Page 128 of Lone Star Longing
He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers.
“I have a ring, but it’s in my mom’s house, and I’d just as soon not go get it right now.”
“You have a ring?”
“I bought it the first time I went to go meet the architect for the house. This is your house, Lace. I remember how you told me you’d love a house with a big porch, and I thought maybe, at first, the babies could sleep in the same room, you know, but since it’s a boy and a girl, they’ll eventually want their own rooms, and I’d like to have at least one more kid. And if there’s any changes you want to the floors or the hardware or any of that, there’s still time to change it. I built this for you.”
She didn't want to think about the house. She wouldn't even know what to ask for. Everything he’d described sounded beautiful. Maybe, after the excitement of today, she could look at pictures of what he’d planned and give input. But right now she just wanted to savor their time together.
“I wish we didn't have the shower to go to,” she said with a sigh, lowering herself to her bottom when kneeling became too painful.
He lowered himself beside her. “What are you talking about? We can make it a double celebration—baby shower and announce our engagement. It’s going to be a great day.”
Chapter Twenty Nine
BECK’S HEART WAS POUNDINGas they walked into The Wheel House, holding hands. He ran his thumb over her knuckles, brushing across the ring he’d put on her finger. The style was perfect for her, a diamond set into a platinum band, so it wouldn't catch on anything when she was taking care of the babies or going about her nursing duties.
He couldn't believe she’d come out to the house to look for him today, couldn't believe he was going to be her husband, the father of her kids. On the drive over, they’d talked briefly about when they’d get married. He wanted to get married before the babies came, but that didn't leave a lot of time, since she was due in just over a month.
Their friends and family were waiting for them—he’d called Con to pick up his mom on the way, since Beck wanted to get to Lacey’s early and give her her ring.
The second party they’d had here in less than a month, and the ladies had done a great job decorating the stage and the area around it with pastel colors. The table was set with two matching cakes that looked like babies sleeping with their butts in the air, and presents were piled on the stage, some of the boxes making him glad he had brought his truck.
Poppy was the first to notice them standing there, holding hands. Her eyebrows shot up as she looked at her friend, and she hurried over.
“Welcome, little mama,” she said loudly, but her gaze went pointedly to their joined hands, and her eyes went even wider. She reached down and grabbed Lacey’s hand away from Beck’s.
“What’s that?” she demanded, holding up the ring for inspection.
“Beck proposed,” Lacey said.
“A second time,” Beck reminded her.
Squeals echoed throughout the crowd, and Beck felt Lacey being torn away from him, embraced by her friends. Her father pulled her out of the mob of friends and hugged her, then reached for Beck’s hand.
“You got her to say yes. Good for you. Proud of you.” The older man pumped his hand, then turned back and embraced his daughter again.
