“Alexandra Reed Mitus, I adore you.” He opened the tiny box. “Marryme.”
Her eyes slid from his to the jewelry. Then, her mouth dropped open. “Oh, Crockett.” Beaming, she extended her trembling hand. “I cannot wait to be your wife. So,yes,yes,yes, I’ll marryyou.”
He slipped on the dazzling ring and swept her into his arms. With her hands on either side of his face, they kissed as the room broke intoapplause.
“I love you,” she murmured betweenkisses.
“I love you, too, my beautiful GothGirl.”
“Hallelujah,” Kimberly exclaimed. “Only a decade in themaking.”
The group congregated around, offering hugs andcongratulations.
“I hate to celebrate and run,” Danny said when the string of congratulations and good wishes had come to anend.
“I’ve gotta get going, too,” Decker said. “If anyone belongs together, it’s youtwo.”
Alexandra hugged both men. “Thank you for having Crockett’s back and mine,too.”
Gavin moseyed over. “Dinner was delicious and the engagement made me cry. You two are perfecttogether.”
Alexandra hugged her friend. “I’m thrilled you were here. Give my love toBruce.”
“Being in the baby delivering business, he goes when the call comes in,” Gavinsaid.
“We’ll do dinner when I’m back from California,” Alexandrasaid.
Hand in hand, the couple walked the men to the front door. “Thanks for being here,” Crockett said. “It means a lot.” He eyed Decker. “You’re in charge while I’mgone.”
“I think Ellen’s in charge.” Chuckling, Decker moseyed down the hallway toward theelevator.
“You deserve to be happy,” Dannysaid.
“Best to Allison and congrats on the big news.” Crockett said goodbye to hiscousin.
Gavin shook Crockett’s hand and hugged Alexandra. “This was a special night. Thanks for includingme.”
After closing the door, Crockett swept Alexandra into his arms and kissed her. “You’ve made me a very happyman.”
Her adorable grin crinkled her nose. “You,happy?”
“It’s a new concept, but I’m liking it.” After he snagged another kiss, they returned to the livingroom.
Brigit and Red huddled around Alexandra while Kimberly watched her daughter’s interview of Crockett and his team on his laptop. His future mother-in-law could not stop smiling. He sank down on the sofa besideher.
“You look like you’re enjoying yourself,” Crockettsaid.
She paused the video and smiled. “This is delightful.” Her expression sobered. “I kept Sophia in my thoughts every day. Your family must beoverjoyed.”
“Overjoyed, stunned. You name it, we’re feelingit.”
“I’m sorry your parents couldn’t make it,tonight.”
“Under the circumstances, I didn’t invite them, but I did tell them I was proposing. Once things level out with my sister, we’ll celebrate withthem.”
“You’re a good son, Crockett. My sweet Alexandra is a luckygirl.”
He shifted his attention to Alexandra. “From where I sit, I’m the lucky one.” With a smile, he pushed off the sofa, pausing to kiss his fiancée before joining Colton andMaverick.
