“Where is everyone?” I asked, glancing around.
“Maybe they got caught in traffic,” Jonathan said, though he didn’t seem surprised.
I grabbed a few crackers from the plate, careful to rearrange the remaining ones. When I turned around, Jonathan was right behind me. And I jumped, holding a hand to my chest as if to calm my racing heart.
“Holy shit. You startled me.”
He chuckled, but then took a deep breath. “Sumner.” His tone was serious when he spoke, ominously so.
“Jonathan,” I said, attempting to mimic him.
He smiled, seeming to relax some, though his shoulders remained tight. “All my happiest memories involve you.”
I cupped his cheek, smiling. “Mine too.”
“You once asked me if I believed in soul mates. In the idea that there’s one person for each of us.”
I nodded, wondering where he was going with this.
“At the time, you teased me for being a cautious romantic. But since then, since we’ve been together, I’ve realized that there’s no one else I want to be with. You areitfor me. You’re my one and only.”
He knelt to the ground, and I stared at him, mouth agape. “What are you…”
He produced a box from his pocket and opened it, the diamond sparkling against the red velvet. “Sumner, I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life making memories with you. Will you marry me?”
“Are you kidding?” I could barely wait for him to put the ring on my finger before I jumped into his arms and covered him in kisses. “Yes. Yes, of course, I’ll marry you. I love you so much.”
He chuckled, holding me tight. “I love you."
When he buried his head in the crook of my neck, I whispered, “Is this a dream?”
“No, baby. We’re getting married.” He set me down gently, and I righted my dress.
I peered up at him with tears in my eyes and so much love in my heart. “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life making memories with you.”
“Congratulations,” Dad said, and I whipped my head around to find him walking into the living room along with Lea, Piper, and Mason. My eyes were focused on Dad, trying to gauge his reaction. Had he known about this?
Piper gave me a huge hug. “I’m so happy for you!” She held my hands, evaluating me. “And that dress looks killer. Your hair and makeup photographed beautifully.”
“Wait,” I paused. “Did you know he was going to propose?”
“Maybe.” She bit back a grin, looping her arm over my shoulder as Lea popped the cork on some champagne.
“Did everyone know?” I glanced around at their faces, and they nodded.
“Any other surprises I should know about?” I teased, accepting a flute of champagne from Lea.
She butted my shoulder with hers. “Not that I’m aware of. Though I did talk to Juliana Wright—the event planner from your dad’s forty-fifth birthday. She’d be honored to help you plan your wedding.”
I laughed. “Wow, Lea. You’re on the ball.”
“Just excited for you, honey.” She gave me a hug, and warmth spread through my limbs. I couldn’t believe it. I was going to be Jonathan’s wife. And my dad…my dad actually seemed happy about it.
Jonathan placed his hand on my lower back and spoke in a low voice. “At least we already have our song for the first dance.”
I furrowed my brow. “We do?”
“‘WAP,’” he whispered.