“What the f—” I held the phone away to save my hearing. It was no use; Tiff’s loud exclamation could be heard even from a distance.
I laughed as I brought it back. “Oh, did I forget to mention that Jackson told me?”
“Seriously, what the hell! It was meant to be a surprise.”
“I think we’ve had more than enough of those in our relationship, thank you very much. So you can stop trying to come up with ways to meddle.”
“Excuse you. I believe I’m still the one who got you two together in the first place.”
“How could I ever forget when you’re constantly reminding me.”
“Whatever, just get your asses here already.” And with that, she hung up.
Jackson pulled me close. “How disappointed was she?”
“Extremely, but she’ll be over it by the time we get there.”
He still gave me butterflies, even after a year. Sometimes at the oddest times. It could be waking before him, curled against his back, basking in the steady warmth and protection I felt there. Or when I perched myself on the tiny counter in our bathroom to watch him shave in the morning, and he would lean in to kiss me wetly on the cheek, smearing cream on the way. But especially when we went to events because if we were ever separated and our eyes met across the room, my love for him overwhelmed me. Like beginning all over again. I honestly couldn’t stop being grateful for having him in my life. By my side.
“And how annoyed do you think she’ll be about this?” He grasped my left hand and kissed it, the warmth of his lips a contrast against the cool gold band that now adorned my ring finger. Thin and delicate, with a single small diamond embedded in the band. It was understated and pretty, but with a fragility that I fell in love with the minute I saw it. It had only been twenty-four hours, and I had to keep reminding myself it was real.
We hadn’t told a soul yet, deciding to wait until the party tonight. The day had been incredible, and while it was a small form of torture to not immediately call everyone and let them know, being able to celebrate alone with Jackson was a memory I’d cherish for the rest of my life.
Which might not be too much longer once Tiffany killed me for not telling her.
“She might actually murder me. Or you. I wouldn’t put it past her.”
“At least I’ll die happy.” He leaned down and kissed my cheek.
My giddiness hit a new high when we made our way into The Basement and were greeted immediately by our closest friends and family. The bar was closed to the public tonight, and we’d filled the space to celebrate a mix of occasions. Jackson’s film didn’t premiere for a month, and my birthday had been two weeks ago, but getting everyone together was a mammoth affair, and we had figured one giant party with everyone would be our best bet.
I lovingly stroked the lone ring on my left hand. Not to mention the latest good news we had to announce.
It took far too long to get to the bar. You’d think we never saw anyone with the way they were slapping Jackson on the back and wrapping me up in hugs, even though we worked and talked to most of them every day.
Tiffany wasn’t behind the bar tonight, but she was the first to hand me a drink, a short tumbler of honey caramel liquid, one of her latest concoctions, which she’d so hilariously named “the set up” as a tip of her cap to her successful matchmaking. No matter how often I told her, she would not believe it was simply a stroke of luck, countering that she had dealt a hand of fate for Jace and me.
Debating with her was fun, but I actually liked the name and the drink, and it was my usual anytime I visited the bar. Which wasn’t as often as before, but she happily conceded the time to Jackson as she was busy with her own relationship these days.
I held my glass in my left hand, tilting the ring outwards on purpose, but no one had picked up on it.
Fine. Guess subtlety was overrated anyway.
I got Jackson’s attention with a pointed elbow to his side, and he protectively wrapped a hand around my waist before cupping his mouth and yelling over the music.
Most of the room turned to face us, and those who hadn’t, turned once they realized where everyone was looking.
Now faced with telling everyone, I was grateful Jackson was holding onto me. Otherwise, my legs might have given out. I gripped his hand where it rested on my side, and he squeezed me tightly in response.
“I just wanted to thank everyone for coming tonight to celebrate with us. There’s been a lot to celebrate recently, and you’ve all been here with us, so I won’t go over it all again now.”
“Good!” came a shout from the back, sending a wave of chuckles through the room.
“But there’s one thing I’m especially thankful for. A year ago, I met the love of my life, and I can’t imagine having anyone else by my side right now.” Jackson turned to me, and even though he’d already proposed and I’d already said yes, those same butterflies stirred up in me again. I swallowed against the lump in my throat and held his hand tighter as he continued. “And for some unknown reason, she feels the same way, so last night I asked her to marry me.”
Sarah was the first voice I heard, loudly whooping from nearby, and it started a chain reaction of cheers in the room. A loud male voice called out, “She said yes, right?” I was fairly sure it was Jackson’s Dad, but I couldn’t tell over the collective congratulations thrown at us. I did manage to call back, “Of course I said yes!” I held my hand up, which was promptly grabbed by Sarah and nearly yanked out of its socket as she admired the ring. Mrs. Ward then grabbed my hand out of her grasp to hug me and welcome me to the family.
Ok, I was definitely crying now.
