They met halfway, needing to kiss each other, to touch and share the joy in that moment.Ross didn’t care that the proposal had happened in a car.He didn’t care that most of the clan could see what was going on through the windows.Having many, many years with this amazing man who loved him,thathe absolutely did care about.
And the ring still not on his finger.That had to be rectified.
He pulled back and reached for the box.“I want this on.”
“I think it’s my privilege to put it on for you.”
Alright, fair.Ross stayed still as Glenn slipped the band on.No surprise the man had his ring size down perfectly.Glenn was the suave type, after all.The ring was slender in design, a nice fit on his finger.“It’s perfect.”
“It was the buying of this ring that tipped my hand, I fear.”Glenn shot a dark look out the window at the watching clan—who was now doing a rave.Because why not.
Ross had to laugh, well used to the crazy at this point.“Is that how they figured it out?And of course you making a reservation at a nice restaurant also told them you’d plan to propose tonight.”
“Without them being aware that my plans went very awry.”Glenn’s eyes were flatly unamused, but a hint of a smirk played at the corner of his mouth.“Damn thief.Let’s park, if we can, and share the news.”
“I don’t think they’re going to give us much choice on that,” Ross drawled.
Glenn snorted in wry amusement as he put the car in gear and continued the drive to their house.
Ross admired the ring on his finger, such an unexpected thing.He’d fantasized a little about having Glenn’s ring on his finger, to be committed to him with those vows, and a thrill went through him now that it was actually happening.Ross could just feel the sappy smile taking over his face and he was powerless to stop it.Also not inclined to.He did not start out today expecting to be engaged.The plot twist was unexpected but thrilling.
Of course, his fiancé caught this and asked in a pleased tone, “You like it?”
“I do.It’s what I would have chosen, if you’d taken me shopping with you.I like slender rings without much bulk to them.And honestly, I like best that you put it on me.I never expected us to be married.”
Glenn scoffed.“When a man finds someone as fine as you are, of course he should properly marry.I’m sorry I waited so long.I never meant to give you the impression that I didn’t wish to marry.I just wanted to give you the time to achieve all your goals.”
“And you did that.I’m really glad you did.But you know, living forever with you has always been one of those goals.”Ross leaned across the divide to kiss Glenn’s cheek.“I’m absolutely ecstatic right now.”
Glenn put the car into park in the driveway, and stole a moment before the clan descended on them to kiss Ross quickly and promise, “Our wedding will be perfect to make up for this botched proposal.”
Ross had to laugh, shaking his head.“In this clan?Not a chance.”
The doors opened on both sides before Glenn could respond, and people chivied them out.Ross went, not surprised that his mother reached him first.Imani gave him a huge hug, rocking him back and forth.
“I’m so glad!I kept waiting for one of you to propose.”
“Not all of us are as quick as you, Mama.”Ross hugged her back even as he rolled his eyes.His mother and Dunham had fallen for each other so quickly that his head still spun some days.The two had gotten married six years ago.And yes, Dunham had ridden that pony for all it was worth.
Dunham leaned in for a sideways hug, a bright smile on his face.“Now, son—ooomph.Why you be pokin’ me in the stomach?”
“You know why,Dad.And quit it, that joke is old by now.”
Dunham’s smile didn’t waver.“Dad jokes never get old.”
Oh god.Someone save him.Ross didn’t know whether to groan or punch him.Or laugh.It really was a toss-up.
“Why did you stop in the middle of the street like that?”Keane asked Glenn on the other side of the car.
“I told you lotnotto do this,” Glenn growled back.“For damn good reason!We got interrupted at the restaurant.I wasn’t able to ask him.”
“Wait,” Anabella demanded in shock, “don’t tell me you stopped in the middle of the street and asked him in the car!”
“Well, what else was I supposed to do?As soon as we got out of the vehicle, all of you would have let the cat out of the bag anyway.”
Ross had to admit, Glenn was right.
Fiadh tsked him.“Some romantic you are.I’ll make sure a proper wedding will happen for you both to make up for it.”
