“You didn’t invite them tonight.”Griff arched a brow.
“Baby steps.”
“You nervous?”Riley asked as we prepared to move inside.
“Not one bit.”I grinned and slid open the door, crossing the great room to the kitchen.Reaching Lucy’s side, I dropped a kiss to her temple.
“Need any help?”I rumbled, shooting a silly face to my nephew.
“We’ve got it.”She grinned, clearly in her element.She handed Oliver to my mom before turning to plate the appetizers.
“I love her,” Haley whispered in my ear as she squeezed my shoulder.
I wrapped an arm around her, grateful she’d been able to make it.My sister had been through hell over the last few years, and though we all wanted her to move back home, she needed to do that in her own time.For now, I was simply grateful to have her with us on such an important evening.
After everyone had finished their dinner, I stood and cleared my throat.“Could everyone join me in the music room?”My heart pounded with anticipation as I reached for Lucy’s hand, guiding her to stand.
“What are you doing?”she asked as I led her to her favorite chair while our family and friends filed in around us.
“Just a little surprise.”I winked and pulled out the piano bench, settling in front of her with my guitar balanced on my knee.“In case it isn’t obvious, this is for you.”With a soft smile, I began to strum the familiar chords.
Then I sang.I sang of blonde hair and dancing beneath small-town lights.I sang about her honey-gold eyes and how they had always drawn me in, how I would chase that glow for the rest of my days.
I’d performed countless times, but it had never felt so important—or so effortless.
As the song came to an end, I held the strings, silencing their reverberation before setting the guitar aside and dropping to one knee in front of her.Her eyes were already swimming with tears, her hand flying to her mouth in surprise.
“The words come so easily now.”I pulled a ring box from my pocket.Opening it, I held out the ring I had chosen almost immediately after meeting her.
I had known she was the one from the very first moment; I had only needed to make sure I’d convinced her of the same.
“The first time I looked into your eyes, I felt like I was coming home.When it comes to you, baby, I want it all—forever.Will you marry me?”
“Yes.”Through tears, she held out a shaking hand, and I slid the ring onto her finger before lifting her hand to my lips for a kiss.
Whoops and hollers erupted around us as I pulled her into my arms, elation coursing through me—a better high than any stage.
“I can’t believe you kept this a surprise.”She beamed, her eyes bright and cheeks rosy with exhilaration.
“I can’t believeIkept this a surprise.”Riley stepped forward with a proud grin.“Welcome to the family, Ram.”He draped an arm around her shoulders before hauling me into a rough hug—more like a tackle —that we’d been doing since childhood.
“Oh God, here they go.”Mom sighed as I wrapped an arm around Griffin, forcing him into the huddle.Haley’s shriek of protest proved Riley had done the same with her.
“She hasn’t married you yet.Don’t scare her off.”Dad chuckled as we finally broke apart.
“Remember, honey, this one doesn’t scare.”Mom winked at Lucy while Goodie stood at her side with a knowing grin.
Though Lucy remained undecided about what to do regarding her parents, the abundance of love in this room meant she’d be free to make that choice and still have a fulfilling life either way.
I’d make sure of it.
Later that night, when I walked into our room, I smiled at the sight of Lucy sprawled across the bed, her hand held up as she admired her ring—just as I’d caught her doing throughout the evening.
“You like it, then?”I slid in beside her.The marquise-cut diamond set in gold was bold enough to make a statement without overwhelming her dainty finger.When I’d first seen it, the gold setting had reminded me of her eyes, and the uniquely cut diamond felt fitting for someone so incredibly rare.
“I love it.But you know I’d wear a shoelace if it meant I got to be your wife.”She turned to face me on the pillow.“Your mom is already talking about the wedding and grandbabies.”She arched a brow playfully.
I chuckled.“Wouldn’t expect anything less.And we seem to have one speed anyway—fast.”Grinning, I draped an arm over her and pulled her close, capturing her mouth in a kiss.“And that’s fine by me.I figure I’ve waited a lifetime for you as it is.”
