“I love you, I love you, I love you!”
Kissing her passionately, I almost made love to her right then and there, but Capri walked in with Emily beside her. Through my craze, I didn’t close the door.
“Daddy!” The expression on my baby girl’s face almost brought me to my knees.
I let go of Autumn, and Capri jumped into my arms.
“You’re here!” Capri celebrated. “You came for us! I knew you would! I just knew it!”
Holding her close, I pulled Autumn into the side of my chest. Embracing both my girls after what felt like forever of missing them.
My world.
My heart.
My soul.
Was finally with me, and I was never going to let them go again.
Chapter THIRTY-SEVEN
—Autumn—
“Momma!” Capri exclaimed, running into the kitchen with a little ball of fur in her arms. “Look what Daddy brought me home!”
“Oh my God, no he did not.”
Julian walked in after her. “Capri! I told you to let me talk to your momma first. Now I’m in trouble.”
“Oh, yes you are, Mr. Locke.”
“We just flew back this morning, and I’m already Mr. Locke?”
“You bought her a puppy? Without even discussing it with me first?”
“I was planning to, but Capri beat me to it.”
“You’re supposed to discuss it with me before you buy the puppy, Julian.”
He grinned. “Is that the way it works? I got it confused, but thanks for clearing that up for next time.”
“Next time?”
“But, Momma, look how cute he is!”
I rolled my eyes, shaking my head.
“Kid, it’s just a puppy.”
“A puppy I’m going to have to take care of.”
“Not true, he’s my puppy. I will be responsible for him. I promise.”
I shook my head again. “I’m not going to win this one, am I?”
“I think you already lost, Momma. The puppy is here.”
“You’re not winning me any points with your mother, Capri.”
She giggled. “Sorry, Daddy.”
For the rest of the afternoon, we played with Capri’s new Miniature Cockapoo. He was adorable, weighing only five pounds.
Later that night while Julian was putting Capri to bed, I listened at the door without them knowing.
“Daddy, I knew you’d come and get us. I just knew it.”
“And now I’m going to make sure you stay forever.”
What did he mean by that?
“That’s a good idea, just in case Momma gets mad at you again.”
“Baby, Momma is definitely going to get mad at me again.”
“Facts.”
I scoffed out a chuckle. She truly was too smart for her own good.
“Would you like me to make sure you guys are here forever, baby?”
“I would love that, Daddy. I think it’s a very good idea.”
“Good. You can cuddle your puppy for a little while longer, but he needs to sleep in his crate, okay?”
“Okay, I promise. I’ll be a good girl and put him in there before I fall asleep.”
Yeah, that wasn’t going to happen.
I made a mental note to circle back before I went to bed, knowing she was going to sleep with that puppy if I didn’t. To say I wasn’t nervous to be sharing a bed with Julian would be a complete lie. I was so freaking anxious I couldn’t control the emotions.
Making my way back to our bedroom, I jumped in the shower to wash away the unease I was experiencing. After I was done, I slipped on my cream silk robe, and when I walked back into the room Julian was sitting on the edge of the bed, waiting for me.
“You’re nervous,” he stated, fully aware he was the reason.
“Maybe.”
He grabbed my hand, tugging me forward to stand in between his legs. “Why the anxiety, kid?”
I shrugged.
“Don’t give me that.”
“Well, we haven’t had sex in over a decade, so I think that’s reason enough.”
He smiled. “Oh, we’re having sex tonight?”
“Julian … don’t tease me.”
“But you used to love it when I teased you, especially when you were sitting on my face.”
Arousal crept through every inch of my body, and my skin heated immediately.
However, it quickly decreased the second he informed, “Your house in San Diego went on the market the moment your feet touched my plane, Autumn.”
My mouth dropped open. “Julian! I didn’t say I was selling my home.”
“It isn’t your home anymore. This is our home.”
“What if I wanted to use it for investment purposes, like renting it out?”
“I’m worth 3.2 billion. You don’t need the money.”
“Exactly, you’re worth that. Not me.”
“How many times do I have to tell you that what’s mine is yours?”
“We’re not married—”
I almost fell to my ass when he simply stated, “Marry me.”
—Julian—
There was no hesitation on my part. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a Cartier ring box.
Her eyes went wide as I opened the box, showing her a five-karat princess cut diamond ring.
“That ring probably costs as much as my house, Julian.”
I nodded. “Give or take.”
I pulled it out of the box and slid it down her ring finger. “Perfect fit.”