Chapter 26 #2
“How is Alexandra doing?” Evelyn asked, grasping Isobel’s hand and planting a kiss on her cheek.
“Xavier said she’s doing well. Since she was a week past her due date, they were going to induce, but she ended up going into labor on her own.
It went fast and she only pushed for about thirty minutes, which is why he didn’t get a chance to call us sooner.
He said she did wonderfully, and the baby is healthy and beautiful.
He’s going to text me some photos and videos shortly. ”
Rosie piped up from where she was now wedged between Oliver and me. “What’s the baby’s name?”
Isobel smiled at her youngest. “Aiden Francis.”
Evelyn clasped a hand to her heart. “Oh, that’s lovely.” Leroy put an arm around her, sharing in the emotions of this first grandchild being named for his late father.
Rosie looked up at me, then Oliver, lowering her voice so only we could hear her. “Oh good, he didn’t steal a good name from you guys.”
I stifled a snort of laughter, redirecting it into a cough. Oliver’s eyes widened, quickly glancing at me before reprimanding his sister. “Rosalind! That’s not nice.”
Rosie shrugged. “He deserves it. He being Xavier, of course, not Baby Aiden. I plan to totally spoil that kid. I’m Cool Aunt Rosie now.”
Oliver and I returned to my suite a while later, where I found a large gift box on the coffee table in the sitting room.
“You weren’t kidding about presents, hmm?” I said, pinching his side where I knew he was secretly ticklish.
He jumped, swatting my hand away instinctively. “Behave.”
“Or what, you’ll punish me?”
He pinned me with a gaze that made my core go molten. “You know I will, Laidie. But first thing’s first.”
He guided me to the settee, draping his arm behind me as we sat, our thighs pressed together.
“Before I start with your gifts, I want to make sure you’re okay,” he said, rubbing his thumb along my shoulder.
I turned toward him, eyeing him inquisitively. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Xavier’s baby being born on your birthday.”
I sighed, nodding and pausing to think before I responded.
“No, I really am okay, I think. There was a brief moment where I felt a pang of jealousy, but I was mostly just relieved to hear that everything went well for them. I don’t begrudge them their happiness.
” Oliver raised an eyebrow skeptically. I laughed.
“I know you two have a long and complicated history, and don’t get me wrong—I don’t think he has handled things correctly these last several months.
But I hope he finds happiness and peace.
It seems like he could use some of both. ”
Oliver kissed me on my temple. “You really are the best person I know.”
I squeezed his thigh, unable to come up with just the right words to convey how his words made me feel.
He continued, “And now for your gifts. There are three.”
I groaned. “Ollie, that’s too much.”
“Hush now. First: At today’s Council meeting, we finalized a date to vote on the marriage law and for you to present to the Council about the free meal program. I convinced them to set aside most of the session for you. The meeting will be next week; will that be enough time for you to prepare?”
My heart swelled. “Yes, absolutely. I’ve been making some notes and speaking to some people already. Would it be all right if I bring in a few families to share about their experiences as part of my presentation?”
Oliver nodded. “Whatever you need, we will make it happen.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, love. Okay, next…” He leaned forward and grabbed the gift box, placing it in my lap. There was a mischievous glint in his eye that made me take pause.
“Do I want to know what’s in here?”
“Just open it,” he answered, waggling his eyebrows at me.
I slowly lifted the lid from the box and peeked inside. I slammed the lid shut again as I realized what it contained, heat flooding my face. “Oliver!”
He laughed, nudging my hands aside as he moved the lid away. Inside was a variety of sex toys, including a blindfold, satin-lined restraints, a sizable vibrator, and— “Oliver Remington, is that a butt plug?!”
He grinned wickedly.
I smacked his arm. “You are the worst!”
“Yes, I’m sure that’s what you’ll be saying later tonight when we put some of these to use.”
I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped as he took the box from me, standing to set it on a nearby chair. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. “I suppose we’ll see about—”
My voice cut off as Oliver turned back around to face me, his face now serious, lowered himself to one knee, and pulled a velvet box out of his pocket.
My eyes widened. “Oliver, what are you doing?” I squeaked out.
His eyes locked with mine and he gently took my left hand in his. “Proposing to you.”
“But we’re already engaged! I already have a ring!”
“Adelaide, be honest with me. If you’d had your choice, would you have had me propose to you on national TV or picked out the ring I gave you?” His voice was steady. He may have phrased it as a question, but he knew the answer already.
I shook my head slowly, my mind whirring. He was right; I never would have chosen the ruby ring for myself, but I had made sure never to voice as much aloud.
His lips turned up. “That’s what I thought. So please, give me the chance to do it right this time.”
I nodded, still speechless. I felt like I was floating, weightless from the joy and love coursing through my veins.
Oliver took a deep breath, never breaking eye contact.
“All of the things I said the first time around were and are true. There has never been a moment in knowing you where I haven’t been acutely aware of your goodness or your brilliance or your beauty.
But now I understand what it feels like to have my soul entwined with yours, the intimacy of knowing and being known by you.
I plan to spend the rest of my days loving you, Laidie.
And I know that no matter what comes my way, I’ll be able to make it through because I have you by my side. ”
He let go of my hand and opened the ring box. I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.
Inside, nestled in a cushion of black velvet, was a ring I instantly recognized. The marquise diamond was set in rose gold and flanked on either side by a trio of smaller diamonds that tapered off into a thin band.
“Is that the same ring—”
“That you saw in the antique shop in London? Yes, it is.”
I stared at him, bewildered. “But I didn’t even say anything to you about it! How did you know?”
He chuckled. “I saw how you looked at it, so I snuck back out that afternoon and bought it.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but my eyes widened even more. “Wait, you have had this since then? We…we weren’t even…we hadn’t…that was before…” I sputtered
“No, but I was hopeful. I had a feeling we would get to this place eventually. I’ve been holding onto this ring as a reminder to keep fighting for you.”
I blinked back tears. This man would never cease to amaze me. “I love you,” I whispered.
He leaned up, capturing my mouth with his. The kiss was heaven, a manifestation of the love and trust and promises between us.
We pulled back and Oliver rested his forehead against mine. “Can I put it on you now?”
I uttered a sound that was part sob, part laughter. “Yes!”
He slipped the ruby ring off my finger, tucking it away before sliding the marquise ring into place. I held my hand out, admiring the way the vintage diamond sparkled.
Oliver rose to his feet, took my hands, and pulled me up beside him. Wrapping his arms around me, he said, “And now…shall we put the rest of your gifts to use?”
I threw back my head in joyful laughter before leading him to the bedroom.