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“When you came up to me, I couldn’t help but stare at your unforgettable eyes. Then you laughed,” Tate continued, clearing his throat. “And even though I swore to myself that I didn’t want to talk to you, when you laughed, I couldn’t help but lean into it.”
“I was nervous too,” I admitted. “Not for the audition but when I saw you walking down the hallway. And it wasn’t because you were handsome, because you were that. It was the look in your eyes, a fierce determination that I’d never seen in anyone before. I just knew I had to talk to you. I just knew that you were someone I wanted to know.”
Tate took my hands in his. We were both shaking.
“You don’t know how grateful I am, and always will be, that you came up and talked to me that day. You, Reed, changed my life. And here we are.”
“Why are we here?”
Even though my heart knew the answer, I needed to ask the question.
To make sure this was real.
“You know damn well why we’re here,” he replied with a wink.
He shoved a shaky hand in his pocket and dropped to one knee in front of me.
Then I remembered the camera.
“Oh my God, are you really recording this?”
“Yes, but this time, I’m the only one who’s auditioning. And if you find me worthy,” he paused, his voice hoarse. “If you find me worthy of the biggest and best role of my life, to be your husband, then I will be the happiest man alive.”
“Tay,” I whispered, tears spilling over my cheeks.
“Give me your hand, baby.”
I held out my left hand and he took it gently in his right. When he placed the diamond eternity band at the tip of my finger, I choked on a sob.
“Will you, Reed Anthony Larkin, be my husband?”
“Yes, yes, yes,” I chanted, my heart so full and near to bursting.
“You sure you don’t need more time to think about it?” he teased me.
“Put the gorgeous ring on my finger, Tate!”
Tate laughed out loud at my demand and finally pushed the ring on my finger.
It fit perfectly. I was never taking it off.
He stood back up and drew me into his arms. “Are you ready to make it official?”
I leaned up and kissed him.
“It’s about fucking time.”
Tate
I was smiling so wide my face hurt, tears welling up and sliding down my cheeks without warning.
Only Reed could make me laugh and cry at the same time.
Suddenly, it wasn’t just the two of us. The room was bursting with noise.
Our family and friends, hidden in the room next to us and watching the proposal via my video, came barreling in and crowded around us. Reed’s dad, sister, brother-in-law, and his niece and nephews had all flown out, as well as Dylan, Max and their daughter, Blake. Charlene and Henn, of course. I’d also invited Jared, Alex, and Aiden, but they were traveling in Italy. Jared confirmed they’d be heading to LA next week, so Reed and I would have another, smaller celebration with them at our house.
I still couldn’t believe I’d managed to pull off this surprise without a hitch.
