Page 65 of Yours, Always

Greyson stood, embracing his soon-to-be wife, and thought it couldn’t happen soon enough. He had half a mind to take her to the courthouse today and might have if they weren’t closed. He’d waited too long, and after being home with her, sharing her space, her bed, her life, he almost felt that they’d lost too much time. But everything happened the way it should in the end. As his mom would say, trust the timing of his life.

“Come on,” Greyson said, “let’s go inside before we head to Finnegan’s.”

“You’re going to break in? On New Year’s Eve?”

Greyson smiled at that. How fun it would be for her to think he was breaking in. But, no. He was too excited to lead her to believe that and held out a key. “You don’t need to break into a house you already own.”

Prudence stood there, speechless for the second time that night, and the permanent grin on Greyson’s face that had been there since she’d said ‘yes’ turned into a full-on laugh. He liked rendering Prudence speechless.

“I don’t understand. Or maybe I do…you bought this house?”

His smile faltered, for just a split second, until Prudence threw herself at him and he had to stop both of them from toppling into the snow.

“You bought me a house!” She was kissing him, then.

“I know you love your townhome, but I couldn’t pass this up. There were multiple offers and I had to move quickly.” Greyson peered into her face, hoping it was truly joy he saw there.

“The townhouse is great, but…” She turned to look at the house again. “This is perfect.”

Greyson let out a breath he didn’t know he’d been holding and moved to stand next to Prudence, fresh eyes seeing its ramshackle state.

“I know it’s a lot of work, but I had Gabe come with me before I put in the offer. He’s taught me a lot about carpentry, and now that he’s done with his house, he said he’d help with the repairs. He knows an electrician and a contractor, and he thinks we can have it done and ready to move in before Summer Stock starts. Plus, I happen to know a great interior designer who I’m sure I can get to lend me her services for free.”

“For free, huh? I don’t know anyone who works for free.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him close to her. “I think we might be able to work out a deal, though.”

“Let’s start by getting you warm. I already have the electricity, water and gas turned on, so the house is nice and toasty.” He tugged her up the walk. “Let’s see if we can start on that deal now.”

* * * *

Greyson and Prudence entered Finnegan’s close to midnight. They’d taken a leisurely tour of the house. Prudence couldn’t believe she was engaged and couldn’t wait to tell her friends their good news.

Greyson slid the coat from her shoulders and snuck a kiss to her neck. “I love you, Pru. Don’t wander too far. Be sure I’m the one getting that kiss at midnight.” He winked and turned to hang their coats.

“I love you too, Greyson.”

The Gatsby-themed night was perfect. Finnegan’swas filled with flapper gals and dapper gents, a true black-tie affair. Prudence’s gold beaded dress fell just past her knees as she shimmied through the crowd to where she’d spotted Annabelle and Devlin at the bar.

“Excuse me, ladies.” Prudence reached her newly ringed hand into the space between the girls and pretended to take Annabelle’s drink.

“Hey, get your own—the hell?” Annabelle said. “What the fuck is that?”

“Oh, this?” Prudence raised her hand, admiring the beautiful ring again, smiling widely. “Greyson proposed tonight.”

“Oh my God, Pru. Congratulations!” Devlin hugged her.

“About damn time.” Annabelle threw her arms around the two already hugging friends. “Give us the details, this is Page Six stuff!”

“Of course, Greyson wants only you to do the write up, AB.”

“Associated Press, here I come. Eat that, Your-Royal-Pain-in-my-Ass.”

“Speaking of, did Sebastian grace us with this presence tonight?” Prudence wondered as she raised her hand to get the bartender’s attention, her ring sparkling in the light. “Three champagnes please.”

“Oh yes.” Annabelle jerked her head to the far side of the bar then finished her whiskey in one gulp. “He’s here, and he brought a date.”

Devlin and Prudence exchanged a quick glance. “Why does that matter?” Devlin asked in her sweetest, most nonchalant voice.

“It doesn’t matter,” Annabelle ground out and glared at them, conspicuously silent while they grabbed their drinks. “What? It doesn’t.”