“Apparently, at weddings, the groom always surprises his partner with a house.”
I burst out laughing at those memories, then my eyes widen, wait, does that mean?
Charlie smiles. “At first, I thought it was insane. Completely ridiculous.”
More laughter. He lifts one shoulder. “But then I realized something … it’s not about the house. It’s about saying, ‘I see my future. And I want to build it with you.’”
My heart stutters. I already feel the tears threatening.
Charlie reaches into his jacket and pulls out a small navy box.
Oh God.
Oh God.
He looks right at me. The whole tent fades until it’s just the two of us and the low golden glow above.
“Derrick,” he says softly, “a few months ago, you showed me a listing. A house in LA. The one you kept calling‘ridiculous’and‘out of our league’and‘for people who are way too grown up.’”
The guests laugh.
I hide behind one hand. “Stop,” I mutter.
“You mentioned it every time we drove past it. You thought I didn’t notice.” He grins. “I noticed.”
My throat closes.
“Everly and I went to see it,” he says. “While you were working. I walked through the front door, and I swear, D … it felt like home.”
My eyes burn instantly.
“It had everything you would want. Light everywhere. A backyard big enough for a dog and kids … other things one day. A space for your studio. It’s close to work and mine. Close to your friends. Not too big. Not too cold. Not too perfect. Just … right.” I’m openly crying now. Doesn’t matter. No one here is shocked. “So,” Charlie continues, voice dropping, “I did the only thing that felt right.” He opens the box. A silver key glints inside. The entire marquee collectively gasps. “I bought it,” he says simply. Everything in my body stops. “And I bought it for you,” he adds, voice cracking softly. “For us. For our future family. For every ordinary morning and every stupidly wonderful night. For the life we get to build together.” I choke on something betweena sob and a breath. “Give me your hand,” he commands, and I hold it out for him as he slides the silver key into my palm. “I’m leaving the interior design choices up to you, and the closet is insane.” He grins widely. Fuck this man. As I jump up and kiss him, the tent erupts into applause.
“I can’t believe you did this.”
“I did it for you. For us.”
“But it’s too expensive.”
“I had help from my parents. It’s a wedding gift from them too.”
“No.” Gasp.
He nods. “There is one condition, though.”
“What?”
“They want grandbabies sooner rather than later.” He grimaces when he tells me.
“Done. When we get back from our honeymoon, let’s go knock someone up.” I grin.
“Really?”
I wrap my arms around his neck. “Really.” I kiss him again. “Also, Christian and Vanessa gave us an extraordinary wedding gift, too.”
“They did?”
I nod. “She wants to give us her eggs.”
