I threw my arms around his neck and rained kisses all over his face, only stopping when I reached his mouth. Trip kissed me deeply and the cheers faded away as I got lost in him.
“That was unexpected,” Halie said, her foot nudging us to remind us we were still on air.
“I would like to be the first to congratulate the happy couple.” Halie began wrapping up on the segment. “I would also like to thank all of our viewers—”
“Excuse me,” Robin interrupted Halie’s send-off. “If you wouldn’t mind, I want to say something.”
Halie’s eyes shined even brighter calculating her ratings on whatever Robin was going to reveal.
“Please, Robin. You’re as much a part of this story as these two.” Halie beamed at her.
“Thank you, Halie. First off I would like to state that almost everything Trip said today was correct.”
“Almost?” Halie asked, her eyes getting wider.
I half expected her to start drumming her fingers together while letting out an evil laugh. I’ll admit I was disappointed when Halie’s hands remained on her lap.
“Yes, our relationship was pretend, and it was to help keep McKenna out of the spotlight, but I also benefited from our arrangement as well.” Robin wrung her hands together, and I reached over to squeeze her shoulder.
She turned and smiled before finishing what she started. “I’m in love with someone who I also wanted to protect. Our reasoning for deceiving the public was mutual.”
“And can you tell us who this person is?” Halie inched closer to her, but still no evil laugh.
“I can’t, but I can tell you she’s a beautiful talented woman with a huge heart and I love her very much. I was afraid I’d lose my fans if I came out, so Trip and I came up with this plan. I’m sorry if I hurt anyone, but I can’t lie anymore.” Robin turned and hugged us both before walking away.
Halie trailed behind her, trying to ask more questions, but Robin escaped to her car with no further comments.
Trip took my hand and led me toward our waiting family. They swarmed us with a sea of congratulations. After we got them all calmed down and back in the house Trip tugged me into his kitchen alone.
“Can I put this on you now?” he asked, still holding the ring box.
I looked down at my empty finger and giggled. “I think that would be perfect.”
Trip slid the ring on my finger and we both stared down at it smiling.
“Is this too soon?” I asked.
“No. You knew I was meant to be yours in junior high. I just needed to catch up.”
I gave him a watery smile and he pulled me into his hard chest.
“We can have a long engagement if you want. But know this, McKenna, you’re my everything and I’d marry you right now. Without a doubt you are the only one for me.”
“Does this mean I have access to the Batcave?”
Trip laughed and leaned into me. “That could be taken in so many different ways. Maybe it means I have access to your Batcave.”
I smacked him on the shoulder as my cheeks heated. “What’s good for the goose,” I said, waggling my newly decorated finger.
Trip chuckled before silencing us both with a searing kiss.
