Aiden lets out a low whistle. "That's… wow. It's perfect for her."
"You haven't even met her yet," I point out.
"No, but I know you. And you wouldn't pick something like this for just anyone." He studies the ring with appreciation. "Mom's going to lose her mind."
I snap the box closed, suddenly feeling exposed. "Mom doesn't know yet. No one does."
"Until now," Aiden says, his expression softening into something genuine. "I'm honored to be the first to know, Ax."
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. We've never been the emotional declaration type, always hiding our deeper feelings behind jokes and casual banter.
"Yeah, well, don't get sentimental on me," I mutter, pocketing the ring. "I just need to make sure everything goes perfectly tonight."
"What's the plan?" Aiden leans forward, fully invested now.
I run through the details, the private picnic at the lake where we first kissed, the string lights I've spent the afternoon hangingin the trees, the playlist I've carefully curated with songs that mean something to us.
"Sounds like you've thought of everything," Aiden says when I finish. "But what about Poppy? You planning to include her?"
I can't help smiling at that. Trust Aiden to think of the detail I've been most worried about.
"That's the complicated part. She's too young to really understand, but she's such a huge part of our lives. I want her there, but I also want a moment that's just for Sadie and me."
Aiden nods thoughtfully. "What if I helped with that?"
"How?"
"I could watch Poppy for part of the evening. Give you two some privacy for the actual proposal, then bring her out for the celebration after." He shrugs like it's no big deal. "I'm good with kids."
"You've never even met her," I remind him.
"Kids love me," he says with complete confidence. "It's my natural charm."
I consider his offer. Having Aiden there would solve my biggest logistical challenge. And there's something right about my brother being involved in this moment.
"You'd really do that?"
"Of course I would." He looks almost offended that I'd question it. "It's not every day my little brother decides to get married."
The word hits me with unexpected force. Married. I'm going to ask Sadie to marry me. To be my wife. To let me be Poppy's father in every way that matters.
"Hey," Aiden says, noticing my sudden tension. "You're not having second thoughts, are you?"
"God, no." I shake my head emphatically. "Just the opposite. I've never been more sure of anything."
"Then what's with the deer-in-headlights look?"
I take a deep breath, trying to articulate the swirl of emotions in my chest. "I just want it to be perfect for her. She deserves perfect."
Aiden's expression softens. "Perfect doesn't mean flawless, Ax. It means right. And this"—he gestures to the ring in my pocket, to me, to everything—"this is right."
His certainty steadies me. I've been planning this for weeks, analyzing every detail, trying to anticipate every possibility. But hearing my brother's simple confidence makes everything clearer.
"Thanks," I say quietly.
"Don't mention it." He stands, clapping me on the shoulder. "Now, what time do you need me there? And do I need to bring anything? Champagne? Tissues for the inevitable tears?"
I roll my eyes, but I'm grateful for his lightening of the mood. "Seven. And just bring yourself. I've got everything else covered."
