Page 128 of Finding Redemption

“Good. It’s about damn time!” We laugh at Ian’s words, both of us knowing he’s smiling like crazy.

“We’re actually worried about people thinking we’re rushing it.” Walker draws me closer to him. I can’t help but think it’s none of their damn business.

“Finding your heart’s counterpoint is the most important thing. Some people take a lifetime. Some of us, we know when we know. We knew when we met her. She’s your soulmate.” I fight the urge to cry at Ian’s thoughtful words. He loves his family and will do anything to help or support them. I get the feeling no one in this family would complain about us marrying.

“Thank you, Dad.” Walker smiles at me. “We’re going to call the rest. I wanted you to be first. I needed you both to know I’m going to be fine. Reese is my saving grace.”

“I love you,” I whisper but there’s no escaping Cynthia.

“You are too cute.” She sighs. “Congratulations. We love you both.”

“We’ll talk later. Love y’all,” Walker says before ending his call. He kisses me and immediately dials Riley. I adore how excited he is. My face is numb from smiling.

“What’s up?” Riley answers after two rings. I swear they have each other on speed dial.

“Just checking in. How’s our girl?” Walker twirls my hair around his finger, giving me goosebumps.

“She’s not feeling so great. He’s kickin’ her ass.” Riley sighs heavily. “She says I worry too much.”

“I’ll come see her next week,” I shout.

“Hello, my love. Why the hell are you still with asshat?” Riley chuckles, and Walker flips off the phone. I giggle, loving their banter.

“Fuck you.” Walker smirks. “We wanted to let you know she said yes.”

“Seriously? Like, y’all are engaged?” Riley exclaims, and a scream in the background makes us laugh. “Why would you marry him? Oh, yeah. I was taken.” Walker narrows his eyes, and I giggle.

“Congratulations!” Ava yells through the phone. “When is the big day? Please, do it before my ass gets any bigger.”

“Your ass is fine, babe.” We can hear him kiss her. “All jokes aside, we’re happy for you guys. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you but Walker’s a helluva man. And I hope you know by now, we love you. You two were made for each other.”

My lip quivers when Riley’s words take me by surprise. Walker runs his hand up my back when he notices I’m crying.

“Aww, baby. I love you.” He wraps his hand around my neck, pulling to him. He places a soft kiss on my lips, making my heart pound wildly. “All right, guys. We need to call her mom.”

“Text me, Reese,” Ava says.

“Promise. Love y’all.”

“We love you,” Ava and Riley say and end the call. Walker reaches me the phone.

“Here goes nothing.” My stomach lurches. I dial my Mom’s number, knowing she’ll answer on the first ring because it’s Walker’s number.

“Hello,” she answers the phone, dripping kindness.

“It’s me, Mom. How are you?”

“Oh, I thought it was your hunky man calling me.” She honestly sounds disappointed. I roll my eyes when Walker laughs.

“I’m here also, Danielle.” Walker’s deep growl makes me squirm. I peek up at him to find hooded eyes. His nostrils flare when I follow his gaze to my exposed breast. I smile, biting my lip. Walker reaches up, rubbing his finger over it.

“Someone care to explain what’s going on?” She breathes heavily.

“I asked your amazing daughter to be my wife, and she agreed.” Walker’s smile is life. He’s beyond a dream and he’s mine.

“Congratulations. It’s fast or are you…?”

My mouth drops, eyes wide. She thinks I’m pregnant. “Oh, gosh. No, Mom.” Walker’s brows pull together as I roll my eyes heavenly. “I’m not pregnant.”