Page 122 of Rich and Bossy
“What?” I say it like I’m in awe that this is happening. I feel like I should’ve seen this coming, but I didn’t. I literally could only think about going to the bathroom two minutes ago. “Is this real?”
“It is.” He gives me that smirk of his, like I should know better. “I try to tell you every single day that I love you more than anything. That I’d do anything for you. When you gave me that second chance, on your porch, I promised myself I’d never hurt you again, that I’d love you fiercely, protect you, and I have spent every day since, trying to live up to that.”
I nod a little. “You have.”
“Good, because I want to make that promise to you for the rest of our lives. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me, Hazel?”
I don’t even notice the ring. I barely register John recording all of this for us to watch later. For once even the boys are being still and smiling next to their mom.
I look right at Brayden and Brody. “You think I should?”
They both nod furiously.
“Did you just ask five-year-olds to make a life decision for you?” Paxton’s grinning at me from a knee.
I nod, smiling larger than I’ve ever smiled. “Yes.”
He smiles back. All I see is him. Paxton, the man I was never supposed to fall for, not in a million years. And still, I did. We might’ve had a rocky start, but it was meant to be. Life is funny like that.
I realize I’m still standing there, just beaming from ear to ear.
John clears his throat loud enough to be heard by everyone around us. “I think he’s waiting for an answer.”
I lean down, taking his face in my hands. “Yes. Of course I will marry you.”
At that, Paxton slides the ring on my finger, then pulls me to my feet and wraps me in a bear hug. Seventy thousand people lose their minds all around us. I never thought I’d be the type who enjoys a public proposal, but then I never imagined a man like this. I never really even imagined getting married until I met him. Now the whole world knows that we belong to each other.
I hold my hand out, looking at the ring. It’s a princess cut solitaire in a platinum setting. I love how modest it is too. He knew I wouldn’t want something gigantic and flashy, and it’s the perfect size. He knows me better than I know myself sometimes.
“I love you, you big idiot.” It’s all I manage to say before he crushes his lips against mine, but that’s fine. There are certain things that can’t be expressed in words, anyway.
He finally pulls back and says, “Yeah. I get that.”
Jerk. I laugh at his response, then he pulls me in close. “I love you too. You make me so damn happy, fiancée.”
Good, the feeling is mutual.
“Yeah, yeah, we’re all happy and love each other. Go to the bathroom, Hazel. You look like you’re about to be cool like Miles Davis.”
I start to laugh, but I can’t because I really do need to go to the bathroom. “ClassicBilly Madison reference, don’t ever do it to me again.” I kiss Paxton on the forehead. “I’ll be right back. Promise.”
As I’m trying to get up the stairs, I hear someone yell behind me.
“She said yes, the future Hazel Briggs! And she’s already running away from me!”
I smack my forehead on the way up and don’t even bother looking back, even though I can hear John laughing it up at Paxton’s little joke.
What did I just get myself into?