“How was your flight?” I asked, still shocked by her appearance. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. I thought you had a work conference.”
She smirked. “I would never miss my best friend’s birthday,but Jasper and I wanted it to be a surprise. So, I had to come up with something to throw you off.”
“Oh no.” I groaned, though we both knew it was in jest. “The two of you working against me. Should I be scared?” And how had he even gotten her number?
I was too happy to even care. I lifted my hand to swipe away a happy tear when Zara stilled. “Also, congratulations.” She gestured to my engagement ring.
“Why do you not sound surprised?” I asked.
“Jaspermayhave asked for my opinion on engagement rings.” She grabbed my left hand, holding it out to admire my ring. “Damn, babes. This is even more gorgeous in person than any of the pictures he sent.”
“He sent pictures?” How long had he been planning this?
“Of this and a few, more modern rings. He thought you’d like the history and significance of wearing his grandmother’s ring, and I agreed.”
The light caught the facets, making the diamond sparkle even more. I couldn’t imagine loving a ring more. “You were right.”
“When did he propose?”
I bit back a smile, thinking back to the magical evening he’d created. “Last night.”
“I’m so excited for you.” She hugged me again. “I want to hear all about it on the way back to the house.”
The rest of the crew descended the steps of the plane, including the new flight attendant the Hartwell Agency had sent over since Tabitha was no longer in the position. Jasper had invited her to join the family business and learn more about the Huxley Grand empire.
“Did you fly with Graham and Lily?”
She shook her head. “Just me.”
I laughed. “Very sneaky.”
We put her luggage in the trunk and then climbed intothe car. During the drive back to the house, I told her the story of the engagement. She thought the drones were both cute and unique, and I couldn’t agree more.
“Does Kai know?” she asked.
“Not yet. Jasper’s family doesn’t either, but we’re planning to tell everyone at my birthday party.”
“How do you think Kai will take the news?”
I smiled, imagining his reaction. “He’ll be thrilled.”
“Good. I’m so glad Kai is doing well with the move and everything,” she said. “I know you were worried about it, but everything really seems to have worked out for the best.”
“It does,” I said. “He loves Jasper, and Craig’s house is less than twenty minutes away.”
She checked her makeup in the mirror, reapplying her lipstick. “I still can’t believe Craig moved here.”
“I know. Sometimes I can’t believe it either, but he loves it. He’s totally embraced the LA lifestyle.”
She furrowed her brow. “Meaning…”
I laughed. “You’ll have to see for yourself. He’s coming to the party.”
I could feel her eyes on me. “So you guys are friends now?”
“Yeah.” I smiled, turning on my indicator. “We kind of are. And I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of Jasper’s family. You’re going to love Kendall and Emerson. And my LA friends—Alexis, Lauren, and Juliana. She planned the party, and she has an amazing menu that’s entirely gluten-free. The cake is to die for.”
Life was so much better now that we knew Kai had celiac disease. While some people might dread such a diagnosis, I was grateful. Because it had finally given me answers. More than that, Kai felt so much better. He was like a completely different kid.
