Page 105 of Forbidden Romeo
Still smirking, Holden reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet box.
Time slows.
My chest hitches with a sharp breath.
My blood heats in my veins.
Of all the times he’s pranked me, there’s never been a velvet box.
Not once.
I swallow the dry lump blocking the back of my throat.
“These last few months have been the best of my life,” he starts. “We’ve managed to somehow both grow up together and separately and even though I know I’ve screwed up more times than either of us can count, I’m grateful for every one of those moments. Because it brought us here. Together again. Katherine Pearl Harris…”
I close my eyes against the brimming tears. It’s only been a few months… maybe this is too soon? Too fast. I love Holden with all my heart, but I’m not actually sure I’m ready for marriage yet.
“Will you…”
But I can’t say no to him. I can never say no to Holden. I love him.
I swallow the sob threatening to wrench from my throat as he slowly opens the velvet box.
“… move in with me?”
My sob comes out as a relieved laugh and I cover my mouth. Inside the velvet box is a key, presumably to his apartment.
“Yes,” I laugh in relief as he pushes to his feet. “Yes, I will move in with you!”
The sounds of clapping and laughter fill the air as Holden scoops me into his arms, lifting me off the ground and swinging me around. “That other question is still coming. Don’t you worry,” Holden says, slowing down.
Even though he’s lowering my feet back to the ground, I still feel like I’m flying.
“How about pancakes tonight instead of curry?” I offer him.
He presses a soft, sweet kiss to the tip of my nose. “Only if they’re made with M&Ms.”
“Are there any other kind?”
EPILOGUE
SIX MONTHS LATER…
I gaze up at the giant flashing lights of the Tony Awards marquee, still hardly believing that I'm actually here.
There’s so much energy in the air around us, it’s almost like molecules surrounding us are electric.
I take a deep breath as Holden and I walk down the red carpet hand-in-hand, flashes going off all around us. This is our big night—we've both been nominated for Tony Awards for our roles in the hit new musical that took Broadway by storm.
Looking around, I see celebrities and Broadway legends mingling as they make their way inside the theater. My heart races with nerves and excitement. I can't believe this is really happening. Just a year ago I was serving lattes and going to countless auditions. Now here I am, nominated for a Tony alongside the love of my life.
Holden gives my hand a supportive squeeze as we make our way down the red carpet. Cameras flash all around us and reporters call out our names, eager for a quick pre-ceremony interview. I try to take it all in stride, channeling the confidence of the character I'm nominated for tonight.
As we near the shining lobby of the theater, I catch glimpses of dazzling ballgowns and sharp tuxedos. Holden straightens his bow tie before we step inside and I note the way he fiddles with his grandfather’s spinner ring.
He’s nervous even though he isn’t showing it as much as I am.
Rows of lights illuminate the ornate lobby, packed with Broadway’s biggest stars. I recognize famous faces from the silver screen mingling alongside Broadway icons. Waiters circle with trays of champagne. Laughter and lively chatter fill the air.