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He nodded. “That’s okay, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
He got out of the car and ran around to open the door for his future wife.
She turned so her legs were out of the car but remained seated. “I haven’t seen them since the regatta. Did they know you were proposing?” It looked like she shivered for a second.
“Are you cold?” The weather outside was mild for an early October day.
“I still get chills when I think about it. You proposed. We’re getting married, Sebastian.” She stared at him with wide eyes and held up her left hand. “Married!”
He tugged her up to standing and brought her hand to his mouth again, kissing her knuckles and then her ring finger. “I know. I can’t wait.”
A smile spread across her face.
“And yes, they knew I was going to propose.” He tilted his head toward the house. “Come on. Let’s go see your future in-laws.”
She slid her hand around the back of his neck and pulled his head down so she could kiss his lips. Happiness buzzed through his body like an electrical current. He felt high. High on life. High on Genevieve. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.
They walked into the house together, hand in hand, smiling like lovesick fools.
The door flung open before they reached it, and Skylar bolted toward them, grabbing Genevieve’s left hand. “I knew you’d say yes!” She flung her arms around the two of them. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks, Sky,” Sebastian said. “Can we at least get inside the house first?”
They laughed together as they entered.
“Gus here yet?” he asked Skylar.
She looked worried. “Not yet.”
Gerard was standing to the side of the door, taking everyone’s coats.
“Thanks, Gerard,” Sebastian said. “Genevieve, this is Gerard, our butler.”
“Nice to meet you, Gerard,” she held her hand out, and he shook it.
“Lovely to meet you too, Miss Willis.”
“Soon to be Mrs. Schultz.” Genevieve held her hand out to show Gerard the ring.
Sebastian beamed from the pride that filled him in that moment. He loved that she was happy and bragging about their upcoming marriage. How fortunate was he to have found her and that she agreed to be his wife.
When they were further into the house, she leaned close and whispered, “Your butler’s name is Gerard? Like Gerard Butler, the actor?” She laughed at her own joke.
He smiled over at her. Never knowing what she was going to say next was one of the things he loved most about her.
“Also … you have a butler.” She shook her head.
“He’s more of a household manager, really.”
She gave him an adorable little eye roll.
Mom and Dad were in the living room when the three of them entered, and they both stood to welcome them.
“It’s so wonderful to see you again, Genevieve,” Mom said as she hugged her.
“You, too, Mrs. Schultz,” Genevieve replied.