Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96833 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“Alex is a wonderful name. How’s he doing?” he asked.
“He’s doing great, Dad. But I need to let you know something.”
“Okay…”
My father and I had spoken right after I gave birth, but I hadn’t told him all the latest developments.
“I’ve decided to stay here in the UK. I’m in love with Alex. And I’m in love with Sig. They’re my family, and they need me here.”
My father didn’t immediately say anything, so I feared he might be upset.
“Does that mean you don’t get the money?” After a few seconds’ pause, he burst out into laughter. “I’m kidding. I’m kidding.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll compensate her very well—with Devil Dogs and kisses.”
Dad beamed. “That’s great news, honey. I’m happy for you.”
“Well, I’m relieved you feel that way. I figured maybe you’d be a little sad, even if you’re happy for me.”
“Abby, I saw this coming a mile away.”
“It means I can’t be there for you the way I want to be. And it also means my dream of reopening the store will have to die.”
He shook his head. “You owe me nothing. Your mother would be so happy for you right now. The last thing she’d be thinking about is the store. I’ll start calling some of the other vendors in the area to see what stock we can unload on them. Don’t you worry about anything except that little baby.”
“I hope we can get you to move here once you retire. Alex needs his Grampy.”
Phil leaned over me to speak into the phone. “You can be Grampy. I’ll be Grumpy.”
“Never thought I’d share a grandchild with my best friend.” My father’s eyes looked glassy.
Phil grinned. “Crazy how life comes full circle, huh?”
“I’m honored to be his Grampy,” my father said. “And I certainly will have to get my ass over there because I don’t want to miss all the important milestones.”
“There’s one milestone you’re not going to miss, Roland,” Sig interrupted. “Because it’s about to happen right now.”
“What’s that?” Dad asked.
I looked over at Sig, confused.
“While I have you on the phone, I need to ask something,” Sig said.
“Okay?”
He sucked in a breath. “Can I have your permission for your daughter’s hand in marriage?”
My heart lurched. What?
Dad’s eyes went wide. “Are you serious?”
“I am.” Sig let out a shaky breath. He’s nervous. “I know this is normally done in private,” he told my dad. “But I can’t wait. I’d planned to call you tonight. But since you’re on the phone now and since most of the people who are important to me are here, I figured, why not? Anyway, I can’t do it without your blessing.”
Dad chuckled. “I don’t think your biggest obstacle is me, buddy. Of course you have my blessing, if this is what Abby wants. But I think you need to ask her and find out.”
“If you say so, sir…” Sig reached into his pocket and took out a small, black velvet pouch.
Oh my God. Is this really happening now?
Sig turned to me. “Abby, I know you weren’t expecting this today. And honestly, I was going to wait for us to be home and settled. But with your dad on the phone, there’s no time like the present.” He knelt by my bed. “As I was walking my parents out earlier, I told my mother there would be no more secrets between us. I let her know I planned to ask you to marry me. She said she knew you were the one for me when you stood up for us that day she came to lunch and found out about the pregnancy. Without even knowing my plans, my mother brought something to give me today.” He loosened the strings to the pouch. “She likely didn’t expect me to propose today, either. But this ring has been burning a hole in my pocket. It belongs on your finger, and I don’t want to wait to give it to you.” He took out the sparkler. “This is a family heirloom. My nan’s wedding ring. Our grandmother was very special to me and Leo. Nan was one of my biggest supporters. She was devastated after Britney died and naturally very worried about me. She apparently gave this ring to my mother before she passed away. She specifically instructed Mum to give it to me, should I fall in love again. She told my mother she believed it would take a very special person to make that happen. She wanted her wedding ring to go to that woman.” He turned to Leo. “And clearly this proves once and for all that I was Nan’s favorite.”
Leo chuckled and stuck up his middle finger.
Sig returned his attention to me. “She would’ve loved you.” He held the ring out. “I love you, Abby, with all of my heart and soul. You saved my life and made me happier than I could’ve imagined. Alex and I are so lucky to have you. He needs you as his mother. And I need you as my wife. Will you marry me?”