Laughing, I bury my head in her shoulder and kiss up her neck while she settles underneath me, letting me take the lead.
Sure, do I wish I’d realized several years ago that getting together with Lia was inevitable—some might say . . . a long time coming? Of course. But I also realize the extraordinary bond we built over the years, and Lia might be right. I’m not sure how close we would really be if we didn’t have those years to bond.
All I know is that I’m fucking happy, and my brothers will never let me live this down.
Ever.
Epilogue
BREAKER
“Is this stupid? This feels stupid,” I say as Lia is in our bedroom with Myla, getting her a spare shirt since we spilled a drink on hers.
“This is not stupid. This is well executed,” JP says. “Now, don’t fuck this up for me. I’ve put a lot of energy into this.”
“You bought the balloons,” I say.
“Uh, and I came up with the Bloody Mary spill idea—the tactic to surprise Lia. You’re welcome.”
He is right about that, unfortunately.
Shortly after Lia and I said the big I love yous to each other, we decided to give up our apartments and buy a house. It was a big decision, one we didn’t take lightly. We walked through twenty-three houses until we found the perfect one . . . a block down from my brothers. Lia liked that we were close to Lottie and Kelsey, and I liked that Lia was finally happy with a house.
We moved in two weeks ago, and today, we’re hosting Sunday brunch with some help from Reign of course. No, we didn’t steal him, but we’re hosting so I could propose to Lia but make it a surprise.
The plan was this. We eat, chat, have a good time, and then Myla spills a drink on Lia’s shirt. Her task is to keep Lia upstairs for at least five minutes. The moment they disappeared, all hands were on deck. We moved all the pre-made decorations into place, along with a giant light-up sign that saysMarry Me.
When it came to the proposal, I thought of many ways I could do it. There was proposing at Disney since that’s where we shared our first kiss. I thought about it before we moved out of our apartments. I thought about it while playing a game of Scrabble with her, you know, to make it full circle. But when it came down to it, I knew having the support of friends and family was what I truly wanted. Plus, I wanted pictures and video, so I’ve put Lottie and Kelsey in charge of that.
Not to mention, I truly believe one of the main reasons Lia is with me now is because of the people around us. They helped bring us together with their advice and their gentle nudges of encouragement. Okay, full-on pointed opinions. It feels only fitting to have everyone here.
“Do you have the ring?” Huxley asks as he comes up next to me.
“Of course I have the ring,” I say as I hold up my hand.
A week ago, Huxley, JP, and I picked out the ring, the exact style I know Lia will love. Three stones represent past, present, and future on a white gold band, topping off at two carats. I considered getting something bigger, but I know she wouldn’t want it. This is perfect.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yes,” I say, my legs trembling beneath me. “I think she’s ready for this. I mean, we bought a house together, but a part of me is still scared that she’ll tell me she’s not ready.”
“Not going to happen,” Huxley says. “She looks at you the way Lottie looks at me and the way Kelsey looks at JP. That kind of love is forever.”
“Thanks,” I say as he pats me on the back.
Something has happened to Huxley over the past couple of months since they announced Lottie’s pregnancy. He’s more sensitive and less robotic. He seems to have actual feelings now. And the only time I see the old Huxley return—the sharp, rigid Huxley—is when someone is looking at Lottie the wrong way, or he needs to put someone in their place. But this new, touchy-feely guy is really throwing me off.
As for JP, well, he has become ultra annoying, clinging to me every chance he can get to stay away from what he refers to as the “she-devil,” aka Kelsey. The pregnancy hormones have apparently scared JP right out of his own house. Not sure what he’s talking about because she’s been absolutely pleasant to me.
“Anything else we need to do?” Banner asks from the side where he oversees the music. His girlfriend Kenzie is right next to him, holding a confetti popper. She’s really freaking funny. I’ve gotten to know Kenzie over the last month or so, and she’s a perfect addition to the group. Quirky and odd but a whole lot of fun.
“I think we’re good,” I say. I glance around. “Is everyone in place?”
Kelsey and Lottie offer me a thumbs up as they hold their phones, ready to record everything from different angles.
JP and Huxley are off to the side, holding the curtains to the backyard shut so Lia doesn’t see what’s going on as she walks back to the brunch.
Ryot and Penn hang out by the table with a confetti popper in hand. Which by the way, I heard Penn finally took Birdy out on a date, but he has yet to tell me how it went. I’m hoping it went well, although I know Penn has been fighting some demons, so I’m not entirely sure if there will be a second date or not.
