It’s been six months since Karen gave birth to little Jayden and life hadn’t been better. She had spent the entire period at home, taking care of the child. Jack had forbidden her from doing any tough work and had employed a nanny and home assistant to help her with her work.
Jack himself had spent most of the time at her place. He had suggested she move in with him for a certain period of time, but she had quickly declined his offer. Every day, after he closed from work, he would drive to her house where he spent time with the baby. During weekends, he could go in the morning and leave in the evening. On a few occasions, he had invited them over to his place. Little Jayden had now become fond of his father. The joy on his face was always obvious and the way he jumps for joy anytime he saw Jack walked in. They had built a bond that Karen was low-key jealous of.
One time, they had gone on an evening walk to the park. Jayden was wrapped in a baby blanket as Karen held him. He had fallen asleep on her shoulder. They walked quietly until they got to the park.
“He’s cute while sleeping.” Jack commented and she nodded in agreement. “Do you want ice cream?” Jack asked, pointing at the ice cream kiosk some meters away.
“Ya. I’ve been craving it lately.” she replied.
“Say no more.” Jack was already on his feet, walking to the kiosk. She smiled at his figure. The presence of the child had actually brought them closer. Though it didn’t repair their broken relationship, Jack felt they were getting there. Since Jayden’s birth, they had never had a discussion to define their relationship. The only defined fact was that he was the father of her child and was still in her life.
Jack returned with three cups of ice cream of different flavours and stretched one to her. “Your favourite flavor.” It’s been over a year since they had last eaten ice cream together, but he still remembered her favourite flavour.
“You still remember.” She remarked, collecting the cup from him. She was surprised he still remembered what her favourite flavour of ice cream was. It was one of those tiniest details that mattered to her..
“Of Course. A cup of vanilla ice cream adds one more day to your life.” Jack joked and they both laughed. That was her favourite quote anytime he tried to argue the best ice cream flavour with her.
The baby cried himself awake. She picked him up and tried to feed him her ice cream, but after tasting it, his crying intensified. Jack scooped a tiny quantity of his ice cream and fed him. He tasted it and few seconds later, he stopped crying. They both stared at each other before bursting into laughter
****
“What information do you have on Damian?” Roy Smith asked his man who he had commissioned to get information about Damian.
“Nothing yet. He had been low-key off late. I’m still trying to uncover whatever he is planning.” the man replied.
“Be fast about that. Damian is a lethal man. One second of hesitation from you can cost us.” Roy admonished the man who bowed before walking out.
Roy flipped through the many documents that laid on his table as he tried to concentrate. He had gotten information about the arrival of his grandchild, but hadn’t visited Karen. He wasn’t planning to. His attention now was focused on Damian. Ever since he pulled off that investment with Jack that had put him back solidly on his feet, Damian had been awfully quiet. For the type of man that he was, silence meant danger for his oops. He was definitely planning something big.
His Intel had seen Damian meet with one of the most dangerous men back in New York. Whatever he was planning, Roy knew he had to uncover and stop it before it was too late. He had put security around his daughter. He had placed two men who were to monitor all the movements round her home and report any suspicious one to him. He feared that Damian would kidnap her or her son.
__
“… What if she doesn’t accept?” a tensed Harry asked as he half paced in Jack’s sitting room.
“Are you kidding me? Why won’t she accept?” Jack threw back the question.
“I don’t know. Maybe I’m not good enough for her to want to spend the rest of her life with me.” Harry replied and Jack smacked him on the shoulder.
“Real. You’re correct there.” Jack stated, and he frowned.
“You are supposed to brighten me, and not dampen my spirit. I’m freaking out for real man.” Harry whined, making him laugh.
“Do you need my advice?”
“Yes. I really do.” Harry responded, falling into a seat.
“Well, get that ring, and pop that question! When she accepts, we’ll start planning your wedding.” Jack spoke in conclusion. Harry shrugged in defeat.
***
Harry picked Ciara up from her house as they went for another dinner date.
“You still haven’t told me why we have to go on a sudden date again.” Ciara whined inside the car as they drove. Harry ignored her, possibly cos of the tension he was battling with within himself. At the end of today, he would either end up the happiest man or with suicidal thoughts.
He eased into the parking lot of one of the biggest and most expensive restaurants in Los Angeles. He parked the car and stepped out, rounding the car to Ciara’s side. He opened the door and held her hand as she stepped out. They walked together inside and took a table. The waiter came and took their order before disappearing back inside
“It’s a cool night, isn’t it?” Harry tried to make small talks while they waited for their food to arrive.
“Ya. Would be cooler at the beach or by the water side.” she responded.
Their order arrived and they soon started eating. Few minutes later, they were done and their table was cleared and replaced with a bottle of wine.
“You are awfully quiet today.” Ciara noticed.
“Am I?” Harry asked, almost immediately. He just hoped she hadn’t noticed the tension he was feeling. He touched his pocket and felt the item still intact and gulped.
“The last time we talked, I asked you what your plans were. You said they were to get better at your work, and fall in love. Are your plans still the same or has it changed?” he questioned, a little nervous at the prospect of her answer.
“It changed,” She replied.
“I guess you got better at your work.” He spoke out.
“I got the biggest gig of my career. That will count.” Her reply was calm. He nodded.
“Do you know what my dreams are?” he asked, a bit of seriousness added to his tone.
She appeared to be in thought for some seconds before answering “Get richer?” her answer was unsure.
“No. I’m rich enough to last me my lifetime.”
“Then what?
“I guess we will find that out later.” he answered, bracing himself up. It was going to be today or never.
They got back into the car and he drove out. He hummed to the song that played in the background as he tried not to think too much.
“This isn’t the way home. Do you wanna get something this way?” Ciara asked after they had driven some distance. They had gone in the opposite direction to where would take them home.
They arrived at the beach and stepped out into the sand. He held her in his arms as they walked closer to the water body.
“This place holds a lot of memories for me.” he stated.
“Me too.” she blurted.
He took a few steps back as she stood close to the water, watching its waves. “At this beach, you said your first yes to me.” he took out the box that contained the ring from his pocket and got down on one knee. “I’d love you to say another yes to me.” At this point, Ciara turned and was now staring at him, wide eyed.
“Miss Ciara Adams, will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?” he popped the question, holding out the ring at her.
She stared at him in shock as tears ran down her cheeks. She was very surprised at the act. It had totally swept her off her feet. “Yes- yes, I will marry you.” she said with tears as she ran into his arms.
He got up and slipped the diamond encrusted ring into her finger before claiming her lips in a kiss.
“Thank you.” he caressed her face after they broke apart.