Chapter 72
Seventy-Two
B utch heads to his parents’ house so we can pick up Emmy en route to heading home. Maybe for the first time, I truly, bone-deep, believe it’s also my home. Where I belong. With my family. That’s about to be legal since he’s making an “honest woman” out of me. I smile broadly at that.
The tires crunch down the familiar drive, and I’m reminded of my first glimpse of this haven over a year ago.
Looks like Liz and her brood are here, plus Jerri’s parents, which means we can tell them the good news.
I glance at Butch wondering if this was his plan all along and discover he’s wearing a shameless grin.
Before he’s opened my car door, family members stream onto the porch with Emmy running full tilt down the stairs and straight for us.
She barrels into me, throwing her arms around my legs, her head angling toward mine. “Did you say yes? Did you say yes?”
“I absolutely said yes!”
She screams, hugging me tighter, and my heart flips. She really does want this.
One by one, we’re congratulated, embraced, and kissed. My entire being beams with unbridled, unfiltered happiness—like a sunray.
When we get home, I have a few calls to make, the first to my parents, who both get on the call.
They aren’t surprised…because unbeknownst to me, Butch called and asked my father for his blessing after sneaking the number out of my address book.
Of course he did. He’s a gentleman with values and this aligns with everything I know about this man. Correction: my fiancé .
“You’re happy for me then?” I ask.
“We haven’t met Butch,” my father answers, “but if you think he’s the right man for you, you have our blessing.”
A twinge of irritation snaps thinking back to how that was not his take on Mick. My father thought less of Mick because he was a blue-collar mechanic, assumed he didn’t have a life plan , accused him of taking advantage of me, of not being good enough for me. All shortsighted, judgmental bullshit.
“Thank you. He’s most assuredly the one for me.”
“We’re thrilled for you, honey,” my mother adds, a slight tremor in her voice. “Have you set a date or location?”
“He just proposed this morning, so no, but I’m sure we’ll discuss details soon.”
“Perhaps you can plan a trip home, and we can go dress shopping?” My mother sounds jarringly optimistic, yet I can’t imagine she’s got the energy for wedding undertakings.
Honestly, I just hope she can survive the big day without a handful of Valium and gallon of Chardonnay.
Can I even expect her to travel here, when it’s so far?
Until this minute, I assumed we’d marry in Virginia.
But maybe it should be in California…except that would require all of Butch’s family to travel. My head swims .
“Jacqui?”
“Sorry, Mom. Spaced for a second. I’m thinking about the details.”
She laughs softly. “It’s an exciting time in every woman’s life. Just let us know.”
“I will. Thank you.”
“And send us a picture of your ring!”
“We’ll be happy to help pay for the wedding,” my father inserts. “Within reason.”
Right. “That’s much appreciated.”
“Alright then, I’m sure you have other calls to make.”
“I do.”
“Give Butch our congratulations,” he adds.
They both say goodbye at the same time, and we hang up.
I phone the only other people who matter, getting a hold of Kendra and Jas (unfortunately, Kit’s not there).
It’s wonderful to catch up and hear their genuine excitement about my engagement.
I tell them about the proposal, and they squeal and sigh at all the right moments.
A pang of homesickness surfaces, and I wonder if a trip to California to see everyone and shop for my wedding dress makes sense.
“Everything good?” Butch asks.
“Mm-hmm,” I say, pushing all intrusive thoughts away and returning to riding the high of freshly engaged . My head tilts and my lips purse. “But someone didn’t tell me he asked my father for permission.”
A sly smile spreads across Butch’s face. “You think I’d half-ass something as important as this? You should know by now I have a code, do things properly.”
My eyes spark. “No argument here, Lumberjack. Although…”
“What?”
“You didn’t get on one knee.”
Butch’s eyes flare in a familiar way. “You want me on my knees, baby? You know how much I like that.” His salacious grin speaks volumes, giving me a twinge in my lady parts.
I shake my head, stifling a laugh.
He pulls me into his arms and kisses me, grabbing a big handful of my ass in the process. “Hello there, sexy fiancée.”
I return a languid smile. “God, I like the sound of that.”
“I like the sound of my wife even better.”
“Mmm… possessive .”
“You have no idea,” he murmurs. “You’re mine. Forever trapped in my net now, gorgeous girl.” He traces my lips with his finger. “Mine.” Grabs my ass again. “Mine.” Rubs between my legs. “Mine.” Caresses my breasts. “Mine.” Lands on my heart. “All fucking mine.”