I laugh. "You charmed them. Admit it."
"Maybe a little." He brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles. "Your friends are wonderful."
"They are."
"And protective. Madison gave me the shovel talk in the kitchen."
"She did not."
"She absolutely did. Told me if I hurt you, she has six friends who will help her hide my body."
I groan. "I'm so sorry."
"Don't be. I respect it. You have people who love you fiercely. That's a beautiful thing."
We pull into the driveway, and Ethan cuts the engine. But instead of getting out, he turns to me.
"What?" I ask.
"I have something for you."
"Ethan, you don't need to keep buying me things."
"I know, I know." He pulls a small box from his pocket.
My heart starts racing. "What is it?"
"Open it and see."
Inside is a delicate silver bracelet with a small charm dangling from it. I lift it closer to the dome light and see that the charm is engraved.
L + E
"It's beautiful," I whisper.
"It's a reminder," he says. "That you're mine, and I'm yours. That we chose this. That we choose each other every single day."
Tears blur my vision. "Help me put it on?"
He fastens it around my wrist, and I admire the way it catches the light.
"Thank you," I say. "I love it. I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart." He cups my face, kissing me softly. "More than I ever thought possible."
One week later...
I'm deep in design work when my phone rings. Unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Lily Preston?"
"Speaking."
"This is Rebecca Walsh from Hartley Publishing. Lydia Hartley gave me your information."
My heart skips. "She did?"
