you better.”

He took my shaking hand and slid the ring on. The small round diamond was tucked into a gold band. Simple. Beautiful. It fit like it was destiny.

“I meant everything I said the first time I proposed to you.” Aiden gazed up at me. “But this time I’m going to be the husband you deserve.”

I threw my arms around him. “I love you so much.”

He rocked back on his heels, clinging to me. “I love you too, Kate.”

By the time we quit hugging and kissing, we were surrounded. He stood, still holding me to him.

His brothers smacked him on the back and offered their congratulations. When Gentry stood in front of us, he held his hand close to mine. “May I?”

I lifted my hand, the light catching the diamond, making it shine.

Gentry’s brown eyes filled with nostalgia. “That ring was all a stupid kid could afford. After all the boys were born and I’d been working for Emilia and DB for a while, I asked Sarah if she wanted a different one.” His lips twitched. “She said if I wanted it to sit in the jewelry box while she ignored it, I could buy her a new one.” He released my hand and lifted his gaze to Aiden. “I’m proud of you.”

After he finished hugging his dad, Aiden drew me into his side. “You mind staying and helping us face the board—and Grams?”

“Not at all.” I rose on my tiptoes and whispered into his ear. “Afterward, I think there are some fantasies on your desk that we need to fulfill before you’re officially done.”

He groaned. “I’ll make this meeting quick.”

CHAPTER 22

Kate

Six months later…

I waved my free hand toward the counter. My other hand was propped on the toilet seat. “Grab the phone.”

“What?” Aiden had a hold of my hair. I hadn’t thrown up yet, but it was better safe than sorry.

“It’s a—” A wave of nausea rolled through me and I groaned. “Trust me.”

“Okay…” He picked up my phone up off the counter. “Now what?”

I exhaled and slowly inhaled. The wave rolled through me. “Take a picture of us.”

“Kate. You’re bent over the toilet,” he said as if it wasn’t my head that was half a foot from the water.