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Sam’s parents dote on Eve, who can’t stop showing everyone the fancy gel nails she got done with daisies and hatching chicks on them. Colt and Sam are loved-up as Sam has finally relaxed now the meal has been served. She’s probably a few mint tulips deep. Logan and Ashton are in a deep discussion, a game debrief most likely, and Lily and Jolie laugh together.
And Joy and Frankie haven’t stopped talking. Molly’s mom has a soft smile and a gentle way about her, but I have mixed feelings. I know her addiction caused a lot of pain for my woman. And Molly never had a childhood because of it. But I also know family is all you’ve got, you can’t leave it behind, you have to heal it. My mom got settled on that very purpose the day Frankie arrived and the pair have only ever moved forward.
My time has come, too. Time to consider the future. I clink my knife against my water glass, which feels funny, because calling the room to look my way isn’t my style. But I’m working on being more open and the one thing that comes easy is praising Molly in front of others. It’s like watching a diamond glitter in a spotlight. I do it as much as I can, just to see her shine.
I clear my throat. “I wanted to make a toast…” Even though I’m a lot more vocal than I used to be, a few of the faces around the table still look surprised. “It’s for Molly.”
I gaze down at her. She’s confused by the sudden attention. I carry on with the words I have planned. Ones I hope we’ll both remember forever.
“A man can love a lot of things. But, Molly, it’s not the first time I’ve said it and it won’t be my last. You are my everything.”
Molly’s smile fades into wide-eyed wonder. Oh, this girl knows what’s coming.
I get down on one knee and pull out a ring box. “Sunshine, I want to ride through this life with you.” I open the box and expose the diamond ring I had designed just for her. “Will you marry me?”
A few gasps surround me, but I don’t dare take my eyes off Molly’s beautiful brown eyes and lips parted in surprise. I never want to forget her face right now. I want to etch in my mind for all eternity every contour of her beauty when she says yes to forever with me. I want to be able to close my eyes when we’re old and gray and think back to her pretty round cheeks and glossy eyelashes right in this very moment. The beginning of a whole new lifetime.
She covers her mouth, speechless, but I take her delicate hand and slip on the ring. I hold her hand in mine and squeeze it. “I won’t let go until the end, baby. I’m hoping you won’t either.”
She nods quickly. “Yes, Dash.”
She throws her hug around my neck, and even though we’re just getting started, I wouldn’t mind this ending right here.
“I’ll marry every single piece of you.”
* * *
