Page 88 of Damien
Shit. How did she jump to that conclusion?
It’s not that I don’t want to marry Vanessa.
Hell, I can’t imagine being with anyone else. And the thought of making her and Jules a part of my family has certainly crossed my mind—but she’s not my fiancée.
Because you haven’t asked, dumb ass.
Jules is asking if I want to marry her mom—isn’t she?
Fuck… why can’t kids come with a training manual?
“Dame?” Julia asks when I remain silent for too long.
Think, Fallon. Think.
“Jules…” I start but hesitate when I’m at a loss for words. “A fiancé means that you’ve asked someone to marry you—and they have said yes. It has nothing to do with want. It just means the decision has been made.”
Julia’s face is like a pinball of emotions. First, she frowns, then smiles, then it morphs into the most calculated expression I’ve ever seen. “So… you’re saying you don’t have a fiancé because you haven’t asked. Does that mean you might… someday?”
This kid.
God help the man who sets his sights on her someday. She’ll most definitely keep him on his toes.
The minute the thought hits me, another thought flashes just as fast.
I’d like to be there to see it happen.
I can picture the entire thing. Her in a white dress, me walking her down the aisle. Her mother and I sitting beside each other as we watch her marry her future husband.
Where the hell did that come from?
Evading the question to a point, I suggest, “I’ll tell you what. When I decide I’m ready for a fiancée—you’ll be the first to know. Would you be okay with that?”
Nodding fast, Julia gushes, “Yes. If Momma becomes your fiancée, does that mean you’d become my daddy?”
Daddy… I hadn’t thought of myself as that. But I’d gladly fill the role if she’d let me.
Looking into her hopeful eyes, my chest tightens harder.
“If she and I were to get married, I suppose I could be—if you wanted me to.”
“I’ve never had a daddy. Only an Unks. But I’m sure we’d figure it out if we work together. That’s what Momma always says.”
I know I’ve fallen for Vanessa, but until this instant, I didn’t realize I’ve fallen just as hard for Jules, too. I will make this happen for us.
Trying to act calmer than I am, I take a steadying breath. “I’ll tell you what. Let’s keep this between us. When the time is right, we’ll surprise your momma together, ‘mkay? Can you be patient?”
She looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind. “Dame, I’m five. There’s no reason to rush things. We’ve got our whole lives to be together.”
She sounds just like Vanessa when she tells Jules to not wish her life away and just focus on what you can enjoy today. How can a five-year-old school me so easily?
“Okay,” Vanessa sighs, entering the room. “I’m ready.”
One glance in her direction, and my mouth dries. She’s wearing the most gorgeous shade of green dress that makes her eyes pop. It wraps around her body like it was made just for her alone. The V in the neckline doesn’t reveal anything but accentuates Vanessa’s natural beauty.
Slowly, she draws out, “Do… I….” She swallows nervously. “Do I look okay?”
Fuck. Unstick your tongue from the roof of your mouth and compliment her, you idiot.
