CHAPTER TWENTY

Claire's POV

The chirp of my alarm roused me from a deep, contented sleep. I rolled over with a lazy smile, memories of last night's dinner - and Lucas's proposal - washing over me in a warm, giddy rush.

My fiancé. God, I loved the sound of that.

Grabbing my phone, I saw a text from the man himself. "Good morning, beautiful. Wishing you the sweetest of days. xx"

A little thrill went through me at the endearing. It still didn't feel real, him choosing me, loving me. Wanting to build a life and a family together.

Grinning like a fool, I sent back a string of heart emojis before dragging myself out of bed. As much as I wanted to spend the day basking in newly-engaged bliss, there was a little boy who needed his breakfast.

Speaking of... "Brian? Time to get up, sweetie!"

No response. I poked my head into his room, only to find it empty, the sound of water running in the bathroom.

"Morning, Mommy!" he chirped, popping his tousled head out. "I woke up early today. Did you sleep okay? You w