"To the front."
"Okay..."
I lead her forward. We reach the head of the rooftop, where the skyline frames us, and I lift both hands in the air and shout, "Time to be quiet!"
A ripple of laughter moves through the crowd, and conversations taper off. The twins babble loudly for another second before Zara and Sean shush them.
Valentina looks at me, eyes narrowed, head tilted. "What's going on?"
I lower my hands, take hers, and turn to face everyone. I announce, "Thank you all for being here."
The group quiets, leaning in.
I swallow hard, not from fear but from the weight of how much this woman matters to me. Then I turn to her.
"You popped into my life in a way I never saw coming. And you're the greatest thing that has ever happened to me."
She holds her breath, blinking hard.
I continue, "Every day since, you teach me how to be stronger and a better human being."
Her eyes glisten.
My pulse ticks hotter. I add to the crowd, "It's true. She's made me a better man than I ever planned to be."
"He's not lying," Sean calls out.
The crowd laughs.
I reach into my pocket. "I think it's time we do this right."
Her eyes widen.
I drop to one knee.
Gasps rise.
Zara, Fiona, and Brenna squeal. Finn mutters a curse that sounds suspiciously emotional. Luca stands straighter, blinking hard.
I open the box, revealing a platinum band with several rows of diamonds. It's classy, elegant, and going to look amazing with her engagement ring.
My voice thickens. "Minx, you're the love of my life. You stole the air from my lungs and the sleep from my nights from the moment we met. And since we didn't get a real wedding the first time, I want one now, with rings and vows we choose and all of our family to celebrate with us."
She presses a hand to her mouth.
I grin. "Well, Minx, you want to marry me again?"
Her mouth opens…then shuts.
It happens several times, and my heart slams.
Why isn't she saying anything?
I arch my eyebrows. "Minx?"
She swallows hard. "I…um…yes, but?—"
"But?" My stomach twists. "But what?"
