Page 121 of Forty, Flirty & F*cked

OPERATION MARRIAGE (NOW WITH LESS POWERPOINT)

Three weekslater

CONNOR

The ring has been burning a hole in my pocket for three weeks.

I bought it the day after Alex's wedding, watching my wife handle three different PR crises while making pancakes in our kitchen, realizing I wanted this—all of this—forever. Properly this time.

"No, Senator," she says into her earpiece, expertly flipping a perfect chocolate chip circle. "The yacht photos are contained. Though perhaps next time consider... Yes, I know clothing is optional in international waters, but... Hold please."

My hand drifts to my pocket, feeling the outline of the box. Not yet. The moment has to be perfect.

She switches lines without missing a beat. "Mrs. Platsky? The TikTok situation is... No, your daughter shouldn’t start calling herself ‘Be-Yacht-Say.’ It’s really unoriginal. Not to mention cheesy. Hold please."

I hide my smile in my coffee, watching her navigate chaoswith the kind of grace that still takes my breath away. That still makes me want to risk everything. That still makes me want to?—

"Regina? The llamas are secured. Maybe consider alpacas next time? They're generally less prone to... Yes, I know they're emotional support animals, but... Hold please."

Maybe now. Maybe while she's being perfectly, impossibly her.

She ends all three calls with practiced efficiency, then turns to me with that look that makes my pulse skip.

"Your pancakes are burning."

I lunge for the stove. "They're not burning. They're achieving optimal caramelization."

"Of course they are, honey." But her eyes dance as she steals my coffee. “But, um, your technique seems a little... distracted."

You have no idea.

“Says the woman stealing my coffee."

"Sharing coffee," she corrects. "It's what married people do."

The words make my fingers brush the ring box again.

They have me wondering if the time is now. Here. In our kitchen, with the morning light making her look like something out of a dream…

"Speaking of married people." I pull her closer. "The board meeting went well."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Dad’s not exactly thrilled at me, but what’s new? The important thing is that after reporting our marriage to that lovely little organization called the Securities Exchange Commission, any current investigation into Clearwater Tech is officially closed." I take a beat for the suspense. "And as for Will…"

"Oh God. How many years are Sir Ass-hat and Madame Ass-hat looking at?"

"Enough." I kiss her neck. "Though I hear prison has an excellent wellness program."

She laughs, the sound doing dangerous things to my control. "Poor Will. All that karma and no crystals to cleanse it with."

"Poor Will who tried to steal from your father's kidney support group?"

"Okay, not poor Will." She tilts her head, giving me better access. “I do admit: watching you defend my family's honor was kind of hot."

"Only kind of?"

"Well..." Her hands slide up my chest. "The whole billionaire CEO thing does help."

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