I'm crying now, full-on ugly crying, and Alexis is making a sound that might also be crying.
"I love you more than I thought it was possible to love someone," Joel continues. "I love your laugh, your kindness, your strength. I love how you make me coffee in the morning and steal the covers at night. I love that you're best friends with my daughter and that you three have become my whole world."
He pulls out a small velvet box and opens it to reveal the most beautiful ring I've ever seen—a simple solitaire diamond on a delicate gold band.
"Nina Castellano, will you marry me? Will you let me spend the rest of my life making you as happy as you've made me?"
"Yes," I sob. "Yes, yes, yes—"
He slides the ring onto my finger and stands, pulling me into his arms. I kiss him through my tears, and distantly I hear Alexis cheering.
When we finally break apart, Alexis is standing up, grinning even though she's crying too.
"I knew it!" she says. "Dad made me go ring shopping with him last month. I've been dying keeping this secret."
"You knew?" I look at her.
"Of course I knew. He asked my permission first." She comes over and hugs us both. "Welcome to the family, Nina. Officially."
"You're okay with this?" I ask, even though I can see the answer on her face.
"Are you kidding? You make my dad happier than I've ever seen him. And you're already my sister in every way that matters. This just makes it legal." She grins. "Although I'm still not calling you Mom."
I laugh through my tears. "Deal."
Joel pulls me close again, and I look down at the ring on my finger—this tangible proof that this is real, that we're forever.
"I can't believe we're getting married," I whisper.
"Believe it, baby." He kisses my temple. "You're stuck with me now."
"Good," I say. "Because I'm not going anywhere."
Alexis makes a gagging sound. "Okay, now you're being disgusting again. I'm going to bed. Congratulations, you crazy kids."
After she heads upstairs, Joel scoops me up and carries me to the living room, settling on the couch with me in his lap.
"So," he says. "Mrs. Hartford. How does that sound?"
"Perfect," I tell him. "Everything about this is perfect."
"Not everything." He grins. "We still have to plan a wedding. And knowing you, you're going to want something elaborate."
"Actually, I was thinking small," I admit. "Just family and close friends. Maybe here, in the backyard. Nothing fancy."
"Really?"
"Really. I don't need a big wedding, Joel. I just need you."
He kisses me, slow and deep. "Have I told you today that I love you?"
"Not in the last ten minutes."
"I love you," he murmurs against my lips. "So fucking much."
"I love you too, Daddy."
His eyes darken. "You can't call me that and expect me not to carry you upstairs right now."
