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While everyone laughed, Mitch moved closer to where Riley was standing.
With her eyes never leaving his, she reached out a hand. “You’re here,” she breathed as he took her hand.
“Of course. You should’ve told me.”
“I wasn’t sure you’d take my call.”
“I’ll always take your calls. You’re the one who didn’t answer my call yesterday.”
“I wanted tonight to be a surprise. I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to keep the secret.”
“I got a call from a publisher. Apparently, thanks to you?”
“You’re not mad?”
“How can I be mad? You helped me. Thank you. He’s asked for the rest of the manuscript—it may not have happened without your help.”
“Of course, it would’ve—it’s a beautiful story.” A smile lit up her face. “I like your Dorothy. She also has red hair.”
Chuckling, he moved closer, Dylan still in his arms. “My muse’s hair is red. I had no choice. I love you, haven’t I told you that?”
The crowd that had been watching them was finally moving away; something else had grabbed their attention.
“Mommy, you haven’t said you’re sorry,” Dylan whispered before he turned to Mitch. “Mommy is sorry she hurt you. Can we now all live together in your house?”
“May we…” He knew Riley was correcting Dylan, but her eyes were on him.
“I’d really like that.” He smiled, his heart just about jumping out of his body.
“Okay, you two,” Craig interrupted, taking Dylan from Mitch and handing him his car keys. “We’re taking Dylan back to Marietta, and he’s staying with us for the night. Mitch, you know where I’ve parked. Drive safely.” Pulling Riley closer, he kissed her forehead. “Good job, coz, we’re so proud of you.”
Annie hugged Riley and Mitch. “Breakfast at our place tomorrow morning. And prepare yourselves—we want details.”
Aiden and Vivian were next to say their good-byes.
“You did good, sis,” Aiden said, his voice not quite steady. “Mom and Dad… they would’ve been so proud of you.”
Sniffling, Vivian also hugged Riley. “My hormones have gone haywire. Please don’t make me cry!”
While everyone was still laughing at Vivian, Annie pulled Mitch to the side. “Remember Mom’s ring?”
His attention still on Riley, Mitch only registered the word ring.
Frowning, he looked down at his sister. “Ring? What ring?”
“Mom’s engagement ring, the one she always wore? It’s a sapphire with smaller diamonds…”
He nodded, his attention still on the vision in yellow. Damn, she was beautiful. “I remember. What about it?”
“It’s yours if you think Riley may like it.”
This time, his sister had his attention. “Riley…”
Annie rolled her eyes. “Seriously. You are going to propose tonight, I hope?”
“You mean ask her to marry me?” He shook his head. “There is nothing I would want more than to marry her, but she’s been very adamant about the fact she is not interested in ever going down that road again. I’m just happy she wants to be with me.”
Sighing, Annie shook her head. “Do yourself a favor and ask her anyway, okay? I’ll leave the ring on the table near your front door.” And, still shaking her head, she moved toward Craig.
