Page 103 of Make the Play

“What? No, he doesn’t. That’s—we’ve never discussed getting married.” Even as I say the words, my heart is galloping, and I can barely control the giddiness I feel that Knox might really have a ring.

“You’ll see.”

“Did he tell you he was going to propose?” I ask, my heart thundering so hard I feel as though it might beat right out of my chest.

“He didn’t. He did say he wanted to marry you, but I know my best friend. Knox is steady. He’s honest, and he’s disciplined. Watch out when he sets his mind to something because there’s no stopping him. I can’t imagine he’ll be any different with you.” Landry gives me a soft smile.

“Thank you for accepting this. I love him so much, and I was so afraid that we were both going to lose you.”

“I wish you’d been honest with me, but I understand why you didn’t. Knox Beckett is one of the best men I’ve ever met. If it has to be someone who takes my little sister from me, I’m glad that it’s him.”

“I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He pulls me into a hug, and that’s how Knox finds us.

He takes a seat on the coffee table and keeps his eyes locked on my brother. “I love her with every ounce of my soul. I promise I’ll protect her and love her every day of forever.”

“I know you will,” Landry replies.

“As her brother, as her family, I’d like your permission to marry your sister. I need you to know that I'm still asking her, no matter what you say, but I’d love to know that we have your blessing.”

A sob falls from my lips, and Knox reaches out, offering me his hand, but he doesn’t take his eyes off my brother.

I’m crying, and the two most important people in my life, minus Sloane, are in the middle of a stare-off. I’m ready to say something… anything, when my brother thrusts his hand toward Knox.

“Welcome to the family, brother,” he says, and they shake, then stand and hug it out.

“Okay.” Knox sighs. “I’m going to need you to do one more thing for me in just a second.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out his phone and taps at the screen. Whoever he’s calling, he places the call on speaker.

“Knox? Is Corie okay?” Sloane answers.

“She’s perfect.”

“Why are you video calling me, and why are you smiling like that?”

“Just watch.” He hands the phone to Landry. “Hold that for me.”

Landry takes the phone and spins it so he can see Sloane. “Pay close attention,” he tells her before moving the phone to the right angle.

“Corie, can you stand up for me, please?” Knox asks sweetly as he reaches into his front pocket, pulls out a small box, and drops to one knee.

“No!” Sloane cries out. “Is he proposing right now?” she practically screeches.

Knox chuckles. “I’m working on it.”

“By all means, proceed,” Sloane says.

“I know this is unexpected after the day we’ve had, but that’s kind of the point. I wanted your brother to be here to show him you’re my end game.”

“What about me?” Sloane asks.

“Shh,” Landry shushes her. “He called you, didn’t he?” He waves for Knox to keep going, and we both laugh.

“I wanted them both to witness this moment. One, because I’m madly in love with you and want the world to know it. I know how important your brother is to you, and he’s my best friend. And Sloane, she’s your best friend, and she’s helped so many times over the last few months. I felt it was important for her to be able to see what our love has grown into.”

“I love you,” I tell him.

“I love you, too. You’re my everything. My person, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. You’re my home, and I want to be yours. Corie Reynolds, will you do me the incredible honor of becoming my wife? Will you marry me?”

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