“Caleb, you don’t even have to ask. Surely you already know my answer. And in case there is any doubt, yes, of course, I’ll marry you. Both of you,” I say, my eyes flicking between him and Jessica, who has tears running down her face.
His eyes glisten as he slides the ring onto my finger, his hands shaking.
“Get the fuck up here,” I say, tugging on his wrist, the ring box falling to the floor.
I grip the back of his neck and slam my mouth to his. He grunts from the force of my kiss, his lips parting and allowing me entry.
Kissing me back with raw, unadulterated passion.
Jessica’s soft sobs are the only thing that brings me back to reality, my other hand moving to her lower back, urging her to take my place. He pulls her into his arms and kisses her with the same reverence.
“My turn,” I say when he releases her, her eyes sparkling, her mascara a mess from her tears of joy.
I pull her to me and dip her backwards. She lets out a breathy laugh before I take her mouth with mine and kiss her with the same vigour as Caleb.
He’s smiling when I right Jessica. He looks like a weight has been lifted, and I’m glad because he had me worried for a moment.
We might not know what the future holds. Hell, does anyone? But knowing that I’ll spend my life, regardless of time, with the loves of my life makes me breathe easier.
“Show me your ring,” I say, reaching for Jessica’s hand.
An onyx black diamond rose engagement ring that fits perfectly on her ring finger. It’s stunning, just like her.
“They’re both custom-made, but if you’d prefer something different, just say the word,” he says, reaching out to our left hands. He runs his thumbs over our ring fingers as we stand in a circle, joined as one.
“No, it’s beyond perfect, thank you,” Jessica says, her eyes moving to mine.
“And so is mine, Caleb. It could be a jelly ring or barbed wire, and it would still be perfect because it came from you, from here.” I drop my hand from Jessica’s lower back and place my palm on his chest, right over his heart.
There’s a noise followed by the door opening as two waiters bring in our food. They pause when they see us all standing together.
“Let’s eat. I don’t know about you, but I’m craving dessert,” Caleb says.
Jessica’s cheeks heat at his innuendo as we all retake our seats.
“Can you tell the chef I won’t require the additional dessert? I already proposed, and they said yes.” Pride is evident in his voice.
The waiter smiles. “Of course, and congratulations.”
We’re once again left alone, and Jessica pulls out a small mirror from her purse and wipes under her eyes.
“You look stunning,” I say, reaching out and grazing a knuckle down her cheek.
Caleb mimics the action, and she shivers between us.
“Thank you for saying yes,” he says, his voice filled with emotion.
“It was only ever going to be an emphatic yes. You know that, right?” Jessica replies.
He lets out a nervous laugh. “Well I hoped it would be, but there was still a small chance that it could have gone south.”
We’d never really spoken about marriage, I just knew that he was it for me, same as Jessica, but it feels right, even more so now.
Chapter Twenty
JESSICA
I can’t believe I’m engaged to Caleb and Noah. How is this even my life right now? I can’t stop looking at my engagement ring. The black onyx diamond rose—it’s stunning.
