Page 95 of Living Hell

She nodded and stood. I did too and lifted her in my arms. “Yes, Tyler. I love you so much.”

I never grew tired of hearing her say that.

“Wait. Aren’t you two already engaged?” Olivia asked.

I lowered Iona and she gave me a look that said she was ready to tell them.

“We’ve been lying, to everyone. And living in sin. Like, super sexy sin,” she said as she leaned her head on my chest.

“Lying? About being engaged?” my brother asked.

It hurt to see the confusion on his face. I took a deep breath to prepare for the worst part—telling him the truth.

But right before I opened my mouth Babette stood. “It was all my fault. I lied to Iona and Tyler and said I owned the house. That if he wanted it back, he had to agree to pretend to be engaged to Iona. I wanted to help her career and help her realize there were people who loved her. But I should have let her figure that out on her own and not have deceived everyone. I know that now.” She walked over to Iona’s side. “I know you’ll probably never forgive me, but I would like to still be your agent—”

Iona pushed away from me and threw her arms around Babette, smearing cream all over her navy blouse. “You’re family. There’s nothing to forgive.” Iona pulled back and stared at Babette. “The mayor tricked a lot of people, even you. I know you did it because you wanted to help me. You’re not only my agent, but you’re also my friend.”

There was applause.

I waved my hand at them. “So, that gets applause, but I propose and nothing?”

“We thought you two were already engaged. We were confused,” Carter said with a shrug.

Jake stood and came over, pulling me aside. “You could have told me, bro. I wouldn’t have said anything.”

I sighed. “I know. It was the stupid confidentiality agreement. I thought if I told anyone, even you, I’d lose the house. I’m sorry.”

He watched me for a moment, searching my eyes. “I understand. You’ve always wanted to own a home. But just remember, bros before homes, okay?”

I nodded, and he wrapped me in his large, beefy arms. Despite gasping for breath as he squeezed the air from my lungs, I was happy to have him in my life.

“I love you, bro. Do right by her.” He nodded toward Iona, who was laughing with all the ladies as Carter sat there uncomfortable with all the socializing going on around him.

“Don’t worry about her. I love Iona and will always keep her safe. And now that there’s a little boy to look after too—”

“You’re having a boy!” My brother’s not so subtle shout turned everyone’s head.

“It’s a boy!” Debbie said and ran over to hug Iona.

I smiled watching my soon to be wife enjoy all the love that surrounded her.

My brother slapped me on my back which caused me to wheeze. “Congratulations. You did good.”

“I ejaculated sperm. It wasn’t hard to do.”

He waved his hands in front of me and then covered his ears, “Stop. No. Too much information.”

“Anyway, I wanted to ask you.” I pulled his hands away from his ears. “I think with the trial coming up for the mayor and Iona being pregnant, we need to beef up security.”

He nodded. “I have plans for that. Thinking of opening a location for F & G Securities here. Bring some jobs to town and be closer to my future niece or nephew.”

This was what it felt like to have a real loving family. I had to admit my chest ached as my eyes watered a bit with the love that surrounded Iona and me.

“Here’s your bacon and cream. Compliments of Carter.” Debbie appeared with another bowl of whipped cream but with bacon sticking out.

“Oh. My. God. I never would have thought of that. It looks amazing.” Iona looked like she was about to climax as she sat down in front of the creation.

She lifted one of the bacon pieces, coated white from the cream, and tore off a bite with her teeth. After a few chews, she groaned. Yup, she was having an orgasm right here in this family-friendly diner.

I turned my eyes to Carter, narrowing them in irritation. He was chuckling, and I believed it was the first time I had ever seen the whispered-about but never captured on camera, Carter smile.

“You’re welcome,” he said.

---