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Isn’t this the way it’s supposed to feel? Easy?
“Carlee Jolly,” I say, my voice filling with emotion that catches me off guard, “you’re so pretty.”
“Weston,” she whispers.
“You’re one of my very best friends, and I can’t imagine a life without you in it. There was a time when I thought I’d never be able to open my heart to anyone again. Until I found you. When we’re together, the world fades away. There is no one on this planet I’d rather spend forever with than you. Please do me the honor and become Mrs. Weston Calloway. Marry me, Firefly.”
A whirlwind of emotions sweeps across her face as they flood through me.
She smiles, and I capture it to memory.
“Yes,” she whispers.
Carlee delicately extends her hand, and I press my lips to every finger and the sensitive skin of her wrist. Her pulse quickens—a reminder that our connection is real—as I slide the three-carat solitaire ring onto her finger. It fits.
The room bursts into applause as I stand and thread my fingers through her silky hair, feeling the energy wrapping around us as I capture her lips.
“That felt real,” she whispers, holding my cheeks in her hands before kissing me. She steals my breath away.
“Did I mention my divorce will be finalized on Monday?” I lift a brow.
Her mouth falls open. “Really?”
“Yes,” I admit as she pours every ounce of herself into me.
“You’re almost free,” she whispers against my mouth. “I’m so happy for you.”
We’re rushed by guests of the party, offering congratulations.
I glance over my shoulder, meeting Easton’s eyes with a grin.
Well played, he mouths with a nod, knowing witnesses were necessary.
Lexi nods and gives me a thumbs-up. I turn my attention back to Carlee, wrapping my arm around her and kissing her hair as she chats with those who immediately introduce themselves. They all want to befriend her now.
As she politely chats and smiles, I find it hard to remember a time without her in my life.
She already feels like my forever.
This is how it begins … with a fake engagement laced with real emotions.
One day, she’ll be able to see the obvious, and I can’t wait until she does.
22
CARLEE
Ididn’t predict him dropping down on one knee. When his hand took mine, a bolt of electricity surged between us. When our gazes met, I knew he meant every damn word.
My heart still hasn’t stopped thumping hard in my chest as if trying to escape the overwhelming emotions threatening to take over. The gentle touch of his fingers along my arm makes my breath hitch. Warmth spreads through me. As I hold my hand out to meet his friends, the diamond shines in the warm glow of the lights, casting tiny sparkles that dance across our faces. It feels like I’m living in a dream.
The happiness he wears is genuine, radiating from him like sunshine. I see the promise burning behind his unwavering gaze—he will save our friendship if it’s in danger.
“Carlee’s my best friend,” Weston admits, his voice smooth as he kisses my knuckles.
The wink he gives me nearly does me in.
He commands the room effortlessly as his friends and acquaintances greet and congratulate us as if we were royalty. The experience is different, and right now, I don’t feel like an onlooker in Weston’s life. The shift in the room is immediate. We exchangestolen glances and shy smiles—a language that no one else can decode.