“Business meeting,” she answers with a sigh. “Their flight got delayed. They’re stuck at the airport, but they’ll get here as soon as they can.”
Damn. I wanted Dad to be here for this, especially after everything he’s done to make up for how he treated Lainey and me.
Before I can shut the door, another voice calls out. “Hey, don’t close the door on me.”
Mark strides up, carrying a bottle of champagne.
I shake my head, grinning. “Great timing, as always.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he says, clapping me on the back as he walks in.
The living room is buzzing with life. Chloe and Wyatt are chatting with Anna and Ron, while Joshua and Jasper build a fort out of couch cushions, and Janelle is laughing with them over some exaggerated story. Whitney, Cora, Blair, and Alice add to the noise as they join the group.
I hang back for a moment, letting it all sink in. A house full of laughter, family, and love—this is everything I’ve ever wanted.
“Zach, this was such a great idea,” Anna says, coming into the kitchen.
“She’s been so happy today,” she adds as she leans against the counter.
“Happy Lainey is the goal,” I reply with a smirk, grabbing a soda.
Anna folds her arms and narrows her eyes at me. “I wasn’t your biggest fan at first,” she says bluntly.
“I figured,” I say, managing a small smile.
“When Lainey called me months ago, crying about you… I wanted to fly out here and wring your neck,” she admits.
I rub the back of my neck, guilt twisting in my chest. “I deserved that.”
“But,” she continues, her tone softening, “you’ve proven me wrong. You’ve shown up for her in ways I didn’t expect, and it’s clear how much you love her.”
“Thank you for giving me another chance,” I reply sincerely. “Thanks for agreeing to come out here on such short notice.”
I’d flown Anna, Ron, and Joshua in as a surprise, playing it off like they’d decided tovisit on a whim, but it’s all part of my plan. Tonight’s the night I ask Lainey to marry me.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She smiles. “Take care of her, Zach. That’s all I ask.”
“I will,” I promise.
Wyatt walks in as Anna heads back to the living room. He hands me an envelope.
What’s this?” I ask.
“Drew’s wedding invitation for Lainey,” Wyatt says with a smirk. “Got it last week.”
“Good for him,” I say, and I mean it.
“Figured I’d give it to you to avoid any jealousy drama,” Wyatt teases. “Chloe debated giving it to Lainey herself.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll give it to her. I trust her,” I reply.
Wyatt grins. “You ready for the next game? We’re definitely making it to the Stanley Cup again.”
“Always ready. And yeah, we’re winning the Cup again this year.”
“Hell yeah, we are.”
Lainey walks into the kitchen, her belly leading the way. “What are you two plotting?”
