Page 115 of The Protection Agreement

“Bruce,” I correct with a smile, which makes her grin.

“Bruce Darcy Powell, will you please marry me and have a baby with thick, full, and curly hair with me?” she asks, smiling and fluttering her lashes, like we are role playing, but I am taking this seriously.

“Yes, I’ll marry you, Alexis Doherty,” I say, a rush of emotion moving through me.

“Yay!” She claps, gets up, and stumbles back to her seat. She turns to Ice. “I’m engaged. He said yes.” She points to me, then grabs Ice’s untouched drink and takes a sip. I signal to Ice to stop recording.

“Jola, are you ready to get married?” I ask.

“Yes,” she shouts. “I’m marrying Mr. Darcy!” she exclaims.

I turn to Ice. “Have Malik find me the closest place to get married tonight, with everything I need,” I say.

“Are you sure about this?” he asks. “She’s unaware of what’s going on.”

“I know. That is why I am moving forward tonight.”

“I don’t like this,” Ice says. A waiter comes to clear the table.

“I’m engaged to him,” she tells the waiter, then winks at me.

“Congratulations,” the waiter replies.

“Thank you.” Jola grins.

“I don’t think you should do this,” Ice warns.

“I’m marrying her, and only because I love her and she loves me. No other reason. This is just a step toward our happy ending.”

“Promise me this is real for you.”

“I promise,” I answer, not taking my eyes off my beautiful fiancée.

“Okay, let’s get you married,” he says to Jola.

Within thirty minutes, we have a license, cheap rings, and a chapel. I need this done fast before she falls asleep. Everyone we meet, she happily tells them she just got engaged to the cutest guy and that I am all hers. She stays close to me, laughing and giggling. Ice stays behind her, ready to catch her if she falls. I ask him to record the ceremony. She will need it.

Our vows are quick, and I make sure our kiss is one she will remember. When I pull back, she says, “I love you, Bruce.”

For a moment, she seems fully aware.

“I love you, Mrs. Powell,” I say, and she grins before adding,

“Bruce, I’m tired. Can we go home?” she mumbles.

I lift her into my arms and carry her to the car. During the drive, she holds onto me tightly, like she is making sure I cannot leave. At the hotel, I carry her up to our room. I take off her clothes and put my shirt on her. Then I call Declan’s jeweler about the ring I already had made for her. I need it delivered tonight. I do not want her waking up to a cheap ring. The ring arrives four hours later.

Ice stops by when it does. “Are you sure about this?” he asks, still concerned.

“A thousand percent sure,” I answer. I know he is worried about her, but he does not need to be.

I slip the ring onto her finger, then get into bed beside my wife. For a moment, with her in my arms, everything settles. The reality sinks in.

I am married to A J Lloyd.

I kiss her temple, knowing the question will come, whether I have truly crossed the hurdles of A J Lloyd, the father.

Chapter sixty-nine