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“She straightened me out.”
Kaylee was surprised anyone could.
“She told me I had to make some hard choices, and I have.”
Struggling to understand, she said nothing because she couldn’t think of anything to say.
“I’m going to start with the absolute truth and go from there.” He exhaled a shaky breath. “Kaylee, I…” Frost dragged his hand into his hair.“Fuck,”he whispered so that none of the kids could have overheard him, but she heard the weight of emotion in the laden word. “I love you.”
Her ears buzzed, and her mother grabbed her elbow hard.
“I love you, Kaylee Robbins, with my entire heart and soul.”
Then he lowered himself to one knee.
Around them, people fell silent and turned to face them. Nearby, Julie froze. A few people pulled out cameras, and others pointed to them.
Her heart racing, her mind struggling to comprehend, Kaylee formed her hands into fists, her fingernails carving into her palms.
But he seemed oblivious to anyone except her.
He reached into his pocket again and pulled out her ring.
The stunning oval diamond caught the light, refracting hope and possibilities.
“I want to dedicate my life to you, loving you, caring for you, making you happy.” His voice cracked, making her breath catch in her throat. “Kaylee Robbins, will you do me the ultimate honor and become my wife.”
She shook, burying her head in her hands as laughs and sobs simultaneously wracked her.
“Put me out of my misery, Kaylee,” he begged. “Please.”
“Say yes!” a bystander called out.
This was a dream come true, everything she wanted and had never dared dream possible.
“Yes,” she replied softly. “But we still need to talk.”
Her mother leaned in, laughing. “Make damn sure he deserves you.” With that, she wiped her eyes.
He slid the ring onto her finger, where it belonged.
As she looked at it, tears fell. It was perfect, meant to be. She couldn’t remember ever feeling this light or happy.
Spectators cheered and clapped.
After standing, Frost took her hand and pulled her to her feet, swinging her around, and then claiming her mouth in a passionate kiss once he set her back down.
As people returned to their own discussions, Julie sashayed to the table, carrying a bottle of pricey champagne—a choice he’d been told they didn’t carry—and three glasses. “Maybe you’re not such an asshole after all.” She hugged Kaylee and her mom, offered her congratulations, then disappeared again.
“You might as well join us,” her mother said. “Since it doesn’t seem we’ll be getting rid of you anytime soon.”
“Mom!”
Laura reached for Kaylee’s hand to look at the ring.
Thank goodness the food finally arrived to occupy the kids and allow the adults to talk. With an ease that surprised and disarmed her, Evan fielded her mother’s questions. Finally, once the meal was over, her mom’s forceful interrogation slowly turned into something resembling friendly conversation.
But she ended with a warning. “If you make my daughter unhappy, you’ll have me to deal with.”
