Page 22 of My Dirty Father In Law
“I have to,” I say in a quiet tone even as my heart lurches. “My visa’s expiring in a week, and even if I started applying for a work visa with your company now, it would take a while. I’m not sure I can stay in the United States while we wait. So I have to go.”
But Jordan’s expression becomes harsh then.
“We won’t go the work visa way,” he rasps. “I’m going to get you a different kind of legal status. I’m getting you a green card via marriage.”
I stare at him, my heart thumping hard in my chest. Oh my god, is this really happening?
“What?” I whisper. “Don’t play with me, Jordan.”
The huge man shakes his head.
“No, I’m not. I’ve been thinking about this for a while now.”
Then, he slithers off his chair to take one knee before me in the airport terminal. I’m nominally aware of passerby gasping and pointing, but all of my attention is focused on the huge man before me, his blue eyes burning with urgency as he takes a velvet box out of his pocket.
“Juliette, I’ve fucked up so many times during our relationship that I’m the definition of a walking fuck-up. But what gives me hope is your grace, forgiveness, honesty, loyalty, and love. And you do love me,” he growls, traces of the arrogant billionaire showing through. “There’s no point in denying it, baby girl.”
I smile softly as Jordan continues.
“I was on a hare-brained scheme to force the world to my will,” he rasps. “I’ve always been like that and it practically led me into a fucking hole this time, which was losing you. But fortunately, I’ve come to my senses and realized that nothing is worth that. Not my ancestors’ line, not our so-called aristocratic lineage, and certainly not something as mundane as the Lewis name, which a billion other people share. Instead, the most precious jewel in my inventory is you, Juliette. I adore you beyond all reason, and you’re the one who’s made me re-assess my life. So will you, Juliette Lechain, marry me? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, and stand by my side for the rest of our days together? Please, honey, say yes because I picked this ring out for you.”
Then, my eyes go round as Jordan flicks open the velvet box to reveal an enormous diamond inside.
“I picked this out with you in mind, sweetheart,” he says in a low tone trembling with emotion. “I know my son gave you that heirloom ring, but I think it’s time to break with the past, don’t you agree? I want this to be new, and all yours. So will you, Juliette? Will you marry me?”
I pause for a moment, my heart in my throat. I adore this man so much, and yet I’m still afraid, and the fear makes itself known.
“But what if I don’t get pregnant?” I ask in a low voice. “Ever, I mean?”
Jordan shakes his head, that azure gaze intense.
“Then it doesn’t happen,” he growls. “It’s fine. I don’t have to continue my line, and I’m not going to put that pressure on you again, sweetheart. If we live our lives together, just you and me, it’s fine. I don’t need more than that.”
That’s when my defenses crumble and hot tears begin slipping down my cheeks.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” Jordan says with alarm. “Oh shit, have I fucked up? Oh shit, oh shit.”
“No,” I manage through gasps. “It’s fine because I say yes, Jordan. I will be your wife.”
With that, Jordan gasps with relief before pulling me into his arms. He takes a seat on the uncomfortable airport chairs with me in his lap while holding my curvy form close. Again, passersby are staring at us like we’re lunatics, but maybe we are. Maybe in this crazy thing called life, Jordan and I are absolute bizarros who have taken the path less chosen. But what I know is that I’d rather walk that path with this man over any other person in the world. The alpha male is handsome, confident, kind, generous, and treats me well. Yes, I was once engaged to his gay son as a beard, which then morphed into an urgent baby-making scheme. But now even that’s off the table, and we’re in love for real. I clasp the huge man close while smiling through my tears.
“I adore you, Mr. Lewis,” I murmur. “Always.”
“Je vous aime, ma chérie,” he rasps in my ear before seizing my mouth with a passionate kiss. “Pour toujours.”
With that, the door swings open to a bright and glorious future filled with love, happiness, respect, and everything that I could ever wish for.
EPILOGUE
Juliette
I look down with a wry smile at my big belly before cupping it with both hands.
“Well, I certainly didn’t expect this, but here we are,” I say while shooting a glance at my reflection. To be honest, I hardly recognize myself because the woman in the mirror is incandescent with joy. Today’s my wedding day, and I’m clad in a gorgeous lacy white gown which drapes over my big belly. A veil attaches to my dark brown curls, which are swept elegantly into a chignon, and my cheeks are flushed and eyes sparkling.
“You look gorgeous,” Marielle coos as she comes to stand by me, looking at our joint reflections. “But how are the babies?”
I giggle.
