Dirty Little Secret

Chapter 73

A month later
Central Park
Noon

Kristina, Tony & Sophia are taking a carriage ride around Central Park to celebrate Sophia's birthday. She is officially one years old today. Sophia is standing up on the seat while Tony & Kristina hold her close.
"Look Sophia. Look at the doggy over there", Tony says pointing to his left. A woman walking her chunky bulldog smiles at them.

When the carriage ride ends, they head back home. Genevieve, Javier, Maria, Angelina, & David are setting up the penthouse for a small birthday party. Tony, Kristina & Sophia arrive thirty minutes later.
"There's the birthday girl!", Angelina says. Angelina picks up Sophia & David walks over to them.
"May I speak to you both in private?"

Tony & Kristina exchange a glance.
"Sure." The three of them walk into the bedroom & David closes the door.
"What's going on? Are you okay?", Kristina asks.
"I want yours & Tony's permission. I want to propose to Angelina tonight."
Kristina is a bit shocked.
"Wow. That's great but are you sure you don't want to propose another time?"
"Well, I don't mean to spoil my granddaughter's day but I also want to do this around people we love."

"Kris? What do you think?", Tony asks. Kristina hugs her dad.
"You deserve to be happy, daddy. Mom would've wanted that. I mean, she's practically family anyway."
"So, will it be alright?", David asks.
"Yes. Plus, when you guys get married I get a sister so win-win for us all", she chuckles. David cannot stop grinning as he pulls them both into a hug.

"Thank you both so much. I have no idea how much I love you." They pull apart.
"We love you too", Tony replies.
"Do you have the ring?", Kristina asks.
"Kris", Tony nudges. David pulls out the box from his pocket. He opens it & it's a simple gold band with a round halo diamond rose.
"Dad. It's gorgeous", she compliments.
"Think she'd like it?"

"She's going to love it." He closes the box & puts it back in his pocket.
"Thank you. This means alot to me."
"Of course, dad. Now let's get back out there before they wonder what's taking so long." They leave the room right after & walk into the living room.
"Everything alright?", Genevieve asks.
"Yeah everything's good." The elevator doors open & out walks Rhodey with Happy.

"Rhodey! You made it", Kristina says happily.
"Couldn't miss my niece's birthday", he replies as they hug. When they pull away, he hands her a gift bag.
"Thanks but you didn't have to get her anything."
"Yes, he did. He's been absent long enough", Tony adds.
"Good to see your face too", Rhodey says as they hug.

When they pull away he asks, "where's my niece?" Genevieve brings Sophia & hands her over to Rhodey.
"Hey, birthday girl. It's uncle Rhodey." Sophia smacks his face happily.
"Sophia. Don't be mean", she says.
"Oh, it's fine", Rhodey replies. Tony whispers in Kristina's ear.
"Cupcake time." Kristina & Tony go to the fridge & pull out the cupcakes.

Tony grabs the candle while Kristina unpackages the cupcakes. They take one of them out & Tony places the lit candle in the middle of the cupcake.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday", Tony & Kristina say. Everyone joins in.
"Happy birthday dear Sophia, happy birthday to you."
"Blow out the candle", Tony says. Sophia tries to blow out the candle a few times so Kristina blows it out for her. Everyone claps for Sophia.

Rhodey places Sophia in her high chair & after he takes the candle out, he unwraps the foil so Sophia can eat the cupcake. Everyone grabs one & devours it. David clears his throat.
"Can I have everyone's attention, please", he says. Everyone turns to look at David.
"I can't believe my little angel is now a year old. Time flies, huh. Anyway, I've been meaning to do this & I decided to just wing it so here goes nothing." He takes a deep breath & looks over at Angelina.