Page 48 of One Hot Daddy

Jennifer

"You need to explain that to me again, Fletcher."I'm lying in bed next to the man I love, but nothing he's told me in the last ten minutes makes any sense.He might as well be talking Swahili."Are you saying only American women are allowed at this bizarre event?That can't be what you meant, but you need to explain the situation a little better.My head is swimming."

His lips quirk into a lopsided smile."I felt the same way when Dominic laid out the Club's plans."

"So, the 'club' really is just for Americans?"

"No, no, not only American women," Fletcher explains, running his hand through his already-mussed hair."The American Wives Club began with American women who married Scottish men, but now it includes British couples too."

I prop myself up on one elbow and study his face.The worry lines around his eyes have deepened since yesterday."So, these people---these strangers---are flying in on three private jets to...do what exactly?Reorganize our lives?Plan our wedding?Start a reality TV show?"

Fletcher lets out a bark of laughter that sounds more stressed than amused."Honestly?I'm not entirely sure.Dominic was maddeningly vague about their actual intentions."He rolls onto his side to face me properly."All I know is that my mother and Patty apparently reached out to them because they think I'm too 'uptight' and need intervention."

"Your mother thinks you need a romantic intervention?"I just manage to smother a snort of laugh."Fletcher, we're already together.We're happy.What more do they want?"

"That's exactly what I'd like to know."He shuts his eyes and groans."But with this group's reputation, they must have some elaborate scheme brewing.Marriage proposals involving flash mobs, or surprise wedding ceremonies, or God knows what else."

I sit up, staring down at him."Wait.Marriage proposals?Is that something you've been thinking about?"

Fletcher makes a sheepish face and looks away."Well, ah, I mean...would that be such a terrible thing?We might have known each other for a relatively brief time, but I already know I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.It's too soon, though, I guess.I took it slow with Claudia and look how that turned out."

"Oh, sweetie, you know I'd never treat you the way she did."

"I do know that.You've changed my life, and I'm so happy you did."He sits up, turning toward me."Will you marry me, Jennifer?"

"Are you serious?"

"Dead serious."

Joy sweeps over me, and I burst into a fit of giggling."Yes, Fletcher, I would love to marry you.Tonight, tomorrow, whenever or wherever.As soon as possible wouldn't be soon enough."

"Brilliant!"He drags me into his arms and kisses me with so much passion that it takes my breath away.

When our lips finally part, I can barely breathe."The kids will be thrilled.Amelia and Charlotte have been hinting that we should tie the knot.The boys will love it too, I'm sure."

"We should let the children know first thing in the morning."

And we wind up doing just that.

The next morning, I'm practically bursting with excitement, like a kid on Christmas morning.I wake up before Fletcher's alarm goes off, my mind already racing with thoughts of telling the children.Fletcher stirs beside me, his arm tightening around my waist.

"Morning," he mumbles against my hair."Ready for the big announcement?"

"I couldn't be more ready."I kiss his stubbled cheek."Though I'm slightly terrified of the American Wives invasion that's coming."

Fletcher groans."Don't remind me.Let's focus on one potential disaster at a time."

We wait until everyone's seated for breakfast.Fletcher makes his famous waffles while I set the table, our eyes meeting across the kitchen in secret glances that make my heart flutter like I'm sixteen again.Henry notices, of course.

"Why are you two being so weird?"he asks, syrup dripping from his chin.

"Sweetie, we're not being weird," I protest, though I can feel my cheeks heating up."We're happy, that's all."

"You're always happy," Charlotte points out, not looking up from her perfectly arranged waffle stack."This is different.Like, secret happy."

Across the table, he raises a single brow at me, and I smile with my lips sealed.Time to dive in.

Fletcher claps his fork down."Listen up, you little monsters.Jennifer and I do have something to tell you all."