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And just when I think the moment can’t get any moreus...

Biscuit climbs right into Beck’s lap.

Flops down.

Purrs like a motorboat.

I burst out laughing.

“Well,” Beck says dryly. “Guess that’s a yes from everyone.”

As the night stretches on, and Beck pulls me close beneath the string lights, I know without a doubt...

This isn’t just a house. This isn’t just a yes.

This is home.

Our home.

Our forever.

Chapter twenty-three

Beck

Theeveninghasbeenmagical. How could I be this blessed to have these two wonderful people love me as much as I love them?

Abby is snuggled on my lap when I hear her voice, quiet and sweet. “I love you,” she whispers again, her voice barely louder than the crackling of the fire pit in the distance.

Her fingers tighten in my hair as she buries her face against my neck, her tears warm against my skin.

I can barely breathe.

Relief. Joy. Love.

It’s all hitting me at once, knocking the air out of my lungs like I’ve taken a slapshot straight to the chest.

“Abby…” My voice is rough with emotion as I hold her tighter, pressing my lips to her temple. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say yes.”

She pulls back just enough to look up at me, her eyes shining with unshed tears and more love than I ever thought possible.

“I love you,” she murmurs, her lips brushing softly against mine. “So much.”

“Forever,” I whisper against her mouth, sealing the promise with a kiss that makes the world fall away.

Thisis everything I’ve ever wanted.

***

Jake makes his opinion known, loud and clear as we move into the living room. “Did you really say yes, Mom?! Did you?”

Jake’s excited voice echoes from the doorway, and I barely have time to pull back before he’s racing toward us, Spotty bounding after him with his tail wagging like crazy.

“Mom?” Jake’s eyes are wide, his expression a mixture of hope and excitement as he skids to a stop in front of us.

Abby turns, her eyes still glistening with tears, and crouches down so she’s eye-level with him.

“Yes, Jake,” she says softly, her voice filled with so much warmth it makes my heart squeeze. “You heard me when I said yes. Remember?”