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"Hey, big boy! How was the sleepover?" I asked.
"He barely wanted to come with me," Will supplied.
"We watched all the Harry Potter movies." He wrapped his little arms around my waist in a hug. "We didn't sleep."
"At all?" I shook my head in mock disapproval. "I'll have a word with Lionel's mom and dad at soccer day next week.” We had soccer days even in the summer vacation.
"They want to meet Graham. I told them he's coming with us. He is, right?"
"Yes, he is," I confirmed.
Milo grinned, letting go of me as Val called his name, and dashed toward her.
"So, my presence at soccer day is no longer required," Will said.
Jace pointed his thumb at Will. "If you ask me, he's sad about it."
I knew Jace was teasing him, but in truth, Will did look a little dejected. I slapped his arm playfully.
"Hey, you're always welcome to come. Or, you could always find yourself a girl and get the ball rolling."
Will smiled devilishly.
"Hey, how about moving this party to the beach?" Hailey called out. "Let's get the grill started. I'm starving."
After grabbing plates and supplies, we all descended to the beach. The sun cast a warm glow, but the breeze was almost chilly. This was officially my favorite place in town: hearing the waves lap against the shore, feeling the soft sand under my feet.
While part of the group was in charge of the grill, others were setting the table. Graham and I were on bonfire duty. We wanted one for effect and roasting marshmallows.
Once everyone was taking a break, waiting for our dinner to be ready, I cleared my throat and held my hand out for everyone to admire my ring. I'd kept my hand in my pocket and out of view until now so they wouldn't notice the ring accidentally.
"We got engaged this morning." Graham kissed my temple as everyone came forward to congratulate us. Milo was the first one, followed by my brothers and Maddie. Val and Hailey hugged me at the same time. But as the girls pulled back, I studied their expressions carefully. They didn't seem surprised. I realized neither seemed the others.
"You already knew, didn't you?" I asked.
"He asked my permission," Milo piped up.
"And he talked to all of us at Friday night dinner about a month ago when you were out of the room," Landon added.
"We helped with the ring," Hailey said on a grin. "That was fun."
Will and Jace each gave me bear hugs, and I briefly wondered when these two would settle down. Our soccer star wasn’t quite ready for that. Our hotshot detective on the other hand... I’d seen the mopey look on his face at Landon’s wedding, like he was secretly hoping his turn would come soon. When Will’s turn came, he was going to fall hard.
I sized my man up and down, and then I pulled him away from the group.
"You planned this thoroughly," I whispered.
"I did."
"You've been full of surprises lately."
"I have a lot more up my sleeve."
Lacing my arms around his neck, I pulled him a little closer, smiling against his lips. "Then it's a good thing I agreed to spend a lifetime with you.”
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