Page 121 of A Game Plan for Love

“But you need to ask Mommy to marry you.”

I release a resigned sigh as we slip into the backseat of the limo. Nora sits on the other side, feet swaying as music plays through the speakers. She readjusts the tiara on her head with a grand smile.

“We need to make a stop first.”

If I’m about to propose to Addie, I needsomething.

I refuse to be the asshole who proposes empty handed.

Nora in one hand, and a basket in the other, we raid the only open pharmacy. She’s focused on slipping whatever she wants into the plastic bin while I search for something that screamsI love you with all my heart, will you marry me?.

Nerves flutter around my chest as I dump Kit Kats into the basket.

“Nora, baby, where are you?”

“Look what I found!” She holds up a massive plastic ring with a fake pink gemstone and silver adornments.

“Atta girl.”

I pay for our haul—and the ten nail polishes Nora managed to sneak into the basket—and we’re back into the limo and to the house in no time at all.

Panic and nerves have taken over, and I’m shaking as we step onto the curb, holding Nora’s hand as she drags me to the door. She pauses to say ‘hello’ to Drusella, our porch goose, then barrels through the front door.

“Mommy.” A loud yelp fills the living room, followed by a bang and a low groan. “Are you okay?”

I round the corner into the living room to find Nora hovering over Addie, who lies on the floor rubbing the side of her head. The bag falls from my grip, and I scramble to get her off the ground, examining her limbs for any injuries.

My heart thuds in my chest so rapidly, I wouldn’t be surprised if it exploded.

“I’m fine.”She shoves me away. “I fellone time. You don’t need to check for a concussion every time,” she grumbles. “What are you guys doing back so early anyway?”

Silverware and plates cover the floor in no explicit organizational pattern, surrounded by appliances and every basket from the pantry.

“Daddy wants to marry you!” Nora screams at the top of her lungs with zero lead-up.

Alright. Guess we’re doing this then.

I take a step toward Addie, and she scrambles away, grabs a spatula, and spears it toward my chest. The color drains from her face, and the kitchen tool shakes in her grip.

“We bought a ring,” Nora adds unhelpfully.

Addie looks like an animal backed into a corner, and the excited nerves fluttering in my stomach transform into dread.

“Declan, what is she talking about?”

Her voice trembles. Okay, well, maybe it’s too early for this. That’s all right. At least that’s what I’m telling myself to stop from vomiting.

“I asked Nora what she thought about a proposal. It was not meant to happen tonight.” I take a tentative step forward and steal the spatula. “But, I do want to marry you—desperately. You and Nora are my world, and nothing would bring me more joy than to call myself your husband and her father for the rest of our lives.”

Tears slip down Addie’s cheeks, and her muscles relax. I pull the plastic ring out of the bag and hold it in my palm.

“I picked the ring out,” Nora says, bouncing over to her Mom with a massive smile. She takes Addie’s hand. “It’s sparkly!”

“It’s beautiful,” Addie whispers.

It shakes in my palm as I drop down to one knee, surrounded by kitchenware and craft supplies.

“Adeline, zinging with you was the greatest thing to ever happen to me. You walked into my life, and brought joy and light, and every day beside you is better than the last.” Emotion clogs my throat, and I take Nora’s hand. “You are so special to me, too. I am so proud to be your dad.”

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