Page 132 of Breaking Point

Crew rubs the back of his neck. "You're killing me, Princess. At least look at-"

"Yes," I say immediately, casting the box aside.

"You haven't even looked-"

"I don't need to see it to say yes. And I am," I say shaking my head, absolute. "Saying yes."

Crew steps so dangerously close, filling every inch of space between us. His heat sears into me, the scent of his cologne warm and crisp. I watch as he raises a hand and playfully tugs at the bow tying my hair back.

"I can't give you everything you deserve..." he rasps quietly. "But fuck, if I don't die trying."

"Crew, will you shut up, put the damn ring on my finger, and kiss me please?"

I laugh when he reaches for the box with shaky hands. He slips the ring onto my finger, and I hardly have a moment before he sweeps me into a spinning hug around the kitchen. I'm laughing and smiling and kissing him like I've wanted to all day. It's not until he sets me down again that I hear clapping and cheering from the door.

We turn just as Aleks, Skar, and Charlotte step inside... and I'm surprised when I see my father behind them. My heart swells with love, and even as Crew wraps an arm around my waist, I can't help the tears that leak down my face.

"There's absolutely no way I could have hired someone else and kept it from you..." Charlotte laughs as I swipe my tears. "So surprise! You planned your own engagement party!"

My laugh is choked by more tears. "I was wondering why I had so much creative freedom." At the sight of everyone here, the crying almost doesn't stop.

Crew leans down, whispering, "Will you look at it now?"

I finally glance down at the stunning rose-gold band on my finger. It's not like any ring I've ever seen before. No gaudy diamonds, no common solitaire. The thin band is interrupted by a gorgeous step of square, glittering stones. Tiny gems accent each of the emerald cuts, and it's easily one of the most beautiful rings I've ever seen.

I'm stunned.

I turn and kiss him again, loving that he doesn't pull away first. "I love you." I punctuate it with another kiss. "Absolutely adore you. Do you know that?"

He smirks, and everyone parts to let my father step forward.

"And you..." I start, trying not to think about the kind of conversation it must have been to get my father's blessing.

"It was an easy yes, Button." He drags me into a hug, and while normally, it would be short and sweet, I squeeze him even tighter. "Your mother would have loved him," he says, and my heart stalls.

She would have.

But he squeezes me tight, kissing my cheek and drawing back as music plays and I see the flood of people that swarm the patio. I spot Taylor and Lydia at the door first. I grin when I see the baby on Taylor's hip. In the span of a year, Gabrielle's grown into the chunkiest baby I've ever seen. Her round cheeks are red with a smile as she reaches for me.

"Where's my god daughter?" I ask as they hold her out to me. "Hi, Gabbie-girl," I smile, brushing a kiss over her smiling face. She immediately reaches for the sparkling ring on my finger, and I can't help but laugh.

"Did you know about this too?" I ask Lydia, and when she nods furiously, I hug them to me.

"I think you were the only person who didn't," Taylor adds, and when I motion him over, he hugs us up too.

"I can't have been that oblivious..." Everyone objects, and I blush as they draw back and the patio doors open to the rest of the party. "Was I really?"

"Yes!" Charlotte calls, and I bury my face in Crew's chest to hide my blush.

His lips are at my ear. "I think there's someone elsewho wants to see you."

At the words, I twist over my shoulder to see someone standing outside. I almost don't recognize his new suit or his shorter locs, but Ricky's warm smile is the same. And when I see him, my night is complete. I squeeze Crew's hand, and we exchange a knowing look.

I walk to Ricky slowly, and he crosses his arms over his chest as he looks me over. "Now, Ms. Livia, I've got a question."

"Shoot," I hum, enjoying the cool breeze off the water as we stroll down the dock.

"Is this a nice suit? I got one I like, but I've gotta make sure it's worthwhile." He holds out his arms, and I make a show of admiring the slacks and matte vest.

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