“Because the jeweler just shipped it and we had it sent to the club since we’re not staying at a hotel tonight.”
I stare down at the box. It’s open now and the most gorgeous diamond ring I’ve ever seen is twinkling in the sunlight.
Then he drops to one knee. “Marry me, Summer?”
“You can’t… what are…” We’ve drawn a bit of a crowd, people are taking pictures or video or something, but I’m fixated on the ring. We agreed to something simple, to not waste money we may need for the baby, but the diamond blinking up at me is at least a carat.
“I’m sorry about before. It was just business. You’re my pleasure, Summer. My future. Say yes.”
This is unexpected.
I knew we were going to get married, of course, but I didn’t think he’d go through the motions of a formal proposal.
“Tate.”
And I’m crying again.
It’s going to be a long twenty-eight weeks if I find a reason to cry every day between now and when the baby comes.
But he’s waiting for an answer and there’s really only one option.
“Yes,” I whisper, holding out my hand.
He slides the ring on, gets up and pulls me in for a kiss. And I’m not talking about a peck. His lips capture mine like they belong to him, and a cheer goes up in the crowd when we finally break apart.
Using his thumb, he brushes my tears away.
“Don’t cry,” he says softly. “There was nothing back there to cry about. You have to trust me, babe. That’s not who I am. I don’t know what the future has in store for us but while we’re together, we’re together. Exclusively. You have my word.”
“Tate.” I rest my head against his chest.
I have to believe him. Believe in him.
Anything less is setting us up to fail. And as neurotic and emotional as I am these days, deep down I want this to work.
“You okay?” he whispers against my hair.
“Yes.” I take a deep breath and then lift my head so I can look into his handsome face. “You weren’t supposed to buy a diamond that big.”
He smiles. “I got a good deal on it. Angus knew a guy.”
I chuckle because Angus always seems to know a guy.
“Congratulations!” People start wishing us well, coming over to shake Tate’s hand, say hello, even take a picture. Our engagement is apparently a big deal because these are all fans who know who he is.
“I’m sorry about that,” he says when we finally break free and head back inside the club.
“There have to be boundaries, Tate. Hanging on you like that is off-limits—you have to make that clear.”
“You’re right.” He nods solemnly. “I should have said something. But I swear to you—you can ask the guys—I haven’t even looked at another woman. I can’t. I don’t want to. All I see is you.”
That warms my heart and I lift my left hand, staring at the ring.
“We’re engaged,” I say slowly. “Why does it feel so…real?”
He brings my hand to his lips and kisses the back. “Because it is.”
Chapter 25
