Page 196 of Even Exchange

“Charlotte.” He tilts my chin up, forcing my gaze to his. “I was mesmerized by you and the way you walked and talked and everything about you.”

My heart is in my throat. “You never even spoke to me last summer.”

“I know.” He brushes a lock of hair behind my ear. “Because as I was standing there thinking how pretty our kids would look with your brown eyes… Jonathan showed up, making it clear exactly how off-limits you were.”

“I didn’t even think you noticed me,” I whisper.

“I’ve always noticed you.” His smile is soft. “Everything about you. The way your eyes light up when you’re laughing with the girls. The little crinkle on your forehead when you’re stressed. The shimmy of pride you do when someone compliments your baking. Your obsessive need to ensure everyone around you is taken care of regardless of what it does to you.”

“I had no idea.” I’m overwhelmed. Elated. Soaring through the clouds. “I thought Sophia’s birthday was the first time you ever noticed me.”

I mean, sure, we saw each other around at practices and games, but I didn’t think he knew or cared I existed. He was head quarterback, and I was a newbie cheerleader.

“How could anybodynotnotice you?” he asks with a look of such sincerity it brings tears to my eyes.

“I really am fucking up your five-year plan.” I laugh hesitantly, internally freaking the hell out at where this conversation is heading.

“I updated it a few weeks ago anyways,” Noah says, retrieving the list from the back of his phone case.

“You did?” I ask, snatching it from him.

“There’s nothing about your career?” I say, full of surprise.

“Because I don’t give a shit about it if this stuff doesn’t happen.”Is he serious?

I scan the list again.

Relationship: Marry Charlotte

“You want that?” My heart pounds frantically. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because I don’t want you to feel trapped.”

I laugh. “Trapped? There have been so many decisions taken away from me the past year. Or made for me. But you’re the only one who ever stops to actually ask whatIwant. The one who makes me feel free.” My heart soars, that same meadow of serenity filling me.

“And what do you want?” he asks, and for once, I’m one hundred percent certain.

“I want to have this baby. With you. To spend my life with the selfless man whochoosesme out of love, not obligation.” I pause, eyes dropping to my hands. “But I also don’t wantyouto think I’m trapping you. Or forcing you into this or?—”

“You should come to my game in Vegas this weekend,” Noah suggests, cutting me off.

“I mean, I’d love to,” I say, confused. “But that’s a bit of a change of subject.”

“There are a lot ofchapelsin Vegas,” he emphasizes with a wicked grin.

“What?” I ask, eyes darting to his. “You’re not serious.”

Noah reaches behind his neck, removes his chain, and slides the pendants off. My lips part open as he holds his grandma’s gold ring between his fingers.

“Noah, what the hell are you doing?”

He drops to one knee before me, looking into my eyes. “I meant it when I said I’m in this for the long haul. If you want reassurance, or confirmation, I’m not going anywhere. This is it,” he says, holding the small ring between us, and I slap a hand over my chest to contain the happiness threatening to burst out of me. “Any day spent with you not being one million percent sure I’m in this forever is a day too long. And you being my wife would certainly solve that.”

I stare down at the little ring. “Your grandma said you have to save that ring for a girl you?—”

“Love,” he cuts me off.

“Noah…” My hand covers my mouth, hiding a massive smile, tears welling in my eyes.

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