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“I was wondering where you went,” he says.
His eyes dart over to Dan, who nods. I frown at both of them, confused. Something is going on, but I'm not sure what. If my father and Nick are in on something together, then I'm not sure I’m going to like whatever it is.
“Time for a speech,” he grins.
He walks me over to the front of the stage where the director of the theatre is in the middle of his speech. I eye Nick suspiciously. This might be my first project, but I’m pretty sure that nobody really cares enough to hear from the designer.
The next thing I know, Nick is standing on the stage. He puts his hand out, motioning for me to join him. I'm confused as fuck, but I take it. He helps me up onto the stage as the director’s sentence trails off into nothing. I flush, feeling both embarrassed and sorry for the guy. Nick motions for the microphone and of course the director hands it over.
“I figured that this is as good a place as any to do this. See, I met this girl who kind of means the world to me. She's funny, sweet, caring… She’s basically that someone I want to spend the rest of my life with.”
Someone in the crowd lets out a whistle. I’m pretty sure it was Kayla. My heart races as I focus on Nick. He fumbles in his pocket. I swallow, feeling sick and excited at the same time—like I’m going to pass out. When he gets down on one knee, I lose it. The tears start flowing, leaving me a blubbering mess.
“I guess what I’m trying to ask you is, will you marry me?”
My eyes widen. I can't believe this is happening, and here of all places.
He stares up at me, while I glance out at the sea of faces. Most of them I don’t recognize, but the few important ones are there, like my dad, Mandy, Kayla, Max and Milly. Even Shirley is here to witness this.
“Uh, so, are you going to answer me?” he asks nervously.
My eyes widen. I’ve been standing there, lost in thought, making him sweat to hear me say yes.
“Of course, I will,” I whisper.
I lean down and kiss him as he slides the stunning single cut diamond ring along my finger. It’s a perfect fit. A cheer erupts from the crowd as he stands up, sweeping me into his arms. He flushes and hands the microphone back to the theatre director, muttering an apology.
“Sorry to hijack your reopening,” he mumbles.
We move off the stage and walk over to where Dad, Mandy, Kayla and the kids are waiting. They all admire my ring, while I stand there, still in shock.
How did I not see this coming?
I glance at Dad and Mandy suspiciously. “You two obviously knew,” I say.
Mandy squeals, examining the ring yet again.
“It looks even better on your finger.”
I raise my eyebrows at Nick. “You showed them? Exactly how long have you been planning this?”
“Just a little while,” he says, his eyes sparkling. “And yes, I showed them. I had to get your father's permission, after all.”
I smile at Dad. “And you’re good with this?”
He shrugs. “I always wanted Nick to find someone who deserved him, but I guess you’ll do.” Laughing, I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him on the cheek. “Don’t start crying all over my suit,” he mutters, embarrassed.
“Ha.” I narrow my eyes. “In a few weeks, my tears will be the least of your worries. You won’t be able to leave the house without baby vomit all over you. Or worse.”
He groans. “And I thought I was over all that.”
I watch Mandy nudge him and playfully narrow her eyes, then I look around, a feeling of happiness rushing through me. Only a few months ago, I never would’ve thought that this was possible, but I guess it just goes to show you that you can never really predict how things are going to work out.
“Happy?” Nick murmurs in my ear, trailing soft kisses down my neck.
My heart races. I feel like I’m going to cry again but in the best kind of way. I turn around and kiss him, not bothered who’s watching. Someone yells at us to get a room, but I’m not really listening.
“Happy doesn’t begin to cover it,” I grin.
It doesn’t matter how hard life gets because often, it’s the things you have to work for the hardest that are really worth it in the end. Falling in love with my Dad’s best friend definitely complicated things, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Because he’s my anaconda.
