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I kicked the wrapping paper that was around my feet out of the way and rolled my eyes again. Hampton been more like himself tonight than he had been in a while, and while I was happy to see a glimmer of my best friend again, I was really looking forward to a gift from him.
Instead, he’d bought a surround sound system that he’d insisted I’d asked for a few months ago. Seeing as how I’d never even thought about surround sounds a day in my life, I knew he’d only used my birthday as an excuse to buy a gift for himself.
Lawson sat on the edge of the coffee table and handed me a gift bag that was surprisingly light. I pulled the tissue paper out and found two red fabric flowers at the bottom.
He was acting strange, and I swear I saw beads of sweat forming on his forehead. “You okay?”
I shrugged and reached into the bag where there were two more flower socks. “What are these?”
“Flowers. Made out of socks. Open them.”
I concentrated on unraveling the socks, not paying attention to Lawson. I got the first one open and turned it to face me so I could read what they said.
I read the sock and then read it again. It was when I read the words for the third time that my stomach flipped.
Unable to tear my gaze away from the socks, I said, “Lawson, I think there’s a mistake. These say Dr. Piper Reed.”
He cleared his throat. “That wasn’t a mistake.”
My heart was slamming against my chest when I finally looked at where Lawson had been seated on the edge of the coffee table. Only, he wasn’t sitting there anymore.
Kneeling before me, Lawson held a small box in his hands, his whiskey brown eyes hopeful. “I’ve thought about what I would say in this moment over and over again. Yet, here I am, down on one knee before you, and none of the speeches I prepared feel right.”
My breath was lodged in my throat as I gazed into his eyes, a thousand memories shining back at me.
He reached for my left hand. “Piper Kelley, there is no one else in this world for me. It is you. It has always been you. And until I’m one hundred and ten it will be you.”
He flipped open the box with one hand, revealing a brilliant square cut diamond that sparkled so radiantly, it looked like there were flames inside. My free hand flew to my mouth, unable to stop the gasp that tumbled out.
“Will you marry me?” His voice was low, but there was no tremble to the words.
And there was no hesitation when I replied, “Oh my God, yes!” I nodded, a tear escaping down my cheek, and said again, “Yes, a thousand times yes!”
He pulled the ring from its box, slid it on my finger, and then pulled my face to his. “This ring reminded me of you. Fiery and brilliant. Beautiful and bold. You’re everything I’m not. And I’m one lucky son of a bitch that someone as unbelievably amazing as you decided to fall in love with a geek like me.”
I peppered his face with kisses, my lips eager to meet every square inch of his skin. I finally settled on his lips, my tongue brushing at the seam, begging for entry. I kissed him long and hard, promising him I would love him forever without ever saying a word.
When I pulled away, I held my hand up, studying the ring that symbolized what we were and would be together, and grinned. “I love this ring.”
He pulled my fingers to his lips, kissing below where the ring was nestled. “Good.”
“Maybe even more than I love you,” I joked.
He shrugged. “That’s good too. Means you’ll always wear it, and everyone will know you’re mine.”
I nodded, my heart more full than I could have ever imagined. “That I’ve always been yours.”
Acknowledgments
First and Foremost: My husband. I think I’ve said it in every book, but it’s the truth. Thank you for ignoring the messy kitchens, days that I didn’t cook and forgot to shower and for playing stupid pretend games with Madeline for hours on end. You should be sainted, or knighted, or whatever it is that they do for really amazing men that deserve to be recognized. I luba you.
Kaitlyn: Thank you for asking about what I’m working on and pretending to want to read it. I know you’ll never read it, and I’m okay with that.
Madeline: Sorry I spent so many mornings working, but in my defense, if you would sleep in a little later, you wouldn’t have to sit around bored while I typed away. Moo Moo and May May, together forever. Even if that togetherness involves my laptop and earbuds and your iPad.
Allison: Of course, I owe you everything. I’m on book number four and I still ask you the same questions over and over. Thank you for always talking me off the ledge, brainstorming and loudly plotting on planes with me.
Amie: I just love you. I’m glad you saw past my crazy. You’ve been an amazing friend, ally, cheerleader and motivator. Thanks for always encouraging me.
