“Yes, TJ. Yes, of course I will.” Lucy grips me tight, and I hold her, my own emotions wedging their way into the back of my throat.
I can’t believe I’m here. I had given up on this—had given up trying for more because I was afraid. But come what may, it’s all worth it for any moment I get to experience with Lucy.
She leans away and cups my face, drawing my mouth to hers in a kiss filled with so much promise, my lungs seize.
“I love you forever, Lu,” I whisper, when she pulls back.
“I love you too, TJ.” She exhales. “This ring is incredible. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
I hold it up so she can examine it.
“It’s pretty special to me,” I tell her. I point to the stone on the left side of the center stone. “This was my mom’s diamond.”
Lu’s hands fly up to her mouth. “Really?”
I nod and move my finger to the other side, keeping my eyes on her. “This was your mom’s diamond.”
“What?” Her watery eyes search mine. “How?” she whispers.
“Ruby helped me. Your dad had it in a safe for you, for some day. I hope it’s okay,” I add, watching her to make sure this is what she wants. “I thought it was a beautiful tribute to the past, with the center stone reminding us to live in the present. The whole ring itself is my promise to you of my heart and my life, whatever the future may bring.”
Lucy lets out a sob as I slip the ring on her finger, and then she scoots into my lap, holding me close as I cradle her and whisper my love for her into her ear.
“You sure you’re not a closet poet, TJ? That was so beautiful.” Lucy holds out her hand to study the ring. “I cannot get over this. It’s perfect for me.” She kisses my temple. “You’re perfect for me.”
The sound of feedback coming from below makes us both jump.
“Sorry to interrupt!” Gram speaks into a megaphone. “I’d like to hug my granddaughter-to-be, so if you two could move your hineys down here, we can get this engagement party started.”
Lu splutters out a laugh. “You invited your grandparents?”
“Yeah.” I rub the back of my neck. “And my teammates, and your writer friends, and your family from California.” I swivel her in my arms so she can look down as everyone trickles into the Atrium below. They’re all cheering and clapping for us.
“Did she say yes?” Poe hollers up.
“Yes!” Lucy yells down with a laugh, shaking her head and waving as all our favorite people wave up at her, before turning to me. “This is the best day.”
I kiss her, swift and deep. “As much as I’d like to keep you to myself, are you ready to head down to our party?”
We stand and make our way to the door that leads to the stairs. Lucy pauses. “We’ll get there faster if you carry me.” She bats her eyelashes, and I hoist her over my shoulders.
She giggles as I charge down the steps.
“Be honest,” I say. “You only asked to be toted around because you like the view.”
“Guilty,” she says with a pat to my butt.
“Knew it, you little sneak.”
“You’re stuck with me, TJ, and this perfect peach is all mine.”
I make it to the bottom of the stairs and set Lucy on her feet again. Her cheeks are pink from being turned upside-down, and her hair fans out around her face. Her eyes are sparkling with delight, and I can’t believe she’s mine.
I laugh because this is living, and then I lean down and kiss her.
Bonus Epilogue
Lawrence Poe
