“Mom, Dad, meet Chance Easton, my boyfriend.” I thread my fingers through his. “And Chance, these are my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe.”
As they exchange greetings, I feel my heart fill up. All the people I care for are here, what more can I ask for?
Much more, apparently.
Chance had a whole family dinner planned. Mine and his. All together on one table.
He picked an outdoor restaurant, and at seven p.m., we are all gathered underneath the setting sun.
Dan clicks his silverware on his glass and draws everyone’s attention. His speech about treasuring moments like this warms my heart.
I look over at the group. Dan and my dad are wrapped up in a conversation. My mom and Aunt Felicia are bonding over their love for cooking. Lucy and Natalie are talking, occasionally pointing to Natalie’s hair. Baxter’s caught in a one-sided conversation with Landon.
Me and Chance? I turn left to meet his eyes. He’s staring at me with the softest look that sends a shiver through me.
“Cold?” He frowns.
I’m not, but he’s already tugging off his jacket. It’s off him when something falls out of the inner pocket.
He bends and his head hits the underside of the table. “Shit.”
“I’ll get it.” I stand and crouch.
“No, don’t!”
Why does he sound alarmed? I know it’s unladylike to be crouched in an evening gown as I am but no one cares, I’m sure.
I grab the... velvet box and pause. I meet Chance’s eyes. He grimaces.
“Wh—” I swallow my thoughts. I can’t jump to conclusions. Not until I see what it is for sure.
I come up with the box and he reaches for it even before I can get a look.
“Hey!” I keep it out of his reach, raised over my head.
His brows draw down. “Give it back.”
Now, everyone’s watching us.
“No. I picked it off the floor fair and square.”
“Maddie.” He reaches for me again.
I kick back the seat and jump out of the way. He doesn’t stop coming after me. I run around the table to the delight of our families.
“Go, Maddie,” Baxter cheers. “Don’t give it back!”
Chance shoots his brother a glare before looking back at me with a plea in his eyes.
I’ve managed to keep four chairs between us this entire time. “Just let me see it, then I’ll stop.”
“No, you can’t—”
I pop the box open. A diamond ring winks at me. Everyone sees it too because we all fall silent.
My heart thuds. I look up to meet his eyes.
“I was going to propose,” he says slowly. Then his gaze drops. “I guess I botched it.”
