“It’s a moissanite, the next closest thing to a diamond but wallet friendly,” I reassure her. Her budget-conscious mind never quits, so I didn’t want her to even think about it.
“It’s absolutely gorgeous.” She kisses me hard as I move my hands lower, sliding closer to her ass.
“Alright, you two, let’s go. You’ve got one hell of an audience right now,” Rina yells.
“Should have had everyone come later,” I grumble as Ainsley giggles.
“Patience, Mr. Hutton. We’ll have time later,” she says as she drags me into the house.
She stops in her tracks as soon as she’s through the door.
“You like it?” I ask as I step next to her.
“I know I helped pick out all the furniture and finishes, but seeing it all together is something else. It’s so perfect.” She turns to me with watery eyes.
“Wait until you see the rest of it.”
“Do the tour later,” Ainsley’s dad says. “I thought you said you were proposing during dinner?”
Everyone in the room turns to us, and I know my face is beet-red. Yes, I had a different plan, but this felt perfect at the moment, and I don’t regret it.
Ainsley slowly raises her left hand, showing off the ring I just put on her finger.
“So, an engagement party instead?” Willow asks from the kitchen.
“Happy engagement!” Rina and Lennox yell, and I have to laugh.
The group descends on us, giving hugs and checking out Ainsley’s ring. Congratulations ring out as I sneak away to the kitchen. This is Ainsley’s day, and I’ll gladly let her soak up the attention. I’m just glad everything is finally in place. The house is done, we’re officially engaged, the business is flourishing, and I already have thoughts about thewedding. I’m hoping Ainsley doesn’t want a long engagement because I’m ready to be her husband.
Ainsley’s dad walks up to me and pats me on the back.
“You did good, kid. I always thought if we could get Ainsley back to Bluebell Falls, that you two would end up together. I’m proud of you and everything you’ve done since your parents passed away. They would be so proud of the man you’ve become.”
I drop my head down to attempt to hide the tears rushing to the surface. I couldn’t talk right now, even if I wanted to. I’ve often wondered what my parents would think of how not only I’ve turned out but my siblings as well. If I did right by them. His words bring an acceptance I’ve always been desperate to hear, but never thought possible.
“Thank you,” I choke out before turning to the refrigerator and pulling out all the food that I prepared earlier.
A huge charcuterie board should hold off the crowd until I can get the burgers and brats cooked. I went for ease instead of someone’s favorite because I knew no one would care about the food. Today is the day to celebrate, and nothing is as important as making Ainsley feel loved and taken care of.
I sneak upstairs to get a moment of quiet after Mr. Mathew’s speech. As much as I wish I could say I didn’t need the words, it feels like all the emotions have unlocked in me. Between his words and getting engaged to Ainsley, my emotions are on a hair-trigger, and I just need a minute.
“Hey, you okay?” Ainsley’s soft voice reaches my ears, and I turn to her.
“Yeah, your dad sure knows what to say to bring a grown man to his knees, though.” I let out a watery chuckle.
“What did he say?” Her tone is worried, but she has nothing to worry about.
“That he was proud of me, of us. And that my parents would be too.”
“Oh, Ledg,” she whispers. She wraps me in her arms, and I let the tears fall for a minute until I can gather myself again.
“I was expecting a huge celebration not a gut-check from your dad.” I chuckle.
“Yeah, he has great timing sometimes. You should be proud, though, Ledger. You’ve done so much in the face of heartache and somehow still managed to make sure those three hooligans turned into amazing humans. You built a business that has thrived and are living the life you want to not the life you have to.”
“You do realize you’re a large part in all of that, right? This has not been a solitary endeavor.” I want her to see that almost all of that would not have happened without her. This life we’re living, creating together, is because we came together and took a chance.
“Eh, I’m okay, I guess.” She grins.
