Chapter 58

58

ROAN

T he chilly New York air nipped at our faces as Rafe and I stepped out of the hotel. Alaina had decided to spend the morning doing some secret Christmas shopping, leaving us to our own devices. Rafe was bubbling with excitement, practically bouncing beside me as we made our way down the bustling sidewalk.

"Where are we going, Dad?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"Well, I thought we could do a bit of shopping too," I said, smiling down at him. "I have a feeling there's someone special we need to get a gift for."

Rafe grinned, catching on immediately. "For Alaina?"

"Exactly," I replied. "We need to find the perfect gift for her. Something that shows her how much she means to us."

We wandered through the busy streets, popping into various stores. Rafe's enthusiasm was contagious. I found myself getting caught up in the holiday spirit. The city was alive with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and the sound of carolers on every corner.

As we browsed through a charming little boutique, Rafe turned to me with a serious expression. "Dad, are you going to marry Alaina?"

I paused, looking at my son. His eyes were full of hope and curiosity. "Yes, Rafe. One day, I do plan to marry Alaina."

Rafe beamed, his smile stretching from ear to ear. "Good! Can you hurry up and marry her so Beau can move in full-time?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his earnestness. "I'll do my best, buddy. But these things take time. We want to make sure everything is just right."

We continued our shopping, and eventually, we found a beautiful necklace that I knew Alaina would love. It was delicate and elegant, just like her. Rafe nodded approvingly when I showed it to him.

"She's going to love it, Dad," he said confidently.

"I want to get her a new sweater," he declared. "One with fun stuff on it."

I laughed, finding it funny that even Rafe recognized Alaina's quirky style. "Let's see if we can find something at Bloomingdale's, although I have a feeling we might have to go online to find something that matches her particular tastes."

We finally reached Bloomingdale's. The store was filled with holiday shoppers, all eager to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. Rafe navigated through the massive store as if he'd been there a hundred times, pulling me along in his wake.

The scent of pine and cinnamon filled the air from the Christmas decorations scattered throughout. Colorful banners hung from the ceiling, each announcing enticing sales and discounts. We made our way to the women's clothing department, a sea of color and patterns stretching out before us. I watched as Rafe carefully looked through every rack. I already knew he wasn't going to find what he was looking for. This store catered to women like Cate, not Alaina.

While we were browsing, I got a call from Jake. "Hey," I answered.

"Where are you?"

I laughed. "Bloomingdale's. Where are you?"

"The Peninsula, meet me over here."

"What the hell are you doing in New York?" I asked.

"I needed to check on my mom," he said. "I did and now I have nothing to do for the rest of the day."

"I'm out shopping with Rafe," I said.

"Come pick me up," he replied.

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "Fine, but don't bitch about the shopping."

"Hey, I wouldn't do that."

"Oh, of course not," I said.

But I had an idea and finding out Jake was in town actually was good news.

"I'll be in the lounge," he said.

"We'll be there in thirty minutes."

"Sounds good, see you then," he said, hanging up.

Rafe looked at me with a questioning gaze, his little hands still clutching a brightly colored sweater. "Who was that?"

"Uncle Jake," I replied. "He's in town and wants us to pick him up."

Rafe's face lit up, the prospect of seeing Jake overpowering his momentary disappointment of not finding the perfect sweater for Alaina. We left Bloomingdale's, making our way to the lavish Peninsula Hotel. The hotel was elegantly decorated for Christmas, its grand lobby bursting with festive cheer.

The lounge was buzzing with activity when we arrived. My eyes scanned the room until they landed on Jake, who was leaning against the bar counter, nursing a glass of whiskey. He looked up and gave us a wave. Rafe ran over happily, immediately launching into a detailed account of our shopping expedition so far.

Jake listened attentively, nodding along and occasionally asking Rafe questions. I walked up behind them, clapping a hand on Jake's shoulder. "What are you drinking?"

"Whiskey. Want one?"

I shook my head. "Later perhaps. Right now, we have a shopping mission to accomplish."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that?"

"I am looking for a particular gift for Alaina," I said. "At Tiffany's."

His brows shot up. "Seriously?"

I nodded. "Yep. I figure you and Rafe can help me out."

"Sure," he said, downing the last of his whiskey. "Let's do this."

We walked into the iconic Tiffany's. The place sparkled with the glitter of a thousand diamonds, each more dazzling than the last. Rafe's eyes widened with awe, and Jake let out a low whistle.

"Wow, look at all these rings," Rafe said, tugging on my hand. "Are you going to buy one for Alaina?"

"Yes." I nodded. "It has to be a special ring because when I give it to her, I'm going to ask her to marry me."

Rafe's eyes practically popped out of his head. "You are?"

"Yes, but it has to be our secret for now. Can you do that?"

"Yes!" He nodded his head up and down and turned his attention to the cases. "Which one are you going to get for Alaina?"

"That's what we're here to find out, buddy," I replied.

As we started browsing, Jake leaned in, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know, while we're here, I might as well pick out a ring for Cate," he said, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.

I laughed, shaking my head. "You think you're ready for that kind of commitment, Jake?"

Jake's smirk widened into a grin. "Hey, if you can do it, maybe I can too. Besides, I need something to distract her from thinking I'm a jackass."

Rafe, who had been examining a particularly sparkly ring, looked up. "Dad, why would Aunt Cate want to marry Jake if she thinks he's a jackass?"

I stifled a laugh and shot Jake a look. "And where did my perfectly well-behaved son pick up such colorful language, I wonder?"

Jake shrugged, trying to look innocent. "It's those darn kids at school."

We continued browsing with salesmen circling, obviously smelling money. I watched Rafe's excitement and curiosity and realized how much this moment meant to him too. He was just as invested in making Alaina a permanent part of our lives as I was.

After a while, we came across a ring that caught my eye. It was simple yet elegant, with a single diamond that sparkled brilliantly in the light. I could already picture it on Alaina's finger.

"What do you think of this one, Rafe?" I asked, showing him the ring.

Rafe examined it carefully, his young face serious with concentration. "I think it's perfect, Dad. Alaina will love it."

Jake, who had been watching us with a soft smile, clapped me on the back. "I'm happy for you, Roan. She's really the one, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she is," I said, feeling a surge of emotion. "She's the one."

"Maybe you should get something a little bigger," he suggested. "That one is pretty, but she might not be impressed."

I scoffed at that, shaking my head. "Alaina's not like that, Jake. She doesn't need large stones or flashy jewelry to feel loved."

"But it doesn't hurt," Jake pointed out, a playful twinkle in his eye.

Ignoring him, I motioned for one of the salesmen to come over. "We'd like to buy this one," I said, pointing to the ring.

"Very well, sir," the man replied with a professional smile. He took the ring out of the display case and carefully placed it into a velvet box. I reached for my wallet and quickly paid for it. I tucked the box inside my coat pocket, skipping the bag.

"We should celebrate," Jake suggested.

"Rafe wanted to go to the arcade," I told him. "Want to tag along?"

"Hell yeah." He laughed.

After we left the shop, Jake draped an arm around Rafe's shoulders. "So, champ, you ready to beat me at some games?"

Rafe looked up at him with wide eyes. "Really? You're gonna let me win?"

Jake laughed heartily. "No way, kiddo! You're going to have to earn it."

With the ring safely tucked away in my pocket, I couldn't shake a sense of excitement off me. It felt like every step was lighter, every breath somehow fresher. A new chapter of my life was about to start, and for the first time in a long time, I couldn't wait for the future. I wasn't sure when I was going to ask her, but I knew it was coming soon.

We spent a couple hours at the arcade. Jake and Rafe pretty much the same age in this environment. Alaina texted and let me know she was back at the suite and was going to be taking a long soak in the massive tub. My initial reaction was to leave Rafe with Jake and rush back to the hotel to sink into the bubbles with her, but I didn't. She deserved a little time to herself to relax in luxury.

"This has been a great day," Jake said later, wiping pizza sauce from his chin. "Thanks for letting me tag along."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," I replied. "You're family, Jake."

Later, as we headed back to the hotel, Rafe looked up at me, his eyes serious. "Dad, what does it mean if Alaina becomes your wife? Will she be my mom?"

I took a deep breath, thinking carefully about my answer. "Alaina will be your stepmom, Rafe. But I know she'll love you just like a mom. And I think she'll be very happy to be your mom."

Rafe nodded thoughtfully. "That's good. I've always wanted a mom again. I think Alaina will be great."

I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "She will be, buddy. She will be."

We returned to the hotel, exhausted but happy. Rafe fell asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillow. Alaina and I sat together in the living room, enjoying a quiet moment.

"This has been an incredible trip," she said, snuggling into my side.

"It really has," I agreed, kissing the top of her head. "I'm so glad you're here with us."

"Me too," she said softly. "I can't wait to see what the future holds for us."

"Neither can I," I replied, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Neither can I."

"Did you guys have a good day?" she asked. "Rafe seemed so happy."

"He is," I agreed. "He asked me today if I was going to marry you."

Alaina lifted her head to look at me, her eyes searching mine. "And what did you say?"

"I told him yes, one day I would. He asked if I could hurry up so Beau could move in full-time."

She laughed softly, her eyes shining with affection. "He really loves Beau."

"I think he loves you even more," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And so do I."

She leaned in and kissed me, a sweet, lingering kiss that made my heart swell with love and gratitude. "I love you too, Roan."