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I turn my head toward her, and we face one another. “I did too. And I wished that you’d be mine. Guess you’re proof that wishing on stars works.”
She smiles, gazing into my eyes. “I don’t deserve you.”
“Oh, princess, but you do. And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure you know that while making you happy.” I pull her close again, burying my face in her neck and breathing her in.
The world around us fades away as I lose myself with the woman who’s owned my heart since the first moment our eyes met.
“Thank you for choosing me,” I whisper against her mouth, capturing it.
“You chose me. And now it’s us against the world.”
“I fucking love the sound of that,” I tell her, deepening the kiss. “So damn much.”
38
BILLIE
ONE WEEK LATER
I’m standing in Asher’s charming little garden behind his townhouse, and the warmth of spring wraps around me. I’m excited for what I have planned, and I can’t wait to share the good news with Harper. The patio is strung with lights that twinkle like stars, casting a soft glow over the table I set for our double date. I laid out a crisp white tablecloth and placed a small vase of freshly picked flowers on top of the table. Tea lights are waiting to be lit.
I promised Harper we’d get together once everything settled down. It’s only been two weeks, and I’ve been avoiding the public and paparazzi, so tonight, we’re hosting Harper and Micah in Asher’s home. He cooked blackened Alaskan salmon, green beans, and garlic-roasted potatoes. The savory aroma already wafts through the air.
I can hardly contain my excitement about the evening. This isn’t just about dinner; it’s about sharing some big news—our engagement. I can’t wait to see the surprise light up Harper’s face, her expressive eyes widening in disbelief. I’ve imaginedit so many times.
I move into the kitchen, watching Asher comfortably move around as he works on the food.
“I’m so nervous about tonight,” I confess, glancing at him.
He wipes his hand and moves closer until his lips brush against mine. A flutter of warmth spreads through me.
“Don’t be. It’s going to be great.”
“It’s this guy she’s dating,” I say, unable to hide my skepticism. “Something isn’t right.”
“Harper is smart. She’ll figure it out,” he replies, biting my earlobe playfully, a low growl rumbling from his throat.
“Mmm, don’t do that,” I protest. “This might turn into something el?—”
“Billie!” Harper’s voice cuts through our moment as she flings open the side gate, her energy bursting into the garden like a ray of sunshine.
I see her from the back door that’s wide open. I steal a quick kiss from Asher before meeting her outside.
Harper pulls me into a tight hug, her warmth wrapping around me like my favorite fall sweater.
“Where’s your date?” I ask, glancing behind her.
Moments later, Micah strolls through, his dark hair tousled and those piercing green eyes locking on to mine. I feel a jolt in my stomach. Asher must sense it, too, because as he approaches, his hand rests firmly on my back, grounding me.
“This is Micah,” Harper says, beaming as her boyfriend walks toward us, radiating a cocky confidence that’s hard to ignore.
It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up straight. I try to shake the feeling.
“Hi. I’m Billie. Harper’s best friend,” I introduce myself, extending my hand, my heart pounding in my chest.
He takes it, pressing his lips against my knuckles. It’s unsettling.
“I’m Micah. Nice to see you again,” he says.