Emma catches me watching and waves me over. I smile at her and head her way. She’s been through a lot these past few weeks, but she’s handled it with grace. My girl’s heart is huge and already she’s warming up to her dad. It’s still going to take some time, but I have no doubt he’s going to make damn sure he’s a part of her life. I see it when he looks at her, or her mom. He loves them both. They say you don’t know love until that of your child. Whether or not that’s true, I’m not sure, but I know the love of a good woman, and that’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Emma
Landon never takes his eyes off me. It doesn’t matter where he is in the room, I can look up and find him watching me. I smile at him and that’s all the invitation he needs to join us. I stand to greet him, telling Trent to take my spot next to Luna.
“Hey,” I say when he’s close to me.
He bends to give me a kiss. “Hey, freckles.” He nods toward Luna. “You ready for one of those?”
“Are you?” I counter. I’m ready. I want nothing more than to start our life together. That includes having kids.
“Yes.”
“Really?” I’m surprised by his answer.
“We can start tonight.”
“Hold up, Number Eighteen. I think you’re rushing the pass a little.”
He throws his head back and laughs. “I love that you know football. Have I told you that?”
“You have.” I chuckle. “Although, we’re going to have to hold off for a bit.”
“Why’s that?” he asks. His eyes are soft as he stares down at me.
“Well, it just hit me that I’m going to be married to a Trojan. I think I need to take some time and ponder this agreement.” I hold up my hand and wiggle my fingers, showing off my engagement ring. “I at least need to let AJ have a—” He cuts me off with a kiss.
“Mine, Emma. You are mine. You are a Trojan. Our babies will be Trojans.”
“I can still cheer for the Mavs, right? You know, some good, healthy competition?”
“As long as you have my last name, and you’re wearing my jersey, I will concede some cheering for the opposite team. However, not when we play them.”
“Deal.” I stretch to kiss the corner of his mouth. “You don’t think we should be married first?” I ask, going back to our original conversation.
“That’s going to happen. But there is no law that states we have to wait until then. Hell, we can get married tonight. I’ll charter a plane. We can go to Vegas or Fiji or wherever your heart desires.”
“You’d do that?”
“I’d do just about anything to make you my wife, Emma.”
“Mid-February. Your mom and dad, and my mom and Joseph. Keep it small. That’s only a couple of months away.”
“Done. I’ll make it happen.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. Looks like you’ll be changing your name after all.”
“I don’t know. Landon Deaton has a nice ring to it.”
“Not as good as Emma Barker.”
“Hmm.” I slide my arms around his neck, clamping my hands together. “That does have a nice ring to it.” My heart is full. Landon is the man of my dreams, and I never could have imagined we would be here in this moment. What started out as a chase, ended in forever.
“Speaking of ring, yours is shining.” He smirks.
“My fiancé insisted I get it. It’s obnoxious.”
“But you love it.”
“I do. I love him too. Although, I’m not exactly sure he knows how lucky he is.”
“You don’t think so? Does he kiss these freckles?” he asks, kissing the bridge of my nose.
“Every day.”
“Does he get to hold you in his arms each night?”
“He makes sure of it.”
“Does he tell you how beautiful you are?”
“Without fail.”
“Trust me, he knows he’s lucky.”
“You think so? Do you think he’d still feel that way if I told him he was going to be a daddy?”
He freezes, his body going stiff. “What did you just say?”
I nod, unable to speak through the tears in my eyes.
“We’re having a baby?” he asks reverently.
“Y-Yes.” I’m able to croak out.
“Emma,” he breathes as my feet leave the floor. He lifts me, holding my body close to his, his face buried in my neck. I don’t know how long we stand this way, but when he finally sets me back on my feet, his number thirteen eyes are misty with tears. “I can’t believe we’re here right now. That I finally have everything I’ve ever wanted in my arms.”
“Good surprise?”
“Damn good surprise. You’re right, Em. I am one lucky bastard.”