Page 30 of My Boyfriend's Big Daddy

* * *

The past weekhas been filled with a flurry of painful and hopeful feelings. Brian and I have made up, our love surviving the storm of his deeds. A sudden intensity, a fusion of passion and fear, hope and doubt, crackles in the space between us. I've noticed an increasing sense of life inside of me with each day that goes by, a constant reminder of how complicated our situation is.

Brian has arranged a special date for tonight in the center of New York City, and there’s something about his behavior that makes me think it’s going to be a memorable night. He takes me to a rooftop garden restaurant that’s tucked away from the busy streets below, and I'm welcomed by a sea of sparkling fairy lights as soon as we enter the magical setting. The lights cast a gentle glow over the private room, making a wonderful backdrop for what's to come. Inhaling, I notice the air is filled with the aroma of blossoming flowers.

We’re directed to a quiet corner table that’s decorated with pretty white roses and flickering candles. The night sky above us, which is speckled with stars, creates an appealing atmosphere. I'm captivated by the view of the city skyline, the lights shimmering like a million dreams below.

Brian's eyes connect with mine, his fingers intertwining with mine as he reaches across the table. My heart races, my nerves zinging with excitement and fear. It's time to tell him—about the pregnancy, about my love, about our future together.

"Blair, you've brought light into my life ever since we first met,” he says, his eyes never leaving mine. “I've messed up, but being with you has helped me choose a new course. I don’t want to think of spending one day without you, baby.”

He moves, slowly standing and coming across the table. Brian, all 6’7 of him, kneels in front of me and takes my hands in his.

“I love you so much. Will you marry me, Blair?”

He digs into his pocket and pulls out a small velvet box, which causes my heart to nearly burst. He opens it to reveal a sparkling solitaire diamond ring that catches the light above us. This is not a dream. It’s happening. It’s really happening, and I feel like I’m about to explode with happiness.

"Brian," I say, my voice cracking. "I love you too. And there's something else I need to tell you."

He glances at me, waiting for me to speak. I inhale deeply and instinctively reach for my stomach to cuddle the priceless life that’s developing inside of me. "I'm pregnant. And I want nothing more than to build a future with you, to raise our child together, to be a family."

His eyes widen with surprise, then soften with understanding and joy. He places his hand gently on mine, his touch warm and reassuring. "Blair," he rasps. "You’ve made me the happiest man alive…even if you haven’t answered my question yet.”

Through tears of happiness, I giggle and then nod, my heart overflowing with love for the man before me. "Yes, Brian," I say, my voice warbling as I brush the tears from my cheeks. "I will marry you."

When he sweeps me up into a kiss, it’s the sweetest I’ve ever had. Brian is not a soft or gentle man, but right now, he comes close, and I love every second of it.

Mrs. Blair Beckett—it’s the most beautiful name I’ve ever heard.

EPILOGUE

BRIAN

“This is the life," I say, settling into the lounge chair next to Blair and sighing contentedly.

"What's not to like? The weather is perfect, the water is warm, and the food is delicious." She grins at me, and I reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I couldn't have said it better myself." I look around, taking in the beauty of the ocean and the palm trees swaying in the breeze. But it isn’t until I look back at her that I add, "And the view is pretty spectacular too."

"Oh yeah? What are you looking at?" Blair asks, her tone teasing.

"You," I answer, leaning in and capturing her lips in a kiss.

She smiles against my mouth, and I can't help but smile too. I can't believe how lucky I am to have her in my life. All the years I spent having to be a hard ass to build my company up made it difficult for me to let my guard down, but with Blair, I can. Well, at least a little bit. There’s a part of me that’s constantly looking out for her and making sure that the world knows whose wife she is.

"You're a smooth talker, Mr. Beckett."

"Only for you, Mrs. Beckett."

I can go further, taking her out of that little bikini and tasting her skin under the Hawaiian sun, but sleeping in a covered tent cot next to us is our one-year-old daughter, Brooke.

We've come a long way since I first saw her at the office, and it's been an adventure. After we took care of Tanner, Blair moved in with me. We didn't want to waste a second, and it's been a whirlwind.

"It's good to have the place to ourselves for a little while, though," I say, stretching my arms above my head and sighing happily.

"I know, right? Between work and taking care of Brooke, it's hard to get any alone time."

I give a small nod. "That's why we had to take this trip, baby. It's important to make sure you get a break every now and then."

---