“I did not propose,” I said.
Jace grinned. “You brought a ring and legal documents into a snowstorm.”
“I clarified. “My love life is not content.”
Jace grinned. “Too late, Texas I already clipped and downloaded the last five minutes.”
Drew wrapped one arm around my waist and pulled me into his side.
I elbowed him.
He grunted dramatically. Then he looked down at me, eyes soft enough to undo the whole world.
“All I want for Christmas?—”
“Don’t,” I warned.
His grin widened.
“Don’t say it.”
“Baby.”
“No. It’s cheese.”
“I’m the king of cheese.”
“I know,” I said, my chest opening around the truth now that it was out and alive between us. “That’s why I love you.”
The deck went quiet.
Even Jace shut up.
Drew’s face changed.
He bent his head and kissed me.
Not for show.
Not to prove anything.
Not to make fake look real.
Real had finally stopped needing help.
When he lifted his mouth, Jace’s mom clapped.
Then everyone else did too.
Drew groaned. “This family is a nightmare.”
Jace’s grandma lifted one finger. “A supportive nightmare.”
I leaned into Drew’s chest, laughing so hard I could barely breathe.
Snow fell.
The ring shone on his hand.
