Page 157 of The Renegade Billionaire
“I don’t really know what you’re asking here.” She frowns. “You haven’t really asked anything, so I’m not sure what to say?”
And the insecurity is back. “Shit. I’m messing this all up. I’m really nervous. I’ve never done this before.”
“You’re not someone who gets nervous, Braxton. Ever.”
“Well, I’ve never asked anyone to marry me before either.”
Dimples show on both of her cheeks. “Is that what you’re doing here?”
I run through our conversation at warp speed in my mind. Thank God I didn’t do this in front of everyone. I’d never, ever hear the end of it.
Dropping to the floor, I take her hand in mine. “Yes. I’m doing a spectacular job of screwing it all up, but I’m asking you, Madison Ryan, if you’ll be my wife.”
Tears spill down her cheeks, and I hate how they make me feel. I don’t ever want to see this woman cry—not if I can help it.
“Y—yes,” she splutters, then throws herself at me, and we tumble to the floor just as Cian steps onto the porch.
“Crickey, mates. Seriously? I gotta get more wood for the fire, and you’re out here fooling around?”
I hold up the empty jewelry box, and he beams like a proud papa.
“They got engaged for real this time,” he yells into the house.
It causes a mass exodus, and she explains three times why she isn’t wearing a ring. I need to make that a priority. I had no idea people would be asking to see it already.
The day evolves into one giant celebration, and as carolers knock on the door, one of Madison’s friends or Madison herself tells anyone who will listen that she’s engaged.
It fills me with joy to see her this happy.
“You did good, Uncle Brax,” Sage says at my side. “But what are we going to do with that one?” He points to Grey, who’s in the corner scrolling on his phone.
“What’s he doing?”
“What do you think?”
“Is he serious?”
“He’s on some website. He seriously needs an intervention.” Sage throws his hands into the air for emphasis.
“Or a fucking dog. I’ll be right back.” Leaving Sage in the foyer, I march over to Grey and swipe his phone from his hands.
Sure enough, he’s scrolling through surrogates. “Put this on pause for now, will ya? Let’s get through the will and everything before you make any monumental life decisions.”
“Oh,” he sasses. “Like you did? Getting engaged is a pretty monumental step, if you ask me.”
I hold his phone in the air. “But this is… This requires more thought. Today, focus on the people who are already in your life, for me, please?”
He purses his lips, but agrees, so I tuck his phone into my pocket.
“Hey.” He jumps to his feet.
“No devices. You need to cool off, Greyson. I’m serious.”
He mutters one curse after another but stalks off toward the kitchen, and relief settles over me—at least for now.
The rest of the day and night is spent indulging in the happiness of the people around us. It’s a luxury money couldn’t buy, and it’s one I’ll never take for granted.
“This ishow Happiness spends the day after New Year’s?” I ask.
