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“Devon, take a breath,” he interrupts. “It’s going to be FINE. We’re not walking into an ambush. I’ve already had a discussion with Nate. He’s not going to get in your face about this. Tonight is about our homecoming and figuring out our schedule. We’ll worry about the rest later.”
I blink hard and shake my head to make sure I’m not asleep and imagining this. Bryce may be a master at conflict resolution, but there’s no way he’s going to calm my family. I’d bet my car that they’ve been stewing over this since we hung up the telephone. By now, my mom’s likely planned a way to force me home for the summer, so she can watch my every move.
“Baby, are you insane?”
“Yes, insane about you, and I put my foot down. Told Nate to get everyone’s shit together and let us have a nice night. Tomorrow, we can work through the details and the discussions. They agreed.”
My shoulders relax as I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. “And that is why I love you so much, Mr. Randolph.”
He smiles and turns into my parents’ driveway. I giggle when I spot Quinn’s car in the mix. She texted this morning and promised we were prepared to argue like professionals when our families tried to shut down our trip.
As soon as the car is stopped, the front door flies open, and Quinn comes barreling out, running directly to me. Before I can speak, she squeezes me until the air leaves my lungs.
“No mention of Israel.”
“Bryce said they’re leaving it alone tonight. We’re safe,” I wheeze, trying to breathe.
She steps away and scans my face. Then she breaks out in a wide smile and kisses my cheek loudly. “Glad you’re home.”
“Hey, Quinn, how’s it going?” Bryce comes around the car and smirks at her.
“Very funny, lover boy. I’m still mad at you for leaving me behind.” She huffs, crossing her arms.
“Believe me, this was not a trip for mixed company.” He wiggles his eyebrows, and she fakes gagging.
Bryce wraps his arm around my shoulders and leads us to the house.
“About time you guys got here. I’m starving!” Nate yells when we walk in.
My dad pulls me into a hug while shaking Bryce’s hand. Bryce’s parents, Karen and Steve, greet us next in the same way. I slip away when I spot Quinn’s parents, Michelle and Paul, standing in the middle of the room, smiling.
I rush to them and throw my arms around their shoulders. “What are y’all doing here?”
“You don’t think we’d miss your engagement celebration, do you?” Michelle smiles warmly.
“What are you talking about?” I turn and look around the room. My jaw drops.
There’s a ‘congratulations’ banner hanging on the fireplace and several pictures of Bryce and me on the mantle. I look past everyone’s smiling faces, and when my eyes land on Bryce, his lips twitch then curl in a smug grin.
“You knew about this?” I question him.
“I may have.”
“You didn’t think to tell me?”
“Why would I do that? It was a surprise.”
I catch Quinn’s smirk and narrow my eyes at her. “You should have warned me!” I wave my hand down my body in disgust. “I’m in cut-off shorts and a tank top!” She shrugs, completely uncaring.
“You look absolutely fine. And besides, this is casual and all family.” My mom comes to me and tucks my hair behind my ear. “We didn’t really get to celebrate your actual engagement last week. The guys’ graduation was the focus. So Shelia and I decided we wanted to celebrate the right way. Tonight is all about you and Bryce.”
I look at Shelia, Bryce’s mom, and my throat clogs with emotion when our eyes lock. She’s beaming.
There are so many arguments running through my head, because in my mind, we did celebrate last week. But the only thing I can say is a quiet, “Thank you.”
Mom nods, clearly hearing the emotions in my voice. Bryce comes to my side and puts an arm around my waist, kissing my temple. His blue eyes sparkle with happiness.
“Forgive me?” he asks playfully.
