Page 124 of Feels Like Love
“I was thinking about asking River,” I teased, just to get a rise out of him.
But he surprised me by saying, “That’s a great idea.”
I smiled and put him in a headlock as we reached the doors. And then we started wrestling, teasing and joking like we were thirteen and not in our thirties. Wren and River took one glance at us before realizing we were messing around. River ran over and joined us, Toodles following after him. The four of us ended up on the ground, a laughing, barking mess of tangled bodies while Wren and her parents watched on.
Liam was right—our relationship wouldn’t be the same. But that was the beauty of friendship; it continued to evolve as we aged. And I knew that no matter what, he’d always be by my side. Just like I’d always have his back.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Six Months Later
“Happy birthday to you,” I sang as I carried Bennett’s dessert out to the back patio.
Everyone joined in, a chorus of voices. As I glanced around our deck, the faces of our friends and family smiled back at me. My parents, Liam, Asher, Tristan, and the kids. Harper and her family. A few other childhood friends. The past six months, I’d never been happier.
Bennett smiled, his eyes darting between mine and the magic flan cake I was carrying. We’d seen it on the showNadiya Bakes, and I knew he’d been dying to try it.It really was magic, and I couldn’t wait to dive into the chocolate, flan, and caramel deliciousness. But his eyes were focused on me, devouring me as if I was the decadent treat he wanted most.
With the help of my mom, River and I had spent all day getting ready for the party—decorating the house, preparing the food, making everything perfect to celebrate the man we loved.
Toodles ran around my ankles, jumping about me as I walked, eager to join in the fun. Bennett picked him up and tucked him into his side, giving me a sweet kiss as I set the cake on the table. We finished singing, and Bennett leaned forward and blew out the candles.
“Thank you all for coming tonight.” He handed Toodles to River. “I would’ve made a wish, but I have everything I ever could’ve hoped for. A beautiful home. A son I adore.” He hugged River to his side. “Amazing friends. And the most wonderful woman at my side.”
I smiled, tilting my lips up for a kiss. Everyone oohed and aahed.
“That said,” Bennett continued, and I frowned. “There is one thing I want more than anything.” He turned to me and knelt on the deck.
My eyes widened as the realization sank in that he was going to propose. And when he pulled out a small velvet box and gestured for River to join him, I gasped.
“Wren.” He took my hand in his. “You’re my past, my present, and my forever. I love you and River—”
“And Toodles!” River said, to which we all laughed.
“Yes. And Toodles.” Bennett smiled down at River and our fur baby with so much affection before returning his gaze to me. “Say you’ll marry me.”
My smile was so wide it nearly split my face. “Of course I’ll marry you.”
Bennett slid the ring onto my finger as everyone clapped and cheered. I stared down at the beautiful oval-shaped emerald set in a gold band. It was perfect. And then he kissed me—a kiss filled with hope and love and light. This beautiful, kind man wanted to be my forever. Sometimes, I still couldn’t believe this was my life.
While my mom and River started dishing up the cake, Bennett pulled me into his side.
“I thought this was supposed to be your birthday,” I teased, peering up at him.
“It is. You’re my present.” He gave me a squeeze.
“I don’t know.” I glanced down at my hand, where the emerald sparkled at me. “This ring is pretty fabulous.”
He smiled. “I’m glad you like it. I was honestly really nervous about it.”
“Oh my god, why? It’s gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything like it.” I held up my hand, admiring the unique ring.
“I had it custom designed. I chose the stone because emeralds represent patience and inspiration. As well as unity, compassion, and unconditional love. All the things that you are. All the things that I feel for you.”
I turned toward him and cupped his cheeks with my hands. “How did I get so lucky?”
“Mm. I think we’ll both be getting lucky later,” he murmured.
I laughed. “Oh, I’m definitely having sex with my fiancé tonight.”
