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OLIVIA
Six months later…
The engagement party was in full swing. Ethan and Avery were busy greeting friends and relatives, both beaming, Avery flashing the stunning ruby-and-diamond ring on her left hand.
“Aves, I’m so happy for you and Ethan.” I smiled, hugging her. She’d phoned me almost as soon as Ethan had proposed, after a theatre show they’d been to. Somehow, he’d managed to arrange it so he’d gone up on stage during the encore and had proposed in front of all the theatregoers. Avery had been shocked, but I knew deep down, she’d been expecting something to happen.
“You’re going to be my maid of honour, by the way. That’s if you want to?”
Surprised and pleased, I stared at her. “Really? It would be a privilege. I’d love to.”
“Really. I want my best friend there with me.” We hugged again, before she turned to greet another guest, squeezing my hand as she did so. I squeezed back, then slipped away.
I stepped out onto the balcony, needing cooler air after the heat of the crowded apartment. Taking a deep breath, I gazed at the view, London’s skyline glittering in the night as if it were lit by thousands of fireflies.
A pair of strong arms encircled me, and I felt a soft kiss on my neck.
“What are you doing out here, baby?” Luke’s husky voice sent shivers down my spine, and I turned, wrapping my arms around him.
“Just getting some air; it’s hot in there. Look at this amazing view,” I breathed, turning my head and gazing out at the vista.
We stood for a moment, soaking in the scenery. His arms tightened around me. “Olivia.”
The serious tone of his voice had me drawing back, unsure.
“What’s the matter??
??
He sighed, lowering his gaze, his long lashes sweeping downward. “Nothing. I want to ask you something, if you’ve got a minute.”
“Ask me anything.” I stared at him, noting his furrowed brow. Worried, I leaned up, placing a kiss to his full lips. “Luke, whatever it is, just say it. I won’t judge.”
A half-smile played across his mouth, and he reached a hand into his pocket. “Close your eyes, baby.”
I complied, my nerves replaced with excitement. He took my hand, placing something flat and plasticky into my palm.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered in my ear.
Staring down at my hand, I looked at the bright blue toothbrush before my eyes flew to his.
“Will you move in with me?” He bit his lip, his expression pleading. Rummaging around in his pocket he produced a key, which he placed on my palm alongside the toothbrush. I gazed in shocked happiness at the small, insignificant-looking metallic object that held such a significant meaning.
“Luke.” I cleared my throat, choked up. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
Luke grasped my face in his hands and looked at me intently. “Olivia, I love waking up next to you every morning. I love having you in my home, and every time you have to leave me to go back to your flat, I miss you, so much.”
“I feel the same,” I assured him, tears of happiness forming in my eyes. Grasping the toothbrush and key tightly, I wound my arms around his neck. “Of course I will.”
“I love you.” His voice was raspy, full of emotion.
“I love you, too. More than anything. It would make me so happy to live with you—if you’re sure.”
“I’m sure. I want you with me. Always.”
His lips met mine in a searing kiss, full of promises of things to come. I kissed him back with everything I had.
We drew apart, holding each other. The stars shone brightly above us as he whispered against my lips.
