Page 80 of The Sexy Part
He kisses me. “Ready for my family?”
“Of course. I did all right at Thanksgiving, didn’t I?”
“You were momentarily starstruck by my aunt Claire, but you recovered nicely.”
I crinkle my nose. “Are you sure you just want to give your mom a gift card for her birthday?” He’s carrying a birthday card with a gift card inside. I have an actual present that’s both beautiful and meaningful. “Itisyour mom.”
He kisses my nose. “This way she can get whatever she wants.”
“O-kay, if that’s how you want to play it.”
He laughs, gets out of the car, and helps me out of my side of the car. He’s very attentive. Not just with his manners, but he really listens. He values my opinions. He values me. Getting dumped on my wedding day in Clover Park was the best thing to ever happen to me. Who would’ve thought I’d ever see it that way?
Once we get inside the restaurant, it seems like everyone’s already there, dressed nicely for the occasion. Cheerful balloons and streamers decorate the dining area and bar. I spot a hot buffet and waiters circulating with champagne.
“Your mom really knows how to plan an event,” I whisper to Cooper.
“Oh, she didn’t plan this,” he says.
Someone whispers, “They’re here.” And then several people shush them. My gaze stops on a familiar-looking face. Dad?
I walk over to him. “Hi.”
“Cooper invited me,” Dad says quickly. “Hope you don’t mind. I really wanted to be here for this.” He offers his hand to Cooper and shakes it. “Great to meet you.”
“You too,” Cooper says.
I stare at Cooper, pull him aside, and then whisper fiercely, “You promised not to do stuff behind my back.”
“This is a special occasion,” he says. “Trust me. Besides, I wanted to meet your family too.”
“I do trust you, but it’s weird. He doesn’t even know your mom.”
He points across the room. “Let’s go say happy birthday to her.”
I follow him to where Hailey stands next to her husband, Josh. “Happy birthday!” I hug her and give her my gift.
“Oh, you didn’t have to give me a gift,” Hailey says. “Just working with you is gift enough. I’d like to make you partner in the new year.”
I put a hand to my heart, shocked. “So soon?”
“Of course! You’ve become my right-hand woman. We’ll talk strategy in the new year for further growth for the company. You’re an entrepreneur at heart just like me.”
“Thank you so much!”
I turn to Cooper to see what he thinks of this outstanding turn of events and find him on one knee, holding up a diamond ring. My heart lodges in my throat. I glance around as the family gathers close to witness the momentous event. That’s why he invited Dad.
“This isn’t a birthday party at all, is it?” I ask.
His warm brown eyes gaze into mine. “No, sweetheart, it isn’t.”
“Yes!” I exclaim. I’ve never been more sure of something in my life.
His family laughs. His cousin Rafael, the photographer, zooms in on us for a picture.
“Let me get this out,” Cooper says. “Rowan Sanders, the moment we met, I was hooked. You’re a woman of grit, smarts, and incredible beauty. I love you more every day and plan to for the rest of my life. Will you marry me?”
Tears leak out of my eyes. I nod. “Yes.”
