Jaw dropped open, Emily giggled. This is obviously a conspiracy. Its bad enough you have my son decked out in a Yankees onesie. Now you have him turning on me? Evil. Pure evil.

Gavin cackled like a ghoul and flipped to the business section. He grinned that very same mouthwatering grin thatd snared her the first time shed met him. Hey. Youve known this for a while, he reminded her with a shrug and a wink. And you love every evil inch of me.

Shaking her head, Emily continued to unpack the groceries. Every fiber in her being agreed. Without a doubt, shed forever love every evil and un-evil inch of him.

Emily, Gavin called, pulling her attention from a cooking magazine. In the checkout line, a recipe for creamy baked chicken had caught her eye. Unlike the last two times, she was determined to make this evenings dinner work out without giving her or Gavin food poisoning. What does Noah have in his hands?

Emily squinted, trying to see across the room. I dont know. A block?

Can you get it from him? Gavin stared over his newspaper. He has it in his mouth.

Emily furrowed her brows. Gavin, hes teething. Hed chew on my shoe if I gave it to him.

I know, Gavin replied after clearing his throat, but I dont want him chewing on that block. He smirked, his eyes lighting up with amusement. Or your shoe for that matter. Can you just take it from him? It might be dirty.

Tilting her head, Emily dropped her shoulders and rolled her eyes. One: Youre a clean freak. Two: Id rather him chew on my shoes than yours. Three: Youre right there. You take it from him, nutter.

Nutter? Gavin questioned, chuckling. He paused for a second, quite impressed at his new name. My back hurts. You get it.

Yes, nutter, Emily sighed with a smile, placing the magazine on top of the table. Youre just trying to get another massage out of me. She rounded the island, completely convinced her OCD, massage-conniving boyfriend was losing it. Shoeless, she stepped onto the down comforter Noah was playing on.

Though square, it wasnt a block he was chewing on. Nope. Not even close. Emily flicked her gaze to Gavin, who was sporting a full, megawatt smile, and back to the black velvet box Noah was thoughtfully sinking his newly rooted tooth into. Before Emily could blink or take a much needed breath, Gavin slipped from the couch, depositing himself cross-legged onto the comforter. Scooping Noah into his lap, Gavin flipped his Yankees cap backward, eased the box from Noahs hand, replaced it with a tiny book, and stared up into Emilys unblinking green eyes.

Come sit with us, Gavin said, his voice soft. We have something for you.

Emily swallowed, her throat suddenly parched. Trembling, she slowly sank down onto the comforter, sitting cross-legged in front of Gavin. Knees touching his, she stared at his lazy grin, her heart racing as he leaned in to kiss her. He let the kiss linger until Noah started to fuss his displeasure about being smashed in between them. Pulling back, Emily let out a nervous giggle and swept her hand through Noahs wavy hair.

Hes just jealous, Gavin whispered, placing a kiss on Noahs head. Bringing his gaze back to Emilys, it was Gavins turn to swallow. For the second time in his life, he was about to propose to a woman. However, for the first time, not a shred of reservation ran through his body. Gavin knew she was the one created for him. With a shaky hand, he cupped Emilys face, his heart pouncing.

I love you, Emily. Youll always be my best friend. Youll always be my Molly. Eyes wide, staring into hers, Gavin leaned in and brushed a gentle kiss upon her quivering lips. Youre the mother of my child. You and Noah have brought color to my empty canvas, light into my darkened life. With the pad of his thumb, he wiped a warm tear from Emilys cheek and pulled in a deep breath. Lets paint the full picture together and light up the sky, sweets. I love you both more than anything. He drew up a brow, his sexy smirk showing off his chiseled features. Remember? You trump Valentines Day chocolates. Sniffling, Emily giggled.

Gavin smiled, but his face sobered quickly, his voice a gentle whisper. I believe in forever, and thats what you and I are. We define eternity. This may sound cheesy, but you make me go there. You give me butterflies, Emily Cooper. Ive never had that before, and I dont want to let that go for anything. Ever. I asked you once to crash with me, and you did. Now... Im asking you to take the full ride. Walk with me the rest of the way until were old, sitting in our rocking chairs and watching our sugar-high grandchildren play in our yard. Ive seen this world a million times over, but Ive never seen it with you by my side. I want you, no, I need you to be my wife. I need to wake up every morning knowing youre Mrs. Emily Michelle Blake. He paused, and Emily could see his eyes misting over. Please. Take this last step with me. He cracked open both sides of the box. Cushioned in the middle of Harry Winstons classic signature lay a round, brilliant diamond set in platinum with smaller diamonds encircling its base.

Emily found her breath evaporating from her lungs. She froze under the gravity of his words, but her heart, filled with a riot of emotions, took off excitedly. Gavins declaration sang in her ears, musical notes of love reverberating through her. I love you, she choked out, her eyes stinging with happy tears. She wrapped her hand around the back of Gavins neck and pulled his smiling lips into her mouth. And, yes, Ill take every last step with you, Gavin.