Page 111 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy

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"Seemed symbolic."

She's crying now. Still laughing. "You're such anerd."

"Is that a yes?"

"Of course it's a yes, you beautiful disaster."

I kiss her. She kisses back. Orry shrieks and claps between us. Applause erupts. I pull back. The plaza's not empty anymore. Mrs. Lee's standing outside her shop, hands clasped. The barista from the coffee shop leans out the door, grinning. A couplenear the fountain cheers. Colum appears fromnowhere, phone raised, recording.

"Did youstagethis?" Cecie demands.

"Absolutely not," I say.

Colum waves. "I may have mentioned Gunther was acting suspicious. People noticed."

"You're a menace," Cecie says. But she's smiling.

I slide the ring onto her finger. It fits. Barely. I'll need to resize it. But right now, wearing sparkle and solder and my clumsy devotion, it's perfect.

Mrs. Lee brings champagne from somewhere. The barista produces plastic cups. Someone turns on music. It's impromptu. Chaotic.Exactly right.

Cecie leans into me, Orry balanced on her hip. "We're engaged."

"We are."

"I'm marrying a financial analyst who makes jewelry."

"You're marrying me."

"Yeah." She kisses my cheek. "I am."

The celebration spills into the coffee shop. Colum buys out the pastry case. People keep stopping by, offering congratulations, asking to see the ring. Cecie shows it off with this proud tilt to her chin that makes my chest ache.

Orry gets passed around like a trophy. He's thrilled. Loves the attention.

Around nine, Cecie excuses herself. Bathroom. She's gone longer than usual.

I'm halfway through explaining compound interest to Mrs. Lee's nephew when Cecie returns.

Her face is.Strange.

"You okay?" I ask.

"I need to talk to you."

"Now?"

"Now."

We step outside. The plaza's quieter. Cold air sharp.

"What's wrong?" I say.

"I'm pregnant."

The world tilts.

"You're—"

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