Page 142 of Finding Us
“You’re such a dick,” she says, laughing as she playfully elbows me in the side.
“But I’m your dick, babe. You’re very own walking, talking mobile pole that you can dance on any time you like.”
“Geez, thanks.”
“You’re welcome.”
Chapter41
Jacinta
Rebecca’s Place has been up and running for six months now and countless women and children have been through there. I’ve visited there a few times, and mum does too whenever she’s in Sydney, but Mason hasn’t been back. He trusts the people he has running it, and they are doing a marvellous job.
He still remains heavily involved in Bridge, and with the money he inherited, he’s been able to expand. They now open for lunch and dinner, and he’s got counsellors working with the people who want to get back on their feet. Helping them find jobs and accommodation.
I was surprised when he told me not everyone wants that. Some people actually choose to live on the streets, and are happier there.
“Babe, you got a sec?”
“Hold on,” I answer, bending to get the party pies and sausage rolls out of the oven.
Mason is in the lounge room watching the football with Blake. He’s trying to teach him about the teams, so he stops referring to them by their colours. He’s not that keen; he said he’d rather go to the games with Grandpa Jim because they have hot dogs and pies there, hence why I’m in the kitchen cooking him some snacks.
I transfer the pastries onto a large plate, and add a small bowl of sauce in the centre. When I enter the lounge room, the last thing I’m expecting to see is Mason down on one knee with his smiling son standing beside him.
“Dad wants you to marry us,” Blake says.
“Dude, you were just supposed to stand there for moral support.” Mason’s eyes move back to me. “I guess the cat’s out of the bag.”
“I think that happened when I saw you on one knee holding out a ring.”
“Right,” he says, chuckling. “Will you marry us, Jacinta Maloney?”
A huge smile bursts onto my face as I place the plate in my hand on the table. I had a feeling this was coming because he’s been saying things like, “when we get married” or “when you’re my wife …” So, I’ve been silently hoping it was only a matter of time before he popped the question.
I place my hands on my hips. “Are you asking me, or Sparkles?”
“Who’s Sparkles?”
“You,” he says, ignoring Blake’s question. “But your alter ego is more than welcome to come along for the ride.” When he wiggles his eyebrows, we both laugh, because his innuendo was loud and clear. Blake just looks back and forth between us like we’ve lost our minds. Mason stands, closing the distance between us. “I don’t want anyone else to have your heart, to kiss your lips, or be the reason you smile.”
“Am I allowed to make her smile, Dad?”
His lips curve up as he glances over his shoulder. “Yes, bud.”
He brings his attention back to me. “What do you say, Red? Do you want to spend the rest of your life with me?”
I leap forward, throwing my arms around his neck. “With every fibre of my being.”
He lifts me off my feet, spinning me in a circle. Once he places me back down, he slips the huge diamond onto my finger and then kisses me like his life depends on it.
When he draws back, I turn my attention to Blake and freeze when I find him down on one knee, like his dad just was. He’s also holding a small jewellery box in his hand. “Will you be my new nice mum, Jazzie?”
Tears instantly rise to my eyes as I nod my head. “Hey, how come he gets your tears?” Mason gripes.
“Because he’s cuter, and his proposal was more heartfelt.”
His brow furrows, so I reach up and cup the side of his face. “I love you, and I’m looking forward to becoming Mrs Mason Bradley.” My words have his frown turning into a smile.
