Page 113 of Not For Keeps
Anna clinks back. “To being terrified and doing it anyway.”
We all turn to look out the window. Maya’s sitting on Mateo’s shoulders, arms stretched out like wings as he runs in slow, bouncy circles. Nathan’s trying to coach Seb through a cartwheel while Andres films it with the most serious expression I’ve ever seen.
Warmth rises in my chest, curling around my ribs. These people, this moment…it’s all so fragile and so fierce atonce.
“You won’t be alone in this,” I tell Anna. “Whatever you need—appointments, hormone injections, late-night ice cream runs—you’ve got us.”
“And if anyone gives you shit, or even gives you a side-eye,” Mari adds, “I’ll fight them.”
Anna laughs, blinking fast. “Deal.”
I look at the two women in front of me—one ready to leap into motherhood on her own, the other fierce, loyal, and hilarious—and I feel a swelling in my heart I didn’t know was possible after this week. After everything.
We survived the fire. Now, we get to build something new. Something strong. Together.
I glance down at my hands then back up. “Can I tell you both something?”
Mari narrows her eyes. “Please let it be a good something. My heart cannot take anymore. I’m too emotionally fragile right now.”
Anna laughs, leaning forward. “What is it?”
I exhale. “Mateo proposed.”
Their jaws drop in perfect sync.
“Shut. Up,” Mari says, setting her mug down with dramatic care. “When?”
“In the hospital,” I say, cheeks burning. “After I woke up. It wasn’t some big elaborate thing, no ring—just him, holding my hand, telling me he didn’t want to waste another minute.”
Anna lets out a quiet gasp. “Oh my god, Analyse. What did you say?”
“I said yes,” I admit. “I really love him and I want to spend the rest of my life with him.”
They’re both crying. I’m crying. We’re all just a bunch of puddles, surrounded by throw pillows, tea, and candles.
Mari wipes her face. “I’m going to need so many details. Not now. But soon.”
“And we’re absolutely throwing you the most chaotic, over-the-top engagement dinner,” Anna says, already plotting. “With a shit ton of champagne and cake.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I say, laughing through tears. “But actually…how about you skip the engagement dinner and go straight to planning our wedding?”
They both freeze.
“What do you mean?” Anna asks, eyes wide.
“We want to get married,” I say, voice soft. “As soon as I’m able to walk again.”
Mari launches off the couch like she’s been spring loaded. “You didn’t think to lead with that?!”
Anna claps her hands together, already half in tears again. “That is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard. Are you kidding me? That’s a movie.”
“I just…” I trail off, blinking fast. “I don’t want to wait. This whole thing, the fire, everything—it made me realize how fragile life is. I love him. He loves me. That’s enough. I don’t need a yearlong engagement or a Pinterest-perfect ceremony. I just want us. Him and me. Maya by our side.”
Mari places a hand over her heart. “I’m gonna need someone to sedate me before this wedding or I’m going to ugly cry through the whole damn thing.”
Anna leans forward, practically vibrating with energy. “Okay, listen. We can pull this off. I know people. I can get a dress for you easily. And if you want to wear sneakers under it, I fully support that choice.”
“Mateo said we could do it in the backyard,” I say, smiling. “He wants to build an arbor.”
