Page 113 of Waiting Forever
Kensi’s bottom lip drops, her body frozen like a statue. “You’re not?”
“She just called from the hospital and told me.”
Two birds fly by the balcony, so close I could touch them.
Kensi doesn’t even notice. “Is she okay?”
“She’s better now. The doctor said miscarriages can happen during the first three months. They’re doing all they can to make sure she and the babies are okay.”
“Babies?” Wide turquoise eyes stare at me.
“She’s pregnant with twins.”
Kensi chokes on a shocked laugh.
“I know. I was thinking the same thing.”
“Oh my gosh, Nathan. You could have been a father of two.”
I shake my head, not even wanting to consider two babies with Harper, let alone one.
“Who is the father?”
“Some guy from Ryland. I don’t know him, and it’s not my business anymore. I wish them the best. I wish those babies the best.”
She’s quiet for a while, digesting what I said, I suppose. It’s a lot. “Are you relieved?” she asks.
“Yes. I was a little sad, too.” Her frown has me adding, “About not having a baby. Not with Harper. Hell, no. But now, I’m imagining having a baby with you. One day. When we’re ready.”
“And married?” She gives me a small grin.
“Funny you should mention that.” I drop onto my knee and pull out the Tiffany box from my pocket.
Her feet hit the ground, and she sits up in the chair. “What are you doing?” The shock on her face is adorable.
I take out the small Tiffany box. “Kensington April-showers Vaccari?”
She cracks up.
I haven’t called her that since we were kids. The “showers” part I use to add to tease her about her name. I happen to think it’s a beautiful name, attached to an equally beautiful girl. “Will you do me the honor of promising to be my wife as soon as I help you pick out whatever engagement ring your heart desires?”
My mom chose her ring. When I was a teenager, my dad used to tease me and say,“If you ever decide to settle down one day, in your forties or fifties, give your fiancée the option to choose her ring. She’ll appreciate it.”
I open the lid to the box. Inside, the charm of a diamond ring rests on a white cushion.
Kensi leans forward, a sweet smile on her face. “It’s another charm for the bracelet.”
“It’s a promise.”
“Did you buy it when you got the bracelet?”
“Yep.”
“Why didn’t you give it to me then?” Always direct.
“I was saving it for your official birthday, but then Harper and the pregnancy happened and I wasn’t sure what to do.”
“I love it. Thank you.” She pushes up her sleeve, revealing the bracelet. She started wearing it again after the Halloween festival.
