Page 92 of Sexting the Coach
“Els,” Drew says, pulling her into a hug. When he releases her, both their eyes are shining with unshed tears. “That one was never even for sale.”
The restaurant we head to after the gallery showing is stunning.
Of course it is—I picked it. And, for some reason, despite the fact that I’ve done this before and that I already have everything lined up perfectly—I find myself in the men’s restroom, pacing back and forth, running my thumb over the velvet box in my pocket again and again.
“Hey, man,” Drew says, pushing through the door, and I watch as the door doesn’t even fully shut before August is pushing his way inside, too.
“Hey,” I say, weakly, waiting for them to head to the urinals, or the stalls, but they just stare at me. “Are you…?”
“You’ve already got my blessing,” August says, crossing his meaty arms over his chest. “What are you waiting for?”
“The sun is just going down now,” Drew says, “Henry says it’s the perfect time for the picture.”
“Right.”
Still, I can’t get myself to move.
The door swings open behind August and Drew, and Sandra walks in like it’s not the men’s restroom, her eyes landing on mine.
“There should be a fire under your ass,” she says, pointing out toward the terrace, where our table is. “Now, come ask my daughter to marry you.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
With that, they leave, and I return to the terrace a moment later, wielding the champagne bottle I’d claimed I’d left to get in the first place. Elsie looks up at me when I walk out, and not for the first time today, I’m struck by her beauty.
The blond hair, wisping out and away from her face, breaking free from it’s half-up, half-down after a long day at the gallery. The shimmering burgundy dress and shawl around her shoulders.
I’ve never been in love with her more than I am now.
Every day with her has been another chance to love her more, and I did the day Mia was born. I loved her the most that first week when we were home from the hospital.
And now, hand wrapping around the case in my pocket, I think I’m reaching the peak of that capacity for love, though I’ll only surpass it tomorrow, I’m sure.
“Everyone,” I say, once I’ve rounded the table and set the champagne on the table. “I’d like to make a toast.”
“You can’t make a toast,” Elsie laughs, tugging on my arm. “It’s Drew’s?—”
“We’ve been planning this day for a long time,” I push ahead, ignoring her. She laughs and shakes her head, sitting back in her seat. “All of us. And, if I’m being honest, I don’t really want to waste another minute before doing what I came here to do.”
“Weston—” Elsie’s voice cuts off when I turn and drop to one knee in front of her, reaching into my pocket. I’ve practiced this move a million times at home, when she couldn’t see me, to make sure I could do it right.
And with her help, with all the physical therapy, the pain in my hip is almost non-existent as I kneel in front of her.
Her mouth drops open, and instantly there are tears in her eyes. My girl—always showing everything she’s feeling.
“Elsie Montgomery,” I say, clearing my throat. “I loved you from the moment I first saw you. And, seeing as how I have them to thank for getting to have you as the mother of my child, I’d like to read to you from my text drafts.”
Her eyes go wider, and Drew wordlessly hands her a tissue. I pull out my phone, which was already open to the screen I needed.
“July 2025.I wish I could tell you how it makes me feel when you walk into a room.November 2024.You should stay at my place forever, Elsie. January 2025.I’d do whatever it took to keep you in my life.Now,” I look up at her, setting my phone on my thigh and reaching into my pocket, thankful I’ve practiced as I pull it out smoothly and hold the ring out to her. The words on my phone screen reflect what I say next. “Will you marry me?”
She’s crying so hard she can barely get any words out, but she nods, and I slide the ring onto her finger. The moment it’s there, she stands, throwing her arms around me, and I sweep her up into my embrace, holding her tight, relishing in the feel of her body and the scent of her around me.
“I love you,” she says, a moment later when she’s composed herself. Then, glancing at the phone. “And that was so cheesy.”
“I thought you’d like it.”
“I did,” she admits, and when she smiles, it reaches her eyes.
