Page 90 of Sexting His Son's Ex

He chuckles when he notices Jovie’s head tossed back and her hands rubbing the globe of her belly.

“Better?” I kiss the side of her head.

“So much.”

The judges finally come out of the exhibit, showing no emotion on their faces. Jovie tries to push herself out of the seat and I press my hands on her shoulders to shove her down.

“Don’t even think about it,” I say through a smile.

Jovie wants to roll her eyes but stops herself when the judges surround her. “Sorry for sitting. She was kicking me so hard and usually she stops when I sit.”

“You can sit for as long as you like, Jovie. As you are the winner of the Twenty-Fifth Annual Floral Conference Show. Congratulations, and you will receive a check of one-hundred thousand dollars. You created a beautiful escape. I wish we could preserve it forever. It’s gorgeous.”

A hundred thousand dollars is change in my pocket. Jovie doesn’t ever have to worry about money with me, but I know how important this is to her. She worked hard for this. This money is hers and hers alone and I couldn’t be prouder.

She jumps out of the chair pretty fast for seven months pregnant. “I won? I really won?” She screams, bouncing on her feet. “Oh my God!” She covers her face when she starts to cry and I swoop in, swirling her around. “I did it. I won!”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to present to you the winner of the Twenty-Fifth Annual Floral Conference Show including one-hundred thousand dollars and the chance to provide flowers for a celebrity’s wedding, Jovie Morgan!” The entire convention claps and cheers, the sound reminding me of a football stadium after a touchdown.

Yet it all fades when I look into Jovie’s eyes. She did this. She accomplished this on her own. “I’ve never been more proud of you,” I whisper.

She kisses me in front of all these strangers, and I cup the back of her head, knowing it’s me who really won here.

After the check is handed over, the celebrations end faster than I expected, and everyone starts to pack up their belongings to leave. A lot of exhibitors leave their projects behind to be thrown away, but I’d never do that to my Jovie. I’ve called for a refrigerated truck to haul this back home. I’m going to do my best to preserve it forever. There has to be a way and I’m going to figure it out.

“Ready?” She asks, the smile still glued to her face.

I hold out my hand for her to take. “Almost.”

She eyes me quizzically, slipping her palm across mine. I tug her behind me, spinning her until we are in the middle of the room. Instrumental string music plays in soft hushed tones from the corner, adding to the otherworldly experience.

What a better way to propose than doing so in the sanctuary she built to show our love?

The twinkling lights resemble stars above us as we dance. I tug her close, her belly bumping against mine and I smile, the kind that shows how lucky of a man I am. I brush my fingers through her hair, appreciating every beautiful part of her.

“I love you.”

She has her cheek pressed against my chest and tilts her head up to look at me, blinking those amazing copper eyes I’m obsessed with. “I love you, too.”

“No, I mean, I fucking love you, Jovie. I’m in awe of you every day. I love how you see the world, bright and beautiful like the art you create with your flowers. In the dark world I live in, you bring your light and remind me that there are so many reasons to live—not just exist. Flowers brought us together and I only think it’s right to have them a part of every monumental moment in our lives.”

I kneel on one knee and pluck the ring out of my pocket.

“Oh my god,” she gasps in shock.

“Jovie Morgan, will you do me the honor of being my wife? I’ll protect you always, love you for eternity, and be the best father to our children. Make me the happiest man in the world.” My heart pounds, hammering against my chest while waiting for her answer.

“Yes!” She screeches and shuffles her feet in excitement, stretching out her hand for me to slip the ringer on her finger. “Of course, I’ll marry you!”

I do and the diamond shines nearly as bright as she does. “The perfect fit.”

She beams at me through watery eyes and all I can do is thank the universe for giving me a second chance.

Jovie pulled me from the gray, and now, I’m obsessed with copper.

No flower could ever compare.

The End.