Page 38 of Cupid's Beau

He looks at me intently before saying something I don’t fully understand at first. “Your mother sent me a text about place settings.”

I stop. “Wait. Place settings?”

But he’s already out of the car, grabbing our bags, leaving me there, stunned. Did he mean…? And what was his response?!

My mother throws open the front door before we reach it. “Finally! I was about to send your father to get you.”

“Ma, we were sitting in the car for a couple of minutes.”

She ignores me, pulling Jack into a hug that he returns with obvious affection.

“Let them breathe, Aminata,” my dad says, but he’s grinning, too.

Inside, the inn looks like Cupid threw up all over the place. Hearts and roses everywhere, much more elaborate than when we decorated before we left.

I smirk. “Subtle, mom.”

“What? It’s Valentine’s Day!” She bustles around, straightening already straight decorations. “Jack, dear, does everything look alright?”

He clears his throat. “Perfect. Thank you.”

I narrow my eyes at him. “What’s happening here?”

“Nothing.” They say in unison, which isn’t suspicious at all.

My father appears with a tray of tea. “Why don’t we have a drink before dinner?”

“Actually…” Jack’s hand finds mine, squeezing slightly. “Would you dance with me first?”

“Now?”

But music is already playing - the same song as that first night we danced together. My mother disappears, pulling my father with her.

“Jack?”

He leads me to the spot where we first danced, but his usual grace seems shaky. Is he… trembling?

“I had this whole speech planned,” he says softly. “About how you crashed through every wall I built. About how you make mebrave.” His hand comes up to cup my face. “About how I want to spend the rest of my life dancing with you.”

“Jack…” My heart stops as he reaches into his pocket.

“But all I can think about,” he continues, sinking to one knee. Oh! My! God! “Is how broken I was walking into this inn, and how terrified I am now, but for completely different reasons.”

My hands fly to my mouth as he opens a small velvet box.

“I’m scared because this matters more than anything ever has in my life. Because you matter.” His voice shakes slightly. “Because the thought of not waking up to you stealing my hoodie, hogging the blankets, and looking at me like I’m worth something real… is unthinkable.”

“Jack…”

“Marry me, Neneh.” He looks up at me with those impossible blue eyes. “Dance with me for the rest of our lives.”

I’m nodding before he finishes, tears streaming down my face. “Yes. God, yes.”

The ring barely makes it onto my finger before he’s standing, pulling me into a kiss that tastes like salt, pure happiness and promises of forever.

Somewhere, I hear my mother sniffling. My father clearing his throat. But all I can focus on is Jack’s smile against my lips, his heart racing under my palm, and the way he whispers “I love you” like a prayer.

“Finally!” My mother rushes forward, eyes teary. “I’ve beenholding back since Jack asked for our blessing.”

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