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“Abigail Eileen Prior—Thrasher—Cole.” Chuckles fill the room, my own included, but I don’t take my eyes off Colter. “You have made me a better man. A better lover, and a better friend.” A small hiccup-gasp-sob combination escapes my throat. “You’ve shown me what it’s like to have trust. You’ve taught me how to forgive. You’ve given me compassion and understanding. But above all, you’ve taught me how to love.” I absolutely stop breathing. “I promise, if you’ll let me I will love you for the rest of my life, every day without exception.”
I try to suck in a deep breath as a happy tear rolls down my cheek.
“I realize your life as a single woman has just begun, but I promise to give you a life even better. I promise to respect your strength and your independence.” I finally, truly inhale. He gets it. He really does. “I promise to love your son as my own.”
I look at Zeke to see him smiling, crooked teeth gleaming at me. How long has he known about this?
I turn back to Colter and swallow, eager to speak.
“Abigail Cole, will you marry me?” His lips pull into a half smile. “For real this time?”
I hold my tongue for a few moments. Not because I don’t know my answer, but because I don’t want to rush this moment. And a little part of me can’t pass up the opportunity of getting back at him for all the time he takes to respond to me. The room is uncharacteristically silent for the Gruco home.
“Yes.”
Colter’s smile widens. “Yes?”
I nod and yank at Colter’s shoulders so he’ll stand. I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him while everyone cheers.
Zeke runs around the table and hugs my waist. Colter and I shift so we both can squeeze him.
Champagne is passed around, and I stay pressed firmly to Colter’s side, his arm wrapped around me.
There’s chaos in the room with people standing and talking over one another, and it’s even more rambunctious than normal. Excitement and joy fill the dining room.
Settimo comes over and raises a glass to me. “Welcome to the family.” I clink my glass with his and he notices I barely take a drink.
“Is there something wrong with the champagne?” He asks and I shake my head and grin fiercely. “How does it feel to be a Gruco now?” His lips tilt and he winks at my not-yet-existent belly.
I look up at Colter, taking my time staring into his smoldering seafoam green eyes and even as he smiles, his eyes widen incredulously.
“It couldn’t be better.”