Page 75 of The Wrong Side Of Us

And I? I was too speechless to say anything.

“I have been waiting for the perfect moment.” Nathan smiled, taking my left hand in his.

I’m dreaming.

This is a dream.

Oh. My. God.

“But any moment is perfect when I’m with you.” Nathan looked down at our joined hands thoughtfully before his eyes met mine once again. “If there’s anything I’ve learned the past weeks, it’s that I can’t live without you, Evelyn. I’m fucking crazy about you. Everything you do, everything you say…you’re the last person I want to see every night, the one I want in my arms when I wake up every morning. And fuck…you’ve made me sappy, and I don’t mind one bit.”

I blinked a few times as he opened the small box in front of me, leaving me completely awestruck by what I saw. The stone of one of Nana’s most cherished rings was in front of me, one that Carter had given her one Christmas. Back then, I didn’t know the significance of it; I was clueless about their relationship. I met Carter’s eyes briefly and found nothing but approval in his expression.

“We’ve been through so much…I knew I wanted to marry you the moment I saw your strength. You’re a mess, but you’re my mess. I admire you, Evie, and you’ve taught me so much. I love you with every ounce of my being.”

With his lips tilting up ever so slightly, Nathan said the four words I didn’t know I wanted to hear.

“Marry me, Evelyn Carson.”

Chapter 29

Evelyn

Unforgettable.

This night would forever remain engraved in my memory. This moment defined me. I’d had a few of them in my life. Actually, that was a bit of an understatement.

But I had to say, being proposed to was definitely one of them.

By the shocked expression on everyone’s faces, it was clear this was completely unplanned on Nathan’s part. Deb had her hands clasped together over her heart, and Frank had a hand on her shoulder.

Carter looked like a proud father.

And my heart…my heart beat wildly for the man kneeling in front of me. His eyes spoke volumes, and even in the darkness of the night, the bright shine of the stars illuminated them. He looked hopeful, like our whole lives were just ahead of us depending on my answer.

As his expression turned tortured, I realized it did.

“Evie?” he whispered, kissing the back of my hand again. “Baby, I kind of need an answer. If you don’t want to, then—”

I blinked a couple of times, trying to see him past the tears. My fingers stopped him as I placed them over his soft lips, preventing him from saying something incredibly stupid.

“What makes you think I don’t?” I asked softly and with a smile.

He swallowed. “Is that a—”

I nodded. “It’s a yes.”

Nathan grinned. “What?”

“It’s a yes, Nathan. I will be your wife,” I replied, loudly this time.

I could hear the cheering in the background, but nothing else mattered as Nathan stood up and lifted me in his arms, kissing me with uncontainable happiness. I laughed, closing my eyes as he told me how much he loved me quietly, how much he cherished me, and how lucky he was to have me with him.

Once he set me down, Nathan took my hand in his and slid the ring on my finger, and though it was slightly big, I knew it was meant to be there. It was perfect. It had been Nana’s, and now, I would always carry a part of her with me.

“Thank Carter for that,” Nathan said, knowing exactly what I was thinking about. “I couldn’t figure out the perfect ring but…he knew.”

I pecked Nate’s lips quickly before turning to Carter and hugging him. “Thank you,” I whispered. “I’m so happy you’re here with us.”

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