Page 85 of Uproot

He winks at me, “You’re right sweetheart. I meant to say “acquaintance”. But I do think I have a few more friends now though,” he says, nodding over to where everyone is gathered and watching us with joyful smiles.

“None of the ways I wanted to propose felt like something you would truly love. This scavenger hunt felt more like..us. Both of us.”

I nod in agreement, sniffing back tears, and he continues. “I'm going to love you forever, Selah. Whether or not you stop loving me, what you've started, I can’t turn it off. And I don't ever want to.”

He shifts the box over to Edison and he opens it, taking out the gorgeous diamond ring inside. He gives the ring to Beckett and they both look at me.

“If we do this. Edison and I are a packaged deal. Are you ok with that?” he asks. For a moment I see nervousness breakthroughhis always confident disposition, and I want to wipe it away immediately.

How could I ever say no to either one of them?

“Of course, Beck! I love you both so much,” I sob, wiping the tears sliding down my cheeks.

Relief floods his face and he smiles broadly, those eyes that captivated me from the very beginning shining brightly.

“Marry me, Selah, and I’ll dedicate my life to making you the happiest woman in the world,” he promises confidently.

“Yes, Beck! Yes, I will!” I shout, diving into his arms.

He catches me and steadies us, laughing as I wrap my arms around him. “I love you, Beck,” I whisper, kissing him as our friends all cheer behind us.

“I love you more, angel. More than I can ever express,” he says, drying my tears. “Now come on, let’s put this ring where it belongs.”

He takes my hand in his and slides the beautiful ring onto my finger, and it all feels so surreal.

This amazing man came here so unexpectedly, and not only changed Edison’s life for the better, but mine as well in so many amazing ways.

We wrap Edison into our hug, and everyone runs over to join us. There is a whirlwind of hugs, and well-wishes given all around as I show my beautiful ring to my girlfriends and mother, and Beckett gets pats on the back from all of the men.

It’s an indescribable feeling being surrounded by so much love and encouragement. My heart fills with hope for a future thatlooks so promising and exciting. I feel like I can finally see that I am enough exactly how I am, and there are people who love every part of me without any editing to suggest.

As everyone chatters, Beckett wraps his arms around me, leaning down to whisper into my ear.

“I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, Selah Kade,” he murmurs, kissing me on the neck.

I turn my head, locking my eyes with his and seeing my whole future inside of them.

“I can’t wait either, Beck. I know every second with you will be better than the last.”

The End

Epilogue

Beckett

“Ican’t believe your little guy is finally coming next month!” Selah chirps excitedly, rubbing Evy’s protruding belly.

“Ohh I can definitely believe it,” Evy sighs, leaning against the front counter at Reece’s. “I asked the doctor again at my last appointment if he was sure there was onlyoneboy in there. I feel like I’m carrying at least two.”

Selah rubs her back sympathetically as Evy shakes her head. Even though she is tired and is due next month, she still has insisted on working until she goes into labor, much to her fiancé Rocky’s annoyance. They finally compromised and agreed that she would only work a very part-time morning schedule, and sit on a stool to check out customers up front.

Thankfully, today is the day after Thanksgiving, so Reece’s is very slow. Selah, Edison, and I popped in to get a few things to make dinner together tonight.

We celebrated “Friendsgiving” at Piper and Oakland’s house yesterday with everyone, and it was a great time. I even made peace with Joey, who is happier now that he has found someoneto date, a nice lady who is opening a new, much appreciated, Mexican restaurant in town.

It was the first time ever that I didn’t spend the holiday in New York, but more and more, Upwood is feeling like home.

We all stop talking as Ms. Grace shuffles up to the counter carrying a basket with a few items inside. She’s an older woman that is always wearing a mischievous smile. Dragana made friends with her at the Senior Center, and soon Edison was having playdates at her home whenever her grandkids came up from Charlestown to visit.

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