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“And maybe…” His voice softens. “Three slightly obnoxious cats stealing my pillow.”

As if on cue — I swear, these animals have perfect timing — Biscuit saunters out from inside like he owns the place. Followed, of course, by Mitts and Hat Trick.

All three flop down in varying states of feline disinterest.

“They really add to the ambiance,” I manage.

Beck grins. “Yeah. They’re not going anywhere either.”

His expression turns serious then.

“And neither am I.”

***

Then he’s reaching into his pocket.

Not rushed.

Not flashy.

JustBeck— solid and sure.

Velvet box in hand.

“I’ve had this longer than I probably should admit,” he says quietly. “Waiting until you felt safe enough to believe I wasn’t going anywhere.”

I can barely see through my tears.

He drops to one knee.

Jake gasps from somewhere behind me, whisper-shouting: “OH MY GOSH.”

Beck’s eyes never leave mine.

“Abigail Price,” he says steadily, voice rough with emotion, “will you marry me? Will you let me love you and Jake for all the days we’re given? Will you build forever with me — here, in this messy, imperfect life we’ve started?”

I’m already nodding before he even finishes.

“Yes,” I whisper. “A million times yes.”

His grin?

Devastating.

Beck slides the ring onto my shaking hand.

It’s perfect. Simple. Classic. Timeless.

Like him.

And then Jake barrels into us, nearly knocking Beck over as Spotty leaps excitedly beside him.

“You did it! You really did it!”

Beck laughs, pulling him into a hug. “Looks like we’re stuck with each other, huh, buddy?”

Jake beams. “Best stuck ever.”