Page 172 of What are the Risks
Albeit reluctantly and confused, I sank onto the floor next to him. He was in the spot where our bed would soon be, even lying on his usual side. I couldn’t wait to move in – to have our furniture set up, our things hanging in the closet, and for the place to truly feel like ours.
Ryker reached into his pocket, pulling out a sock.
“Do you always walk around with a sock in your pocket?” I snorted.
“No, I–”
I jerked upright at a loud noise coming from below. “What was that?”
“It’s probably just a tradesperson collecting something they left,” Ryker dismissively said, before handing me the sock. “Here. You go first.”
“I struggle at the best of times in this game, Wheels. Let alone when I’m all the way on the floor and... hold on. There’s something wrapped in here.”
His lip quirked. “Is there?”
“Yeah. Something solid.”
I unravelled the sock, finding a small box, no larger than the palm of my hand. It was covered by a soft felt with the name of a jeweller embossed in gold and–
Oh. My. God.
I dropped the box like it was a contaminated syringe. Luckily Ryker’s reflexes were lightening quick. He caught it effortlessly and then tugged us both to our feet, only to drop down onto one knee.
“Wheels!”
That was the only word my brain could draw upon. I was shocked, to say the least. Had I known or even had an inkling that this was happening, I would’ve gotten a manicure. At least I could thank my past self for getting ready after work for a change.
Then again, I knew Ryker wouldn’t have cared if I was in a nice outfit or wearing scrubs and Crocs. Or whether I had makeup on. Or if I was wearing my glasses instead of contacts. Or if my hair was up or down. With my nails painted or chipped.
He loved me – exactly as I was. From the first time he told me that, sitting in his car in my Ohio driveway, he’d made sure I’d never forgotten it.
Ryker smiled so hard his dimple appeared, and his expression filled with so much love and affection, I could already feel myself welling up.
Pull yourself together, Ruby.
We’d never really spoken about marriage. I guess I hadn’t felt the need to. I’d known for a long time now that Ryker was my future. Whether there was a ring on my finger or not, he was it for me. This was an endgame type of love.
“Ruby – Rubz – you know what you mean to me. I’ll forever be thankful that you – well, Bri – accidentally sent methatphoto. It was the wake up call I needed.”
Chuckling, I sniffed as I wiped away the sole tear travelling down my cheek. I owed so much to that photo – and even more to Bri for being the one who actually hit send. I guess I owed Kyler too, for asking to see the pink suit, otherwise Ryker might never have stumbled across it. And if I kept tracing it back, I suppose Noahweirdly deserved some credit too... even though he never actually ended up seeing the picture intended for him.
“You’ve been my person for my entire life, Rubz. Now be it for the rest. Marry me?”
As Ryker popped the box open, my eyes narrowed in on the ring. It was a beautiful yet simple rose-gold band, with a large pear-shaped diamond that caught the light and nearly blinded me.
“Holy shit, that’s a rock and a half.” I shook my head in wonder, marvelling at how our lives had unfolded. “I wonder what childhood Ruby and Ryker would have to say about this.”
Ryker’s brow furrowed slightly. “Is that a yes?”
“Abso-freaking-lutely. There’s no chance I’m saying no to that ring.”
With a snicker, Ryker slowly got back to his feet. “Is it a yes to me too?”
I stretched onto my toes, looping my arms around his neck. “I assumed that was implied.”
He smiled against my lips. “Then say it.”
“Yes, Ryker. Yes, I will marry you!”
