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After several upbeat songs, August Clover dialed it down a notch. Gemma took the microphone and started to sing “Simple Things” by Teddy Swims.
Holden parted the crowd on the floor, making his way to me. His gorgeous smile made my pulse skip a beat. He took my hand in his, then slid the other one around my waist. We swayed to the music, staring at each other. Words weren’t necessary. The lyrics were beautiful and spoke for us.
Holden placed his forehead against mine, and everyone else slipped away as we lost ourselves in each other.
The song ended, but instead of the band kicking off the next song, everyone moved off the dance floor except Holden and me.
Holden dropped to one knee and produced a black velvet box. He flipped the lid open, and I gasped at the diamond and emerald ring.
“River Collins,” he started, then looked up at me, love and adoration in his eyes. “The day you strolled into my mom’s house, scared and determined, I knew there was something special about you. It took me a while to realize that I’d given you my heart in those first moments, but it was the best thing I’ve ever done. Those days without you were torture. It was as if the better part of me was gone, and I couldn’t breathe. You make me a better man. You taught me to live again. You taught me to fight for what I wanted, and you’re who I want … for the rest of my life. River, I don’t want a future without you in it. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife, so every day is the best day of my life?”
My legs trembled, and I grabbed his shoulder, terrified I would drop to the floor, unable to get up. He would have to carry me in front of everyone.
Silence filled the room while they waited for an answer. This man was my everything—the air I breathed and the light in my darkness. “Yes, I would love to be your wife. I’m ready to start my forever with you, Holden Alastair.”
He rose and took my hand, slipping the huge diamond ring on my finger. Holden tipped up my chin and kissed me passionately. I wrapped my arms around his neck as the crowd cheered behind us.
“I love you, Holden.” I ran my fingertips across his clean-shaven jawline.
“I love you more, babe.” He kissed me, then threw his head back and let out a loud whoop as he lifted me and spun me around.
Holden led me off the dance floor and grinned at me. “I have a surprise for you.”
“Another one? I’m not sure I can handle any more.” I laughed, staring at the beautiful ring.
His arm slipped around my waist as we headed to the door of the elevator, and he stood still as the retinal scanner did its job. He pushed the button for the fourth floor, remaining quiet. This time our offices, as well as the conference, game, and break rooms, were all on the top. Other than us, the area was restricted.
The elevator whooshed open, and Holden guided me to the conference area.
I stood rooted to the spot and gasped as my attention landed on Shirley and Ed. I looked at Holden. “I don’t understand.”
“While you were gone, Shirley and I had a few conversations. They had nothing to do with the tracker, babe. Shirley even helped me do a bit of digging to find out who did. Logan had another girl put it in, then she turned up dead.”
I stared at Shirley and Ed, memories of that night rushing at me like a fucking linebacker. At the time, they’d been so good to me, but when we found the tracker, I’d lost hope that they were decent people.
“Hi, River. You look absolutely beautiful.” Shirley glanced up at Ed, tears in her eyes. “Congratulations on the engagement. We watched from the side of the room, then came here so we could talk.”
Holden rubbed my back, then in a few steps, I closed the gap between us and hugged Shirley, then Ed. “I’ve missed you guys. How are you?”
Over the next hour, I plied them with questions, and they asked some as well. Holden had thought ahead and had snacks, wine, and beer for us. It was wonderful to see them and get off my feet.
Finally, we said goodbye, with assurances that we would meet them for breakfast at our new place the following day. I couldn’t wait to spend the night next to Holden as his fiancée, but with the view of the lake.
“Thank you, Holden. Thank you for finding out that Shirley and Ed had nothing to do with the tracker. It means the world to me.”
We entered the elevator and Holden pushed the main floor. “Shirley had left a message on your phone, and I called her back. She clearly had no idea where you were or that you’d missed your stop in Idaho. Lucky for me, you landed in Spokane.” He pressed his mouth to mine. “I can’t wait to take you to our new house.”
“Same.”
The rest of the night was busy with congratulations from everyone. Holden stuck to me like glue, kissing me every chance he had.
Brynn, Chance, Reid, and Jace also stayed with us. I glanced around at their smiling faces while I leaned into my fiancé’s side. He wrapped his arm around me, and I snuggled against him. The events that had led up to that night had been insane, and although I was still healing, I knew I was exactly where I’d always wanted to be. Home.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Epilogue Holden’s POV
“Are you sure, man? This is a big deal. Once it’s done, you can’t ever undo it.” Zayne hesitated, his grip on the handle of the door.
