Page 121 of Eleven of a Kind

“Bye, Dad. Be safe.” Riley hugged me. “Tell Uncle Carter good luck.”

“Thanks, sweetheart. I will. Be good for Piper while I’m gone.”

“You act like I’m a child.”

“You are.” I kissed her forehead and grabbed my bag.

Walking out the front door, the entire family was waiting for Grayson and me. After hugging them and saying goodbye, Grayson and I climbed into the car waiting for us and headed to Shaun’s plane.

“I’m going to ask Piper to marry me when we get back.” I glanced at Grayson as the plane took off.

“You are?”

“Yep. If there’s one thing this whole thing has taught me, it’s that life’s too short. I love that woman more than life and want her to be my wife.” I smiled.

“I’m proud of you, bro.” He hooked his arm around me. “Have you talked to Riley about it?”

“Yeah. I did yesterday, and she gave her full blessing. Piper’s birthday is next week, and that’s when I want to propose, so I have to think of something special.”

“Don’t worry. We’ll all help you with that,” he said. “Our village will come together and make it a moment neither of you will ever forget.”

CHAPTER41

Gabriel

Carter’s transplant went well, and after spending a few days with him at the hospital, it was time for us to head back home. Not only were we there with him, but the entire family was via Facetime every day. He was our brother, the newest member of the Kind family, and we all welcomed him with open arms. After we landed, my brother and I stopped at the jeweler to look at engagement rings.

“Do you know her ring size?” Grayson asked.

“I do.” I grinned. “Riley found out for me.”

“And that didn’t make Piper suspicious?”

“No. Riley tried on the ring that Piper wears on her right hand, and when it was too big on her, she asked what size it was.”

“Ah, smart girl.” He smiled.

It didn’t take long for me to find the perfect diamond ring for her. The moment I saw it, I knew it belonged on her finger. Her birthday was tomorrow, and all of my plans were in motion thanks to the help of my family.

* * *

“Happy birthday, babe.” I leaned down and kissed her lips.

“Thank you, my love. You still haven’t told me what you have planned for us today.”

“I wanted it to be a surprise, but if you must know, we’re spending the day alone on the yacht, where we’ll make love, jet ski, swim, and anything else you want to do. Then, when we return, we’ll have dinner with Riley. Your birthday party with the family is tomorrow. I wanted you all to myself today.” I winked.

“You are the best boyfriend ever, Dr. Kind. I can’t wait to spend the day alone with you.”

“Me either, babe.”

We got up, dressed, and headed to the marina while my family stayed back and got everything prepped for tonight, making sure it was as special as I wanted it to be.

As promised, we made love on the boat, did some jet skiing, swam in the ocean, had a few drinks, and danced the day away.

“This was the best birthday ever.” Piper smiled as I held her in my arms, and we swayed back and forth on the deck.

“Good. That’s exactly how I wanted it to be. I love you, and all I want is to make you happy.” My lips met hers.