I hear a noise, and an 80s song starts playing softly in the background.
All I can do is just stare as my guys file in, one by one. They all look damn good; all wearing suits. They are all beaming at me.
They line up suddenly, all hitting one knee. My heart stops for a moment.
Surely, this isn’t...?
Valley's giggle reaches my ears, and I turn to see her, Bryan, Cynthia, Thor and Jax walk in, moving to the seats.
Oh my GOD. I know what this is. My head is swimming, and I feel like I might pass out. I shake my head vigorously to dispel the feeling.
My breathing choppy, I walk on shaky legs over to all eight of my guys, standing in front of them.
Synn grabs my attention and speaks first. “Phoenyxx, you gave me the ability to love. My life changed forever when I fell for you. I know we’re already technically married, but I need to ask properly. Will you be my wife?”
Instead of holding out a ring, he starts to unbutton his shirt. He parts it, showing a fresh tattoo on his chest, right above his heart.
My mouth opens. It's a thunderstorm—a dark sky with lightning, morphing into a sunny, perfect sky.
Before I can say anything, Synn explains, “This represents how you changed me. Showing me how to love calmed my storm.”
I can’t help it, I start to cry.
“Yes, Synn, I’ll be your wife forever,” I sob, throwing my arms around him.
A throat is cleared, and I go to Ghost, who’s next in the line.
His black eyes see through my soul as he takes my hand. “Phoenyxx, I knew you were special the moment I laid eyes on you. I fell hard and had to have you. Luckily, you fell right back. The special moments we’ve shared will stay with me forever. I love you, Malishka. Will you be my wife?”
He unbuttons his shirt as well, showing his tattoo in the same place. It's a heart that appears to be beating, escaping from a black shroud. “This represents you showing me what true love is. My heart was dark and sad, until you showered me with your light.”
Choking back a sob, I hug him tightly. “Yes, I'll be your wife.”
A quick kiss, then Frost is next. He takes both my hands in his. “I never felt anything until you came and thawed my numb heart. My entire life, I was told I couldn’t feel. But you handedme your heart, which opened mine. I love you beyond measure. Will you be my wife?”
Frost shows his tattoo, which is a white heart graduating into a red one. “This signifies you helping me to finally feel.”
I kiss him, saying, “A thousand times yes!”
Purge is fidgeting a bit next to Frost, looking a bit nervous. I see he’s wearing his glasses, and I swoon. Smiling, I stand in front of him, waiting.
“Phoenyxx, you took this hacker heart and made it beat for you. I've always buried myself in work so I wouldn’t have to acknowledge the lack of love in my life. I can never repay what you’ve given me. Will you be my wife?”
His tattoo is sparkling water with a pair of glasses in the center. I smile, remembering the fun we had in the pool at The Retreat.
I kiss him firmly, whispering, “Yes,” against his lips.
Razor is next in line. I'm curious what he’ll say.
“Phoenyxx, you looked at me with those gorgeous eyes, and a razor sliced through my brain. It took me a minute, but I fell deeply in love with you. I want you forever. Will you be my wife?”
He opens his shirt, and I smile at his tattoo. It's a pair of fighting gloves, with a razor placed on the top.
I kiss him hard, saying, “Yes, I will.”
Trikk is up next, and he’s been grinning the entire time. He takes my hand, gazing up at me with so much love. “Phoenyxx, you found a broken, loveless playboy, and turned me into a starry-eyed fool who is head over heels in love with you. That's permanent. Will you be my wife?”
He shows me his tattoo, which is so very Trikk. It's a Walkman nestled in the sand of a beach.
