“Lowersort of rhymes, if you say it with a Southern accent. Likelowah,” says Amy. “Andslowah.”
She and Lucie exchange a look, and Lucie nods. “Those could work.”
As Nicholas’s family has fun with my slip of the tongue, the awful voice in my head recedes.It wasn’t a big deal. I don’t have to be perfect and proper to be included.
Nicholas squeezes my hand. “See? Told you they’d love you.”
He did. And he’s giving me more than just himself by loving me. He’s giving me a family I can belong to—people who’ll always have my back.
My eyes prickle with happy tears. I don’t know what I did to deserve him, but somewhere I must’ve done something right. “Marry me,” I whisper.
Nicholas goes absolutely still.
“I know this isn’t the most romantic place or moment, but I love you so much.” Now the whole table has gone quiet. “And I can’t believe all the love and acceptance here and… I just really,reallywant you to be mine.” I take his hand. “I’ll get you a ring later,” I add in a tremulous voice.
Everyone holds their breath. Nicholas kisses me hard. “I was yours since the day I met you.” Something warm slides along my finger. “I’ve been carrying this for a while now.”
I look down. A huge solitaire winks in the light. I cover my mouth, then hug him as hard as I can.
“Welcome to the family!” someone shouts, and everyone starts clapping.
Life simply cannot get better than this.
Chapter Fifty
Molly
The heady aroma of flour, sugar, lemon zest and bubbling fruit fills the kitchen. According to Cody’s text, Nicholas should be getting home soon.
I feel like I’m on the top of the world. I have the most wonderful fiancé, and I received three job offers and accepted one from LocalGro earlier this week. The train of my life is finally on the right track.
My phone pings again, and I start to reach for it, pausing for a moment to admire the ring Nicholas gave me last weekend. It’s the most beautiful thing ever—a symbol of our commitment.
I blink and turn my attention to the phone.Dad.
Dread starts to unfurl. I hesitate, then pick up the phone.
–Dad: Is it really true you’re engaged?
–Me: How did you know?
I never bothered to tell him. He’s the last person I wanted to get in touch with.
–Dad: I saw the announcement. It isn’t April Fool’s Day, so I had to check.
–Me: I guess Nicholas sent one out.
Three seconds later, the phone rings.
“Hello?”
“So this isn’t a prank?” Dad says. “He actually wants to marry you?”
Does he have to sound so incredulous?Some old doubts stir, but the great time I had with Nicholas and his family fleets through my mind. The warmth, love and acceptance I felt…
Suddenly, my doubts dissipate. Dad’s words don’t hurt like they used to anymore.
“Yes,” I say. “Somebody out there decided I’m worthy after all.”
