Page 111 of The October Arrangement
“Are we losing millions of dollars again?”
“No.”
“Then why do you look like you’re about to tell me that you killed someone?” He leaned back in his chair.
“I don’t. I want to marry Bella.”
A smile spread across his face. “I’m sorry. What?”
“You heard me.”
“I did. I just want to hear it again.” He grinned.
“Forget it.” I stood from my chair.
“Sit your ass down, son. You want to marry Bella?”
“Yes, I do.”
“How long have you been thinking about it?”
“Since Daisy’s wedding,” I said.
“Daisy’s wedding.” His brows furrowed. “If I’m correct, that was before you told her you loved her.”
“You’re correct.” I nodded. “I don’t know, Dad. Daisy’s wedding put everything into perspective for me. What it meant, and what I saw between them that day. I want that with Bella. I don’t mean I want a wedding. I don’t give a shit about a wedding.”
“Son, you might want to keep that opinion to yourself when Bella starts planning one.”
“I mean, I want the marriage. I want her to be my wife. Her being my girlfriend isn’t cutting it anymore.”
“You’ve got it bad, son.” He laughed. “Welcome to the love club. I honestly can say that I’ve never been more proud of you.”
“I like the stupid shit, Dad.”
“What stupid shit?”
“Grocery shopping. Her dragging me to Target. Dinners. Sitting on the couch while she works and ignores me. I want all of it. I don’t want to wait another six months trying to convince myself I need more time just because I’m supposed to. As far as I’m concerned, it’s been long enough.”
“You really like the stupid shit?” he asked.
“One hundred percent. In fact, I love it.”
“Yeah. Me too.” He grinned.
“There’s more,” I said.
“Please, for the love of God, tell me she’s pregnant.”
“God, no. Shit, Dad. I’m not ready to be a father yet.”
“Then spit it out.”
“I need a ring, and I would like you to go with me.”
The expression on his face turned serious.
“Don’t make this weird.” I pointed at him.
