Finding My Way

Chapter 30

ZOEY

On Friday, the Stone family restaurant closed at five so we could all have dinner together as a family. The entire restaurant staff participated in the dinner, and everyone's significant other got to participate, too. Grayson's dad also attended, which was nice.

This was the third week we had done this dinner, and I was now eleven weeks pregnant with Grayson by my side. He was completely over the moon in love with me, which was great. No man had ever loved me the way Gray did. He was so sweet and caring.

"Everyone, I have an announcement to make," Grayson said, standing from his dining chair. We had pushed tables together to sit like a family having Thanksgiving.

I glanced up at him, wondering what announcement he was talking about. Everyone knew I was pregnant by now, so I was clueless.

Grayson looked over at me and smiled. He pulled a small box out of his pocket, and my eyes widened. "Zoey, you and I have been through a lot together. Now you're carrying my child, and we'll start a family. I don't think I could be more in love with you than I am right now." The box popped open to reveal a silver ring with a hint of purple on the diamond. "This ring signifies a promise to you that I will always be here when you need me or our kid does. I will love you unconditionally and treat you how you deserve to be treated."

I looked at Grayson with tears of joy and accepted the ring as he slipped it onto my finger—it was the perfect fit.

Our friends surrounded us with cheers, and Grayson kissed my cheek.

A lot had gone wrong for months, but a lot had also gone right. I'd found the love of my life and spent pretty much every waking moment with him. My circle of friends kept growing, and so did my family.

Things were going steady, and Grayson was finally back at work. He cut his hours back so he couldn't overwork himself and be with me. Grayson didn't miss any more doctor's appointments and held my hand through them all. He would be the best father to our little bean, who kept growing by the day.

Today, which was Saturday, Grayson had the day off, and so did I. We decided to go on a walk with Lucky as we had before Grayson's injury. Exercise was good for both of us; sometimes, we didn't get enough.

Our neighborhood was beautiful and perfect for a growing family like ours. I knew that when summertime rolled around, the yards would be filled with kids playing, parents watering their yards, cute lemonade stands, and a street filled with joy and laughter—something I've wanted to see and experience with my own family since the passing of my parents. Now, that opportunity was finally on its way.

Grayson held my hand and Lucky's leash in his other as we walked. I leaned my head onto his shoulder and saw the few parts of the neighborhood we hadn't seen yet. All the houses looked similar except for ours, and I ensured that. I wanted to be different, so while most houses were white and beige, ours was gray and white. It wasn't a huge difference, but gave it a unique touch.

"So, what's the plan for us? A couple of dogs and kids once we get married?" Grayson asked.

I chuckled. "That sounds nice, but I was thinking, what if we get married before the baby comes? When he or she does, we will be so busy that I figured there wouldn't be time for a wedding. Plus, Madelyn and Flynn are getting married, as well as Chelsea and Riley."

"Well, that's okay with me if you want it. What do you have in mind?"

"A courthouse wedding for now, and down the road, perhaps our little one can be in the real wedding? Wouldn't that be cute?"

Grayson smiled. "Of course it would. I like the idea. It is more of an intimate setting for us now, and we celebrate with family and friends later. It can be as big of a wedding as you want."