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“And what is really going on?” Donovan asks, raising a surprised brow.
He’s never known me to take this much interest in a woman. I’ve had plenty in my life, don’t get me wrong, but this is different, deeper, and he sees it plain as day on my face. Too bad a certain redhead doesn’t.
“She’s not like anyone else, brother. She doesn’t care about the Hayes’ name or the money. In fact, I would go so far as to say the idea of being with someone in my position is a turn-offfor her. She challenges me at every turn and has never put up with any bullshit from me. I fucking love that she knows her worth and refuses to settle for anything or anyone who doesn’t fully appreciate it.” I smile at the thought of her tough-as-nails outer shell and the soft gooey center I know is in there—somewhere.
“She has me by the balls, and I don’t even care.” I shrug.
“I’ve never heard you talk about a woman like this, Jackson. It’s refreshing to see this side of you.” Donovan looks at me with a contemplative expression.
We both know he’s referring to the side I showed the world for many years—the rich playboy who didn’t have a care in the world. The one that Abigail first met and still has her doubting me and my intentions.
“I haven’t been him in a long time, brother.” Not since I realized that actions have consequences, and sometimes, the people we love pay them.
“True, and if anyone can come up with a way to make Abigail see that, it’s you. I have faith in you.” Donovan turns and heads upstairs to deliver his woman’s coffee as I stand motionless in the kitchen.
My brother hasn’t had faith in me—about anything—for many years, let alone anything to do with a woman’s heart.
After breakfast and coffee, Donovan and Aiden start dinner, the whole traditional Christmas spread—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and figgy pudding, a recipe from Aiden’s mother.
We spend the day relaxing around the house. The girls have a bit of a spa day, giving each other pedicures and manicures while the guys handle something in the kitchen or play pool in the rec room.
When we sit down to eat, I sense some trepidation from my brother and notice a ring box-shaped bulge in his pocket. Kasey is filling her plate and raving about how delicious everything smells, completely oblivious to Donovan’s discomfort.
Once everyone is settled with a plate in front of them, Donovan clinks his wine glass, signaling a toast. Standing, he looks around the table with affection. Kasey looks up at him with her glass raised and a broad smile on her face.
“I just wanted to say a few words before we start eating.” He nervously clears his throat. It’s amusing to see my stoic, big brother nervous for once in his life. “I’m so glad we could be here, out of the city, celebrating Christmas together. This place holds so many memories from our childhood, and it’s one of my favorite places, so it’s fitting that Kasey and I are here, celebrating with our favorite people.”
Abigail, who is sitting next to Lindsey, leans her head on Lindsey’s shoulder, smiling at Donovan’s kind words.
“It’s also fitting that our favorite people are gathered for what I have to say… or rather ask.” Donovan sets his glass on the table as he lowers himself to one knee in front of Kasey.
She looks at him, surprise etched in her features, as he gently takes the glass from her hand and sets it next to his. Reaching into his pocket, Donovan pulls out a light blue box and opens it, revealing a solitaire diamond nestled in a rose gold setting. Kasey’s hand immediately goes to her mouth in shock as she looks from the box to Donovan’s misty eyes.
“Beautiful, I have been utterly bewitched by you since the moment I laid eyes on you at my press conference. My infatuation quickly turned into a deep, all-consuming love, I can’t live without. You turned my world sideways the first time I tasted your sweet skin and felt your soft lips touch mine. There was no turning back after that moment. I knew then, just as surely as I know now, you’re the woman I’m meant to spend my life with.” Taking the ring out of the box, he holds it out in front of her.
“Will you marry me?”
Kasey nods as tears stream down her face. “Of course, I will!” she exclaims as she almost knocks him over with the force of her kiss. They’re both laughing when Donovan pulls away from Kasey’s lips to slide the ring onto her finger. He cups her face in his hands and whispers, “I love you,” before crashing his mouth against hers in a very inappropriate-for-company kiss.
Looking around the table, I see Lindsey nestled into Aiden’s side, tears streaming down her face. Abigail is wiping her napkin under her eyes, trying to gain her composure. I want to go to her and hold and kiss her. I want to celebrate my brother and her best friend with her. I want her to lean into me like Lindsey is leaning into Aiden.
Abigail’s phone, sitting next to her on the table, lights up with an incoming call. Glancing down, she declines whoever is trying to reach her, and the only visible sign of irritation is the slight clenching of her jaw. If I hadn’t been watching her so intently, I would have missed it. She quickly wipes any annoyance from her features as she and Lindsey stand and envelop Kasey in a teary hug. The girls are busy oohing and aahing over the beautiful engagement ring as I pull my brother in for a hard hug.
“Congratulations, brother. I couldn’t be more excited for you.”
“Aye, mate. Congratulations,” Aiden says, pulling Donovan in for a back-slapping hug. “Well deserved.”
When the girls have had their fill of crying over their newly engaged sister, we all sit down to eat. Of course, the conversation quickly turns to wedding ideas while the future bride and groom exchange happy, loving glances.
Abigail’s phone lights up again, this time with a text notification. The screen flashes ‘Mom,’ and Abigail flips the phone over.
Huh. I’m not sure what that’s about, but I intend to find out.
CHAPTER7
ABIGAIL
He finally did it. Donovan proposed to Kasey. Honestly, I thought it would have happened right after they moved in together. Donovan has never been the type to not go full force, stopping at nothing to get what he wants. It wouldn’t surprise me if the idea of marriage has been floating in his mind since the first time he kissed her. That’s how far gone he’s been for her since day one.
