Grace Under Pressure

Chapter Fifteen

"Gracie-Face, why do I get the distinct impression that you're worried about something?" Perry seemed to be staring me down from across the dinner table.

"You know I'm worried about my brother and going home to Kent," I reminded him as I took a sip of my water.

Perry nodded. "I know you're worried about those things. That's not what I'm talking about and you know it. What has you so worried that you came home after a full shift and cooked my favorite meal? This lasagna takes three hours just to cook and at least an hour's worth or prep. I've watched you make it before, sweetheart."

Damn. He was way too observant for my own good. Even though I knew what I needed to tell him, I couldn't get the words to leave my mouth.

Perry just smirked and shook his head. "Let me try this another way. How far along are you, baby?"

My mouth fell open and I almost had to pick my jaw up off the wooden table. "You knew?"

Perry chuckled. "Not for sure but I suspected, yes. I'm a doctor. I'm trained to notice when my girl's jugs increase in size."

"Judging by the jokes I take it you're not upset about this kid either?"

Perry shook his head. "Birth control isn't just on you, baby. It'll be work," he nodded. "But we can do this."

"We really need to get on the search for a house with a baby coming," I pointed out. "I'd like all four kids to have their own rooms."

"I already put a call in to my realtor last week," Perry shook his head and smiled. "Now, how about instead of worrying about all the logistics you get over here so I can kiss the hell out of you?"

I grinned as I stood from my seat and walked around the table. Perry pulled me into his lap and buried his fingers in my hair, bringing my mouth down to his for a long, steamy kiss.

"I love you, Grace," he spoke against my lips. "And I'll love any child you bring into this house, natural or otherwise, just as much as I love Jack and Jennifer. Got it?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat as I nodded. "Got it...and I love you too."

Perry leaned forward and playfully nipped at my neck. "I'd very much like you to prove that to me after dinner, baby, but I still have one question that I need you to answer for me." His hand went into his pocket and he pulled out something that I couldn't see because he purposefully kept it out of my line of sight.

"What?" I leaned my head against his shoulder. With the stress of my secret off my shoulders, I was feeling very relaxed and sleepy.

Perry brought his closed fist up to where I could see it and he opened his hand. Sitting in his palm was a simple, elegant diamond and gold ring. "Will you marry me, Grace?"

Screw being sleepy. I was now wide awake.