There is one good thing that came out of all of the media attention. Well, two things actually. One, Caroline moved to Hermosa Beach. Joseph insisted he get her a place in my building, so we’re neighbors for now. I don’t see that lasting long. In fact, if he had his way, she would have just moved straight into his place—his new place. However, my future mother-in-law is adamant she won’t live with a married man. She’s keeping him at arm’s length in that aspect of their relationship. Other than a slight peck on the lips and some hand holding, he’s in the dark until the ink is on the papers. He has connections, and called in some favors. The divorce should be finalized next week.
And the second thing? Emma moved in with me. It was an easy decision when she came home from work to reporters camped out on her lawn. My building is secure, and she’s safer there. Besides, she stays with me most of the time anyway. We have an appointment next week with a realtor to list her place, and to start looking for a home of our own. We need a bigger place for our growing family. The one that I hope we start sooner rather than later. In the meantime, until I convince her, we’ll have to settle with bringing home one of the dogs from the shelter. Nothing says committed and domesticated more than buying a house and getting a dog together. Well, you know, unless you count the rock on her finger.
If you’d told me that day at training camp when I first met Emma that this is where we would be, I would have laughed my ass off. I never could have imagined we’d be engaged and planning our lives together. I never dreamed I’d be standing at a baby shower, and wondering how long it’s going to take to convince my future wife that this is our next step. Starting a family.
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
