I can’t stop smiling. I'm beyond excited to do this. I don’t have any doubt Valley will be out of her mind with happiness when she hears what I have to say.
Ghost, Frost, and I are putting the finishing touches in the theater room. This is Valley’s favorite place in the compound.
I step back once we’re done, loving the overall look.
I clap hands with the guys in a thank you.
Frost says, “I’ll go get everyone else, hang tight.”
I pace nervously, going over the words in my mind I’ve memorized by now.
After a few minutes, everyone filters in. The Six, Harris, Sam, Thor, Cynthia, Valley, and even Jax.
I'm standing in the front, hands clasped behind my back. Synn has his huge hands covering Valley’s eyes, and she’s bitching up a storm. He releases her, and she gasps, looking around the transformed room.
There are yellow roses everywhere—her favorite. Candles provide the only light, flames softly flickering. The big screen flickers on, and a montage of the two of us starts to play.
I've been slyly recording us for a while—for this very moment.
Valley finally sees me standing there, and tears fill her eyes. I'm wearing a black suit with my hair carefully arranged. The other girls make oooo sounds, and I smile.
Valley walks toward me, her small frame trembling.
Once she’s right in front of me, I reach out to take her hands. Looking deep into her eyes, I say, “Valley, I love you more than anything.” I let go of her hands, slowly sinking down to one knee.
She starts to cry, hands covering her mouth in surprise.
“I love you beyond measure. Meeting you changed my entire life. The first time I saw your beautiful face, you took my breath away. When you called me a hero, my heart became yours. After all we’ve been through, our love continues to grow.” I pause, digging a small box out from the inside of my suit jacket. “Valley Dawn Bates, will you do me the absolute honor of becoming my wife?”
I open the box; a tasteful, brilliant round diamond resting on a white gold band is nestled inside.
Valley nods her head in rapid succession. “Bryan, my forever love. Yes, I’ll marry you. A thousand times, yes!” Valley accepts, making tears fall from my eyes now.
I hear more crying, glancing to see Phoenyxx and Cynthia weeping.
Looking back to my Valley, I slide the ring from the box, and push it on her finger with shaky hands.
Applause fills the room, and I embrace my fiancée.
She said yes!
Valley is going to marry me.
My heart is so full it feels like it could burst.
I lean in to kiss Valley soundly, then I throw my arm around her shoulders, leading her from the room.
Congrats are called out as we walk out of the theater room. I steer her toward our room.
Alone time is needed now—just me and my fiancée.
Phoenyxx
I can’t believe that just happened. Bryan, that sly dog.
I’m so happy for them both. My bestie’s happiness means everything.
Cynthia clings to Thor, looking up at him. “Married, that sounds nice. Yep, you’re the first of my harem, you know.” She beams.
