It turns out, Forks is just a tiny town with rainy, freezing cold weather in December. Dolly is obsessed, taking a photo with every single landmark from the movies. She somehow knows them all, even down to the woodsy scenes. I don’t get it, but I’m glad she’s having fun. It’s worth every second.
I’ve been carrying around the ring box in my pocket, trying to turn away from her when she leans up against me so she doesn’t feel it against my leg. I planned this trip before she even got the book deal, but after she did, it seemed like the perfect excuse to present the vacation to her and propose without her being too suspicious.
Since her father has been suffering from an advanced case of dementia, I asked permission for her hand in marriage from her four brothers the last time Sterling was home. It went exactly like I’d expected it to.
I clear my throat.“I’d like to talk to y’all about something.”
Duke flicks his card on the felt table, eyes narrowing. “Is she pregnant?”
Four sets of glaring eyes settle on me, weighing me down like a wet blanket.
“What? No, of course not,” I rush out.
Sighs of relief fill the room.
Cash plays his card. “Then what is it?”
I reach into my pocket, pulling out my grandmother’s marquise diamond ring. I had the setting redesigned and fitted onto a new gold band that had been melted down from the old one to fit Dolly’s finger. I set the crimson velvet box in the center of the table.
Each one of them grows completely still. The clock on the wall ticks ten times before I finally clear my throat.
“I’d like to ask your permission to marry her.”
I’ve never seen them be so quiet. After what feels like minutes but can’t possibly have been that long, Sterling stands and stretches out a hand to me. I grab it, almost wincing when he squeezes it hard. He pulls me in, clapping me on the back.
“Welcome to the family, brother. You’re a good man, Sam.”
Cash stands next, a smile on his lips as he pulls me into a bear hug. “Do we have to keep this a secret now?”
“Yeah, I’m not ready to ask her yet. I’m planning it out.”
Holden’s face is more solemn, and I must be seeing things because it looks like his eyes are glassy. He grabs my hand, holding it tighter than even Cash did.
“You’ll take care of her—I know you will. I’m glad it’s you.” He hugs me, and I really must be drunk because I think I hear him sniffle.
Duke’s waiting for me behind Holden, and he actually is crying and not even trying to hide it. I blink at my best friend, hoping these are happy tears and I’m not about to get my face bruised by his fist.
“Man, I’ve always thought of you as a brother, but this is better than anything I could’ve dreamed of.” He wraps both arms around me, squeezing me to him and laughing. “I wanna be an uncle again, you hear? I expect a baby in a year or less.”
“Damn, okay, I’ll start on that right away.”
He shoves me back, shaking his head. “Good.”
Rosie and Monroewere ecstatic to plan the engagement party, which will be at Redford Ranch the day we get home. It’s a bookish-themed party, and I didn’t even pretend to know what that meant. I just sent them a picture of my credit card and told them to spare no expense.
After staying in Forks for two nights and seeing all the places Dolly had on her bucket list, we drive to the beachfront cabin I rented on the coast. I had the place stocked with food and wine, but not anything she needs to prepare because I want her to relax.
On our first night, we go to bed early so we can have some fun exploring each other. She’s really gotten into the bondage with the rope, and I knew she’d be happy I’d brought it with me. She also loves when I spank her. My handprints are probably still faintly visible on her ass cheeks this morning.
When I wake up in the morning, I have a text from the photographer, asking me to let her know the exact time we’ll be down at the beach. I wanted to propose at sunrise, so after I make coffee, I gently shake her awake.
“Hey, beautiful. You wanna get dressed and watch the sunrise down at the beach?”
She groans, flipping over underneath the fluffy white duvet. “I guess. If you made some of your delicious coffee.”
“Of course, baby.” I already have two to-go mugs in my hand with creamer in them.
She climbs out of bed and runs a brush through her hair and puts on her glasses before throwing on a big puffer jacket, boots, and a hat. She’s cold-natured, and the weather here is freezing during winter.
