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“My God, you’re serious,” I said.
“Dead serious, Damien.” Leo grinned.
Willa reached across the table and patted Leo’s hand. “You poor, brave soul.”
“You have our permission. But on one condition,” I said.
“Anything, sir.”
“You have to let her handle all the wedding plans without an opinion, or you’re toast.”
“But what if I don’t like something?” he asked.
“It doesn’t matter.” I shook my head. “Agree and keep your mouth shut. You’ll be okay and will make it to the wedding.” I smirked.
“Okay. That’s fair. I can do that.”
I stood up and patted him on the back. “Then welcome to the family. You’ll never win an argument again.”
“But you’ll be very moisturized, emotionally supported, and slightly afraid all the time.” Willa smiled. “Wait. What about the ring?”
“Oh. I have it with me.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a small velvet box, and flipped open the lid. “What do you think?”
“Is that a pink diamond?” I asked.
“Oh, look at all the pink diamonds going down the sides.” Willa smiled. “It’s beautiful.”
“I wanted it to feel—like her. You know? Beautiful. Bold. Slightly intimidating.”
“I’m guessing four carats?” I asked.
“Five, including the diamonds going down the side,” he said.
“Whatever you do, don’t propose in Vegas,” Willa said.
“I was thinking Paris,” Leo said.
“OH COME ON!” My eyes widened.
“Ignore him. Paris is fine. Just make sure wherever you are, the lighting is good. She’ll want a video and a thousand pictures.” Willa smiled.
“Well, I already hired a drone team.”
“Was that in her crisis binder labeledEngagement Strategy: The Vision?”
“Don’t tell her, but yes, I took a peek at her binder.”
Willa picked up her mimosa and gestured for us to do the same. “To future chaos. And to one hell of a ring.” She grinned.
“Let’s hope she doesn’t ask for changes.” Leo clanked his glass against ours.
“She will,” both Willa and I said in unison.
Later that evening, Willa and I sat on the terrace. I had a scotch in one hand, and Willa had a glass of whiskey in hers.
“You still breathing?” I smirked.
“Barely.” She smiled. “It really is a perfect ring.”