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“It’s yours, Ev,” Cash grins. “I ran past the place the morning after we took family photos and saw that it was for sale. It took me back to the day we made our marriage pact here, and I knew then that it belonged to you. When you told me about your plans for the place, we were able to make several modifications to match what you had in mind.” He takes hold of my hands, and gives them a gentle squeeze. “We might not plan on living in Aspen Grove full time, but I want us to have a place to call our own when we visit. A retreat where we can relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of London.”
“You bought me a house.” My voice is barely above a whisper. “Not just any house, but the one I’ve dreamed of fixing up since I was a kid. I’m speechless,” I admit, overwhelmed by the gravity of his gesture.
“Hold on, don’t say anything yet.” He nods to my ring. “I need to borrow that for a minute.”
I give him a wary glance as I slip the ring off and place it in his waiting palm.
My breath hitches when he drops to one knee, taking my hands in his.
“Everly, I love you.” His gaze meets mine, his hazel eyes brimming with devotion. “Most couples fall in love first before getting married, but we’re the exception. We got married first, and the love part came later. Although a part of me has loved yousince we were kids. I knew we were meant to be together the day we made that pact, but I never envisioned it would lead to this.” He gestures around us.
“We’re going to have it all—a house to call our own, or rather, houses.” He chuckles as he gives my hands a reassuring squeeze. “Lazy weekends snuggled up on the couch, adventures traveling the world, and arguments followed by mind-blowing make-up sex. And every morning, I’ll wake up with you in my arms, wondering how I got to be the luckiest man in the world.”
Tears blur my vision as my heart overflows with love for him.
“Everly Stafford, will you do me the honor of marrying me… again,” he asks, a nervous smile playing on his lips as he waits for my response.
I nod rapidly, unable to contain my excitement.
“Yes,” I exclaim, throwing my arms around him in a tight embrace.
He slips my ring back onto my finger, his hand shaking slightly.
Cash has achieved the impossible. Just like he saw promise in the old Miller house, he recognized the same in me, by transforming my perspective, showing me how to cherish each moment, and to rediscover how to trust and love again.
“I love you, Ev,” he says just before he kisses me.
“I love you too, Stafford.”
There couldn’t be a more perfect place for him to propose. The last time we were here together, we made a marriage pact, never believing we’d actually follow through. Now, fourteen years later, we’re back, vowing to share our lives forever. My soulmate was right in front of me all along, and now that he’s mine, I’m never letting him go.
34
CASH
Two Weeks Later
EVERLY IS NEXT TO MEat the conference table, chewing on her lower lip, eyes fixed on the doorway.
I take her hand in mine and can’t help but smile as I admire her ring. She’s worn it since our Vegas wedding, but its significance means more now that she’s said yes to my proposal.
It was meant to be when I saw the old Miller house for sale a couple of months ago. I purchased the property from an investor who was eager to sell. While remodeling a house in that timeframe is nearly impossible for most people, being a billionaire has its advantages. With access to expedited permitsand fast-tracked labor, along with a network of connections through Stafford Holdings, I made it happen.
Luckily the contractor was able to revise the plans to adjust for how Everly described the place, allowing us to turn it into her dream home.
Once I saw the outcome, it felt like the right place to pop the question. Something tells me we’ll spend a lot of time in Aspen Grove, so I’m glad we now have a house there to call our own.
“Don’t worry,” I whisper in Everly’s ear. “Everything will be fine.”
“I know it will.” She squeezes my hand.
Harrison and Dylan occupy the seats on my right, with August and Liam on Everly’s left. Today, the Stafford Holdings and Townstead International acquisition is being finalized. We all flew into New York because it was the most central location.
My phone buzzes, and I discreetly take it out of my pocket.
Mom’s Favorites Group Chat
Mom: Is the deal finalized yet?