Page 129 of Not How I Saw That Going

My mouth hangs open, but I’m not sure what to say. I peek at Ward. We haven’t discussed getting married. I believe that’s our end goal, but he’s never said the words out loud. He’s notoriously tight-lipped.

“Screw it.” Ward drops his apron on the counter and stalks out of the kitchen.

I turn and gather Crew in my arms. “That’s not true. Every family is different, and that’s okay.”

He looks up at me, his blue eyes filling with liquid and his chin quivering. “But I want a daddy.”

His words cut my soul right in two. I want to give him that more than anything. But it’s more complicated than that. I can’t just pick one out at the grocery store.

“Lyndi.”

I’m afraid to face Ward. If we get married he doesn’t just become my husband, he becomes Crew’s father. A title he has already earned in Crew’s eyes, but what if it’s too soo—

“Lyndi,“ he says again, touching my elbow.

I take a deep breath and turn to find Ward on one knee.

My heart leaps back into my chest and continues sprinting like it’s trying to run a marathon without me. “What?”

He pulls a box out of his pocket and holds it up. “Believe it or not, I had this huge romantic plan and Maddie and Collins were going to help me but…I can’t think of anything more romantic than this right here. The three of us.”

I turn so I can fully face him, tucking Crew into my side. He’s been with me for everything, it’s only fitting he’s here now.

Ward takes my hand, gently squeezing my shaky fingers. “I want to be your husband, I want to be a father to Crew. Will you marry me?”

I’m not sure when the tears started, but they are streaming down my face and they might not ever stop.

“Yes,” I nod so hard, Crew holds onto me tighter. Ward slips the beautiful diamond solitaire ring on my finger.

“What’s that?” Crew asks.

Ward stands, keeping my hand in his. “A promise that I will love your mommy and you forever.” He reaches for Crew. “Can I marry your mommy so I can officially be your daddy?”

Crew’s eyes bulge. “Can you get married now?”

I laugh and Ward looks at me. “Can we?”

“Not tonight.” I grin. “Maybe next week.”

“Yes!” Crew jumps off the stool and runs around the kitchen. “Now I can tell Dallas that my daddy can lift a fire truck!”

I shake my head. “Well, I’m glad we’ve established what’s important.”

Ward pulls me in. “So, next week, huh? I bet my mom could work with that.”

“What?” I laugh. “I was kidding.”

His dark eyes meet mine with an intensity so strong it could turn coal into diamonds. “I’m not. I already told Lisa, since she wanted to make your dress.”

I throw my head back. “Did everyone know but me?”

“Pretty much.” He grins and leans down to kiss me.

“Well thanks for finally including me,” I tease.

His lips brush mine but I catch him before he can get any smart ideas. I’m not letting him go again. He’s stuck with me.

I kiss him until my legs are wobbly and my brain has been deprived of oxygen for much too long.

Ward pulls back and scrunches up his nose. “What’s that smell?”

I glance at the steaming pot on the stovetop. “I think you just burned water.”

---