“If she doesn’t stop crying, we’re leaving,” Theo threatens everyone, who just laugh at him. Putting his arm around my shoulders, he tucks me to his side. “I’m not even kidding.”
“Come this way,” Blake urges, bending to give me a kiss on the cheek before guiding us further inside. “This is her time to shine.”
I reach out my hand for Theo. “I’ll be okay.” I look around the room. “I just . . .” I put my loose hand to my mouth. “This is all so much.”
“We love you,” Mrs. Lambert announces, and I look at my feet. She’s been coming to my house weekly with more gifts that she’s knitted and crocheted. Ms. Maddie has been leaving little baked goods for Theo to bring home to me. Some of the women in town have stopped by with meals for me. It’s been an outpouring of love that I’ve never felt before in my life.
“There is something else,” Theo mentions. I look up at him as he lets go of my hand and steps in front of me. The next thing I know, he’s on one knee. “Collins,” he starts, “I know we haven’t known each other that long”—my eyes go big—“and it’s been the most unconventional start.”
“I would say,” Caleb teases, and it earns him a glare from Theo, making everyone laugh.
“But it happened for a reason, and now that you are in my life”—he smiles—“I know there is no one else in this world for me but you. To be standing by your side is an honor, and it’s a privilege to be the one you love.”
“You bet your ass it is,” Brock snaps out, “and if you hurt her?—”
“I know, I know,” Theo throws over his shoulder. “You’re ruining the moment.”
“No, he’s not,” Caleb retorts. “He’s making it more delightful.”
“Can we just please get on with it?” Blake adds impatiently.
“Like I was saying before I rudely got interrupted,” Theo continues.
I can’t help but laugh. I hold his face in my hands and lean down. “Yes, to whatever the question is. It’s a yes.” I kiss his lips, smiling.
“I didn’t think she would say yes,” Caleb comments from behind him, and we both laugh.
Theo takes the ring out of his pocket and slips it on my finger. It’s a massive diamond.
“She’s going to freak out in three, two—” Roman counts down, and I shriek.
“This is . . .” I shake my head. “It’s big.” I’m not sure how big engagement rings are supposed to be, but it should be smaller than this.
He gets up and kisses my lips to stop me from talking. “Falling for you was the best thing to ever happen to me.” He winks. “Our baby is the second-best thing. This might be the third.” He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him.
“Okay, that’s enough,” Samantha interrupts. “Let’s celebrate.”
I’m so happy as I look around the room filled with these wonderful people, finally seeing how much they care about me. How could I have not realized that, all this time, they were rooting for me and not against me? My hand goes to my stomach, and I know my child will be so loved, and that means everything.
With Theo’s hand in mine, I say, “Let’s celebrate.”
EPILOGUE TWO
THEO
DECEMBER 6
“You are so lucky there are no stairs in this house,” Caleb huffs out as he holds the other end of the box as I walk backward into the room.
“If it’s any consolation prize”—we set the box down with the others in the middle of the room—“I’ll return the favor when it’s your turn.” I point to him. “Remember, you have stairs.”
“Thanks for that,” he mumbles. “I’m assuming you want help putting all of this together?” He puts his hands on his hips, looking at the twenty or so boxes that need to be opened and assembled.
“I can do it.” I scan the room. “Of course, if you have time and want to hang around and help, I won’t say no.”
“I’m doing this for Collins, not for you.” He opens the nearest box. “How many things did you buy?”
“A crib, a dresser, a hutch, a bookcase, a rocking chair,” I tell him as he pulls out an assembly manual. “Oh, and one of those toy chests.”
