Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
Chloe
I finally finished hanging the last of Caden’s newest artwork and took a step back. He was such a good artist and one that was on the rise. His artwork was selling faster than he could paint it. As I walking to my office, I heard Connor and Ellery coming up the stairs.
“Hello, Chloe,” Connor spoke.
“Hey, Connor. Ellery. What brings you by?”
“We just wanted to let you know that we’re heading to California to check on things at the other gallery, and we’ll be out there for a couple of weeks at the beach house.”
“Great. Have fun. Enjoy that warm Cali sun.” I smiled.
As they followed me into my office, Ellery spoke, “You seem different.”
“I do?”
“Yes. You’re glowing. You know we women can tell when something wonderful happened. Are you pregnant?” she asked with a wide grin.
I was dying. I needed to tell someone about our engagement, and I knew Connor and Ellery would keep it to themselves.
“No. I’m not pregnant. But,” I reached into my purse and put on my ring, “Sebastian asked me to marry him!” I exclaimed in a soft voice.
Ellery cupped her hands over her mouth. “Oh my God. That’s wonderful.”
“Congratulations, Chloe. That makes me very happy,” Connor spoke.
“You and me both. He proposed last night in the townhouse that he’s buying for us.”
“Oh. So you’re moving again?” He laughed.
“Yeah. But it won’t be for a while. The house needs some fixing up, and Sebastian said that we are doing it together.”
Connor frowned as he looked at me. “You mean you’ll plan it out and hire a company to renovate it for you.”
“No. We’re doing the work ourselves.” I grinned.
“But why?” he asked with a perplexed look.
“I think it’s wonderful that Sebastian wants to do the work himself,” Ellery chimed in as she lightly smacked Connor on his chest.
“You know he fixed up houses himself before he started his company,” I spoke.
“Well, yes, but I thought now he wouldn’t want to do that anymore,” Connor frowned again.
“He’s very excited about it.”
“Well, if you need Connor’s help, just call. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind getting his hands dirty to help some friends.” Ellery grinned. “Right, Connor?”
“Of course.”
Ellery walked over and gave me a hug. “We have a flight to catch. Congratulations to you and Sebastian. That ring is gorgeous.”
“Thank you, Ellery. Have a safe flight.”
As Ellery walked out the door, Connor hugged me and whispered in my ear, “Do me a favor and don’t call. If you need any help at all, I can arrange it for you.”
I laughed. “Don’t worry. I wasn’t planning on it.”
“You almost ready, babe?” Sebastian shouted from the closet. “They’re going to be here in a few minutes. Well, make that now because I just heard the doorbell.”
“You go. I’ll be there in a few.”
I took off my ring and placed it in my pocket. Checking myself one last time in the mirror, I headed towards the living room where my mom and dad had just sat down.
“Where’s Chloe?” my dad asked.
“She’s in the bathroom.”
“Aw, did you two just finish having sex?” my mom spoke.
“We sure did.” I walked in with a smile and gave them each a hug, then took Arlo from her arms.
I heard Sebastian mumble under his breath as he walked over to the bar with my dad for a drink. The doorbell rang again, and Karina answered it, letting in Sienna and Sam.
“Hello, darling.” Sienna smiled as she hugged me. “Oh, hello there, you sweet little man.”
“Hi. You’re late. Were you two having sex?” I grinned.
“We sure were, beautiful,” Sam answered as he hugged me and then kissed Arlo on the head.
I could hear Sebastian sigh all the way across the room, and I silently giggled.
“Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, so why don’t we go into the dining room and sit down?”
Setting Arlo down in his bouncy seat, I took my seat next to Sebastian and discreetly slipped on my ring. Taking hold of my hand from under the table, he lightly gave it a squeeze.
“So, what’s going on with the shelter?” my mom asked.
“Nothing. The shelter is doing really well,” I replied. “There’s something else I need to tell you.”
“OH MY GOD, YOU’RE PREGNANT!” Sienna shouted from across the table.
I held up my left hand. “Sebastian and I are getting married!” I exclaimed.
“Holy shit, look at that ring!” Sienna squealed. “Congratulations!”
“Oh, sweetheart, congratulations,” my mom spoke as she wiped her eye.
“Wow. My daughter is getting married.” My dad stood up from his chair.
“Way to go, you two.” Sam smiled.
Sebastian and I got up from our seats and made our rounds of hugs.
“So, are you pregnant?” Sienna asked.
“No. I’m not pregnant. Just engaged.”
“Have you set a date yet?” my mom asked.
“No. It just happened last night. We wanted you to be the first to know.” There was no way I was telling them that I already told Connor and Ellery.
“There’s something else,” Sebastian spoke. “I’m purchasing a townhouse on West 85th Street for the two of us.”
“An engagement and a new house. How exciting.” My mom grinned. “I’m so happy for the both of you.” She hugged us again.
It was a wonderful evening spent with family. We drank, laughed, and had great conversations. Every time I looked at Sebastian, his face displayed a mouthwatering smile. He fit in with us perfectly, and he knew it.
“Well, we better get going and get Arlo home to bed,” my mom spoke.
“Yeah. I’m sure the two of them want to go have sex again to celebrate this night.” My dad winked.
“We sure do!” I grinned as I patted Sebastian’s ass.
“Chloe!” He shot me a look.
“Get used to it, babe. You’re part of this sex-crazed family now.” I smiled.
He slowly shook his head as we walked to the door and hugged each of them goodbye. After brushing my teeth, I climbed into bed and blew in Sebastian’s face.
“I’m all fresh for you now and my mouth isn’t the only thing.” I smiled.
He let out a growl as he pulled me on top of him. “Good to know because your mouth won’t be the only thing I’ll be spending a lot of time on.”
“Bring it on, fiancé.” I brushed my lips against his.