Page 30 of Own Me
As we part ways that night, I find myself contemplating the possibility of a future with him. It's a complex journey filled with uncertainties, but there's a growing belief that people can evolve, and forgiveness might be within reach. The days ahead will be a test of his sincerity, but for now, there's a chance – a chance for redemption, growth, and the possibility of a more meaningful connection with the father of my baby.
CHAPTER 18
Sterling
Iknow I promised Ayana that I would give her time, but time isn’t on our side with the baby on the way. She doesn’t know that I know of her pregnancy but it’s time to make her mine in every way. It’s been months since I’ve been on my changed course.
Today Ayana sits across my desk from me. Her arms are crossed across her chest. I once again apologized and will spend a lifetime doing so if I must. I just admitted to submitting Lux’s transfer request, and I apologized about the bracelet incident. I had something so much better than a bracelet I wanted to give her.
I finally told her the last secret I was keeping from her. “I know about the website, Ayana. I’ve known about it for the last couple of months. I was just waiting for the right time to approach you. I read your last post months ago onBosses Be Damned,” I say, rounding the desk to stand in front of her.
"You knew about the website?”
I nod.
“How long?” she asks.
“Since you first used it, right here in the office.”
Realization lights up her eyes before embarrassment darkens them. “That wasn’t for your eyes.”
“I know. I’m sorry, darling. I’m sorry I played games, and I’m sorry I invaded your privacy.”
“You’re a fucking asshole,” Ayana says, standing to look up at me.
My grin grows bigger. “I’m fully aware. Tell me something I don’t know.”
“I’m pregnant,” she blurts out and looks down at my chest.
“I’m aware of that, too,” I reply, lifting her chin to meet my eyes. When I have her full attention, I dig in my slacks pocket and pull out a black, velvet box. I drop to one knee and look up at the glorious woman who has changed my life forever. With everything that’s in me, to the bottom of my soul, I say, “Marry me.”
Ayana gasps, and her surprised, brown eyes fill with tears.
“Don’t leave me hanging, sweetheart.”
“Yes! I will marry you.” She grabs me by my shirt collar, urging me to stand.
Once on my feet, I sweep her up in my arms and swirl her around.
“Stop! You’re making me dizzy,” she says laughingly. When I stop and set her on her feet, she asks, “But how did you know I’m pregnant?”
“I always have my ways of finding out what I need to know, sweetheart.” I hold her close to my body, looking down into her gorgeous eyes. “Best remember that in the future,” I give her a teasing wink.
“You are too much, you know that?” She laughs, her chest fluttering against my body.
I shrug. “What I do know is that you just made me the happiest man in the universe.”
Ayana’s smile rivals sunshine, and I’m hopelessly in love with this woman.
“You can sweet talk me all you want, Mister Bossy Pants. You’restillan asshole.”
“I’m your asshole, for better or for worse. I’m never letting you go,” I declare and seal my promise with a searing kiss.
When we finally unlock our lips with a shared gasp, she whispers, “Still have that standing reservation at the Hilton?”
“Say no more.”
I whisk her away, counting the seconds until we’re alone in our private room.