Page 129 of Perfect Enough

“By the way, try to remember I’m here when you go celebrate.”

Sophia laughed as Nate walked out of the room.

As we both stood, I said, “I’m sorry I asked you on the sofa—again—after telling you I bought a puppy. I picked up the ring earlier, and I was planning on making a fire tonight, maybe having some wine and snacks, but Nate ruined that plan, and I was just so excited and…well…I couldn’t wait.”

“That was so unexpected, Josh. I loved it, and I love you.”

Smiling, I said, “Yeah?”

She nodded and took my hand in hers. “It was perfect.”

Drawing her body against mine, I pushed a stray piece of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “I love you, Soph.”

“I love you, too, Josh.”

“Now…let’s go do that celebrating, shall we?” I said as I bent down and picked her up. She let out a small cry of laughter.

“Wait! Wait!” she said. “Shouldn’t we tell our parents?”

“That can wait until tomorrow. Tonight, it’s just you and me.”

“And Nate,” she said, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing.

I rolled my eyes. “Right. And Nate.”

Epilogue

NATHAN

Five years ago - Senior year of high school

Haven Marie Larson.

She was going to be the death of me one of these days.

“Hey, Nate, what’s with the frown?” Lizzy Hathaway asked as she flashed me a bright smile. Her blue eyes lit up with that familiar glint of desire.

“No reason,” I said as I focused back on Haven riding the horse around the arena.

“Haven is so weird.”

Turning to look at Lizzy, I asked, “Why do you say that?”

Motioning out to Haven, who was attempting to get the horse she was on to settle down, Lizzy sneered, “She is obsessed with animals. I mean, she walks people’s dogs. That’s her job. Dog walking.”

“What is your job?”

Lizzy laughed. “I’m in high school, Nate. I don’t work.”

“That’s not a reason. I’m in high school, and I work.”

“On your family ranch. That doesn’t count.” She waved her hand in the air again. “That’s like chores.”

I wanted to laugh. It was hardly like chores. It was hard work.

“What are you doing here, Lizzy?” I asked as I focused back on Haven in the arena with my father next to her.

“My mother is here to talk to your mom about training a horse we bought. I want to do barrel racing.”