Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
Parker
“Amanda, tell my brothers I need to see them.”
“Right away, Parker.”
I was sitting behind my desk. My hands were clasped behind my head as I stared out at the busy city.
“You wanted to see us?” Julian and Roman stepped into my office.
“Yeah. Paige found out that ADA Benton is under the control of the DeLuca Family. He’s dirty.”
“I hope Paige took care of him.” Julian grinned.
“They had a little chat. Angela Ruiz will be changing her testimony.”
“Paige didn’t hurt him, did she?” Roman asked.
“Only with her words. But I wouldn’t be surprised if the DeLuca Family takes matters into their own hands where he’s concerned.”
“That guy was always a prick. I knew something was off with him,” Julian said.
“There’s something else I need to tell you. Paige is pregnant. We’re having a baby.”
“What?” Roman grinned. “Seriously?”
“Wow, bro. Congratulations.” Julian smiled.
“Thanks.”
“How do you feel about it?” Roman asked. “Are you ready to be a father?”
“Better question. Is Paige ready to become a mother?” Julian asked.
“I’m not going to lie. We’re both terrified, but we’re taking it one day at a time.”
“It is terrifying.” Roman smiled. “But once you hold that baby in your arms, all that fear falls away.”
“That’s true.” Julian nodded.
“Don’t mention this to Dad or the moms. Paige and I want to tell them together.”
“We won’t,” Roman said. “Right, Julian?” He reached over and elbowed him.
“Ouch, bro. No. We won’t say a word.”
The phone on my desk buzzed. “What is it, Amanda?”
“The District Attorney’s office is on line one for you.”
“Thanks, Amanda. Parker Hamilton,” I said.
“Parker, It’s Stone.”
“Mr. District Attorney. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I stared at my brothers.
“I wanted to let you know that ADA Benton is no longer on the Marsden case or working for us. ADA Waters will be taking over.”
“Why? What happened?”
“He resigned. He said something about his sick mother, and he had to leave town to take care of her.”
“What a shame. Thanks for letting me know.”
“Well, that was fast,” Julian said.
“He can’t hide forever from the DeLuca Family. They’ll eventually find him,” Roman said.
“Not our problem. You play with fire. You get burned.”
One Month Later
I walked into the store and over to the glass cases lit from below, where rows of diamond rings glistened. An older woman behind the counter walked over with a smile.
“Can I help you?”
I tucked my hands into my pants pockets. “I’m looking for a ring.”
“Engagement?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
“Do you have something specific in mind?” the woman asked.
I stared at the rings, but none of them felt like Paige.
“Not yet.”
“Tell me about her,” she said.
“She’s not traditional, and she doesn’t do anything the way people expect her to.”
“So, she’s strong and independent?”
“Yes.” I smiled. “She’s one of the strongest I’ve ever met and extremely independent.”
“Come with me,” she said, leading me to another case in the back filled with more diamonds.
I scanned the rings, row by row. One quickly caught my attention.
“Can I see that one?” I pointed.
“Excellent choice.” She removed the ring and handed it to me.
I held it up and examined it. A beautiful white-gold 2-carat oval-cut diamond sat at the center, with smaller diamonds circling the band. I pictured in my mind how it would look on her finger.
“I’ll take it.”
“Would you like to know the price first?” she asked.
“Doesn’t matter. She’s worth every penny.” I smiled.
After heading back to the office and showing my brothers the ring, I went home. I was surprised when I pulled into the driveway and saw Paige’s car.
Stepping inside the house, I set my briefcase down and loosened my tie.
“Paige?” I called out.
“Upstairs.”
I walked up the stairs and stopped when I stepped into the bedroom. Paige was standing sideways in front of the full-length mirror, with her hand on her belly.
“I’m starting to show,” she said.
A smile crossed my lips as I took off my suit coat, tossed it on the bed, and walked over to her. Wrapping my arms around her, my hands covered her belly, feeling the baby bump that was already forming.
“Now, it’s real,” she said. “I mean, I knew it was real. But now it’s evident.”
“Are you okay?” I asked, sensing a different tone in her voice.
“I am. I guess I’m going to have to go shopping for some new clothes.”
“I guess you will.” I kissed the back of her head. “I have a feeling our baby is going to grow fast.”
“I’ll be fat.”
“You’re beautiful.”
I wanted to plan the perfect proposal. It’s all I thought about all day.
I thought about whisking her away to a tropical island, just the two of us.
I thought about having a romantic dinner.
But this. Standing with her in front of the mirror, staring at her belly that had grown overnight.
I couldn’t wait. I didn’t want to. I needed to ask her at this moment.
“I have something for you,” I said.
“You do?” A bright smile crossed her lips.
“Don’t move.” I walked over to the bed where my suit coat lay and pulled out the small red velvet box. Standing in front of her, I flipped the lid open as my heart raced.
“Parker.” She cupped her hand over her mouth.
“Listen to me. I know we never talked about marriage. But it’s been on my mind for a long time. And not just since you told me about the baby. I was thinking long before that. And you know why?”
She shook her head.
“Because I love you, I’m in love with you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
You changed me, Paige. You made me a better man.
And when I see my future, all I see is you and our baby.
And maybe a couple more.” I smirked. “Will you marry me, Paige Winters? You’re already my girlfriend and best friend.
Now, I need you to be my wife and my partner for life. ”
“Yes.” She grinned. “I will marry you, Parker Hamilton.”
“Shit. I did this all wrong,” I said, getting down on one knee. “Can I start over?”
“Yes.” She laughed.
“Will you marry me, Paige Winters?” I took hold of her hand.
“Yes. I would be honored to become Mrs. Parker Hamilton.”
I pulled the ring from the box and slipped it on her finger. I let out a sigh of relief when it fit perfectly. Standing up, I wrapped my arms around her and spun her around.
“You have no idea how happy you make me.” I kissed her.
“I do. Because you make me just as happy.”
I picked her up and carried her to the bed, where we made love the rest of the night and discussed when we would tell our family.