Page 97 of Summer Heat
I lifted her into my arms so that I could hold Kinsley's hand. We went to the dance floor where I danced with Maya and Kinsley.
They eventually broke off and danced with the girls, and I stood with Hudson, watching them. "You feel any different now that you're married?"
"I feel more protective of Elena, which I didn't think was possible. She's mine now, ya know? I want her to know that I'll always love and protect her and her family. It's a big responsibility."
My throat felt tight, and I loosened my tie. "I'm ready for that."
Hudson's attention swung to me. "Yeah?"
"I want that and more," I said with confidence. There was no doubt in my mind that this was the right step.
"Have you decided how you're going to ask?"
I grinned. "I need Maya's help."
"I like that you're involving Maya. She'll love that."
"She's a part of our family."
"Good luck to you. I have every confidence that you'll get the answer you want," Hudson touched my shoulder. "Now, I'm going to dance with my wife."
The music turned to a slower tune, and I moved across the dance floor toward Kinsley. "Would you dance with me?"
She dipped into a curtsy. "You're the best dancer in the room."
I raised a brow as I held up my hands for her. "And the most handsome?"
Kinsley inclined her head. "Naturally."
"Let's meet on the rooftop tonight before Maya goes to bed," I said, my voice wavered slightly, and I hope she didn't notice. I wasn't my usual confident self.
"That sounds like the perfect end to the day."
"The perfect end to every day," I said as I expertly maneuvered her around the dance floor.
"I have to agree with you."
We danced, ate cake, and sipped our champagne. When Maya had to go to the bathroom, I volunteered to take her so that I could have a few minutes alone with her.
I waited for her on her bed. When she came out, she said, "What's up?"
"I have something I want to ask you."
She climbed onto the bed, kneeling next to me. "Is it a surprise?"
"The best kind. What do you think about me asking your mom to marry me?"
Her eyes lit up. "You'll be my bonus dad? That's what Ellie at school calls her stepdad."
My eyes stung. "Yeah, I'll be your bonus dad."
She bounced on the bed. "When are you going to ask her?"
"I want to ask her tonight, but only if you're okay with it."
"Yes!"
"I need your help. Do you know where the duck in a tux is?" I asked her. This was a game we'd been playing for a while, and the recent joke was that he was missing.
