Tipping his glass to mine for a toast, he grins. “It was a good night.”
“Is that what we're toasting to? We made a video, and it was a good night?”
“An excellent night. The catalyst for us.” He clinks our glasses. “And if that’s the way we started, then imagine the ride ahead.” He winks at me.
“Cheers to that.” Because I couldn’t agree more.
* * *
We're standingoutside the front door of our house, and he kisses my forehead. Last night, we enjoyed our dinner and then stayed at the Dizzy Duck Inn, this time waking in the same bed.
But now we are ready to see Hadley and share the news. Piper was watching her for the evening.
“Don’t be nervous.” He rubs warmth into my arms.
“I’m not. Well, I mean, I’m sure Hadley is excited, it’s just that before she and I were friends, and now I’m the stepmom. Stepmoms don’t get a great rep in her fairytale books.” I exhale a long breath.
“You’re more than a stepmom to her. You are the only mother figure she’s ever known. And I mean, if all else fails then just use the dog.”
I pull his arm from his humor. “Come on, smartass.”
When we arrive in the house, even Spencer stops cold. What should have been Hadley and Piper is now… a large group.
“She said yes?” Hudson is quick to start the question train. Piper tsks him.
“Can we see the ring?” Spencer’s mom asks.
“You have a glow,” my mother comments with her hands together.
I turn my attention to Spencer and quickly pick up that he had not planned this. Nor does he know what to do.
“Clearly people don’t have jobs to get to,” he mutters under his breath.
I smile awkwardly and hold up my hand to show my ring, which causes the room to erupt in cheers.
But the noise doesn’t deter us from searching for Hadley who is walking toward us. We both lean down to her level.
“I want chocolate cake for the wedding, and pink flowers, and pink shoes, and I think Pickles should be mine now since we are a family.”
I try to suppress my grin and instead offer her a serious look. “Of course, whatever you suggest.”
Spencer musses her hair before Hadley gives me a little hug that is good for the soul every single time. She also said we are a family now, and it’s such an amazing bonus to landing the man I want to marry.
She skips off, and I fan a hand in front of my face to ensure no tears fall because, damn, that was a heart-tugger.
Piper brings me a mimosa, and before long, I’m traveling between questions and answers.
It’s a good twenty minutes later when I get to steal a moment with my fiancé.
“I want him back,” I tell my uncle. “Besides, shouldn’t you be at training camp or something?”
Hudson holds his hands up in the air. “Whoa, message received. Just wanted to ensure he treats you well, do my spiel, and I’m expecting I’m still allowed to walk you down the aisle?” He was supposed to last time around, but this time he seems actually excited at the prospect because of whom I’m going to marry.
“I mean, if you have time.” I pretend to be unaffected and cross my arms over my chest.
Hudson pulls me into a side hug. “He’s a keeper, April,” he murmurs. When he pulls back, he points a finger at Spencer. “I’m still going to be watching you.”
“Excited for the prospect,” Spencer calls out, unenthused, as Hudson walks away.
