Page 124 of Play Dirty

I can’t help but feel relief as he’s handcuffed and taken into custody. He’s yelling something in my direction, but I don’t care anymore. I’m done.

I turn right into Marty’s embrace and he hugs me tightly. I wrap my arms around him and that’s when Chey notices the ring.

“What isthat?” she demands, grabbing my hand.

I bite my lip to keep from laughing. She’s been my friend through two of my three previous engagements.

“I believe that is called the engagement ring, yes?” Madame Bertrand says with a mischievous smile.

“Yes.” I smile back. “Marty and I are engaged!”

We’re immediately surrounded by our friends, with hugs and kisses and handshakes for everyone.

“I’m so happy for you,” Chey whispers against my ear.

“You’re going to be my matron of honor, right?”

“Of course!”

“And you approve this time?” I tease.

“A thousand percent!”

We both laugh.

“Celebratory dinner tonight on me,” Madame Bertrand says. “Everyone is invited.”

We make plans to meet at a restaurant in midtown at eight o’clock and then we say goodbye to Lorna and Madeline, who are flying back to L.A., before heading to the SUV where Grim and Rage are waiting to take us wherever we want to go.

“We should call the kids,” I tell Marty once we’re in the car.

“Let’s wait until bedtime,” he says. “Martin and Emma are both in school and Bradley is probably napping.”

“Oh, right. I forget about the time difference.”

“I already texted my mom, though.”

“I need to text a few people too, but it can wait. Everything can wait just a little bit. I need to breathe for a few minutes, soak it all in.”

“Whatever you need, baby.” He laces his fingers through mine, and we lean back in the seats.

“Hey, Marty?”

“Hmm?” He glances over at me.

“How much do you love me?”

A laugh rumbles out of him. “Enough to probably say yes to whatever it is you’re about to ask me.”

“Will you wear tails to the wedding?”

“That’s a given. My girl likes me in a tux.”

“Can the wedding party dress in pink?”

“Babe.” He brushes his lips against mine. “I don’t care what colors, what kind of suit, or where we have it. All I care about is marrying you.”

“You know I’m going to be extra, right?”

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