Steven runs over to his mom, picks her up, and spins her around before pulling her close. His eyes are glassy. Wyatt and Miles join in the hugging, and I feel the back of my eyes sting at the sight.
“Are you still going to ask?” John wraps an arm around my shoulder.
“Yes, but I’m not sure tonight is the best time.”
“Maybe not right this moment, but a little later.” He slaps my chest. “Everyone’s here. Steven already said he’s good with it. Tonight is the perfect time.”
Slipping my hand into my front jean pocket, I feel the ring that’s resting there. I had planned to ask Becca to marry me tonight. I talked with all three boys individually and double-checked with Steven, because this is his night and I didn’t want to steal the thunder from him, but I also know how quickly all of this moves once you’ve been drafted.
As if reading my mind, Steven catches my gaze over his mom’s head and nods. A lump lodges in my throat, and I gulp as I dip my chin in return.
“Mom,” Steven says loudly for everyone to hear, and my brows shoot up.
I thought I was waiting until after everything settled down, guess that’s not the plan anymore. I reach into my pocket, pull out the ring, and get down on one knee. My heart’s ramming against my chest as all eyes turn to stare at me.
“I think J.T. wants to ask you something.”
“Pffft. Whatever he has to ask me is not as exciting as you getting drafted, I’m sure.”
The entire room hoots and hollers. Heat creeps up my neck, and a finger tugs at the collar that suddenly feels too tight.
Becca looks around at everyone before turning to where I was standing, but am now kneeling. Her hands fly up to her face, and her eyes turn into saucers before she throws herself at me, taking me to the ground.
“Yes. Yes. Yes.” She screeches, cupping my face and planting her lips on mine.
Laughter erupts around us, and I hear someone shout. “Is that how you kiss your future wife, J.T.?”
Snapping out of my shock, I wrap my arms around Becca’s waist, pulling her close, keeping the hand that’s holding the ring in a tight fist.
I’m not sure how long we’re there before I hear someone say. “I’m not sure we mopped the floor last night.”
Laughter rumbles between us as we join in with the room’s cackles.
“Are you sure you want to marry me, Becs?”
“Nah, I just thought I’d make a scene and throw myself at you.” She bites her bottom lip, as her cheeks pull up and her nose does the most adorable scrunch.
“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time,” I tease, thinking about the time years ago, when I asked her to be my girlfriend.
“And it won’t be the last…”
Moving my hands up to the side of her face, I pull her toward me and kiss her in front of the entire town.
And this time it wasn’t PG.
