"She kept it. She keeps everything."
Ingrid laughs. "True."
We lie in silence for a while.
Just breathing.
Just being.
Just existing in this moment that somehow contains everything—our past, our present, our future.
"We should probably tell people," she says eventually. "Before the club gossip network figures it out on their own."
"Probably."
"Family first, then everyone else."
"Your mom already knows. She helped pick the ring."
"My mom can keep a secret. It's my dad I'm worried about. And Hakon and Ulf. Those three have the biggest mouths in the club."
I laugh. "Fair point."
"Tonight? Dinner at my parents' place? We can tell everyone at once."
"Sounds perfect."
She sighs happily, snuggling closer.
"I can't believe this is my life now. Engaged. Moving into a house. Planning a future with someone who actually wants to be there."
"Believe it. Because I'm not going anywhere."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Forever."
She holds up her hand, watches the emerald sparkle.
"Forever sounds good."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." She turns to look at me, eyes bright with love and hope and everything I've ever wanted. "Forever sounds perfect."
CHAPTER TWELVE
Ingrid
The emerald catches the light every time I move my hand.
I can't stop looking at it.
Can't stop touching it.
Can't stop smiling at this tangible proof that my life has become something I never thought I deserved.
"You're doing it again."
