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“Let’s do it.” I grinned, leading her toward the edge of town where we could shift and run freely.
“Ridge, Tori, wait up!” a familiar voice called out, causing us both to stop in our tracks.
“Hey, Kyle. What’s up?” I greeted Tori’s brother with a nod as he jogged over. He had an excited air about him.
“Nothing much. Just wanted to see if you guys were free tomorrow night. Audrey and I are organizing a get-together at the manor—I hope that’s okay, Ridge? Audrey didn’t think you’d mind.”
“Sounds like fun.” Tori glanced at me for confirmation.
“Sure, that sounds fine. Count us in.” My mind was still preoccupied with the ring box and how best to present it to Tori. Kyle could have invited us to a baby bunny roast for all I’d listened.
“Great. See you both there.” Kyle clapped me on the back before heading off, leaving Tori and me alone once more.
“Comeon, let’s get going.” Tori tugged at my hand, pulling me toward the forest.
“Right behind you,” I said.
As we walked, I thought about the moment of truth—the moment I would ask Victoria Summers to be mine forever. Not just as my fated mate, but as my wife. The reality of it all hit me like a ton of bricks, and I stumbled a bit.
“Ridge, do you ever wonder…” Tori began hesitantly. “Do you ever wonder if things would have been different if we hadn’t met under such difficult circumstances?”
“Maybe.” I considered her words carefully. “But honestly, I can’t imagine my life without you in it. And at this point, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Tori began to sound more and more excited as we continued our walk through town. “I tried to see more of this expansion before, but some hunter interrupted me. There’s so much going on, don’t you think?”
“Uh-huh,” I said absentmindedly. Would she think it was ridiculous if I held the ring in my mouth while I shifted? Or would she find it endearing?
“Look at that!” Tori exclaimed, pointing to another row of new buildings under construction. “This town is really growing, and it feels like there’s hope for a better future.”
“Sure does.” I forced a smile, trying to feign interest in the conversation.
“I was thinking we should open a clown school,” Tori said.
“Sounds good, babe,” I said blandly.
Tori swatted my arm. “Ridge, you haven’t heard a word I said.”
“Sorry, just got lost in thought for a moment.” I attempted to put the ring box out of my mind and focus on the present.
“Okay, well, I’m really optimistic about all these changes. It seems like our town is becoming more modern and unified. It’sgoing to be great for everyone.” She smiled, looking around at the various construction sites.
“Absolutely, Tori. Change can be a good thing.”
“What’s going on with that building over there?” Tori pointed to the small structure I had been trying so hard to keep her attention away from.
“Uh, it’s nothing. Not ready for you to know about yet.”
“Really? Why can I not know?” She raised an eyebrow, curiosity and suspicion mingling on her face. “What’s going on?”
“Nothing, babe, just…trust me, okay? You’ll find out soon enough.” I attempted a reassuring smile, but it probably came across more like a grimace.
She crossed her arms and pouted.
I rubbed the back of my neck, the heat rising to my cheeks. “It’s not like it’s a big deal or anything.” I tried to play it off casually, knowing damn well that it was a huge deal. “I just thought maybe you’d want a place of your own.”
Tori stared at me for a moment before her curiosity got the better of her. She strode toward the entrance, clearly intent on getting a closer look.
“Ridge, are you saying you bought this building? For me?” Tori’s eyes widened in disbelief as she gazed at the small, unassuming structure. “Why would you do that?” She rushed toward the door.
