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“Yeah, it wasn’t meant to be a keeping of secrets, or anything like that, from you. Just trying to keep the hens from catching wind of what I’m doing. I’ve managed to keep it a secret for six months. Can’t fuck it up at the finish line,” I huff out.

She laughs. “Fair enough, Rick. Alright, I’ll close my knife for now. When is this shit supposed to happen?”

“Tomorrow.”

The sound of a quick breath being pulled in, followed by a “fuck,” comes through the phone before she says, “What do you need me to do?”

“Gail and Hazel are coming over this afternoon before the celebrations to help me put everything together. Could you run interference with Aspen if she wonders where they are or tries to come looking for them?”

“You got it. Oh, and Rick?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t fuck this up again. I’m tired of cleaning up your messes.”

Before I can say anything back, she has already hung up the phone. I pull the phone back from my ear and look at the now blank screen staring back at me. Shrugging, I pocket my cell and get to stacking all the boxes to one side of the room so the delivery people have room to place the chair.Oh, shit, I need to lie out the rug, too.

Glancing around the room, I find it tucked in a corner of the room, leaning against the end of the shelf. There isn’t enough space to lay it out fully with all the boxes in here. I’ll have to move everything first before I can lay it out.

After shifting all the boxes into the living room, there is finally enough space to lie out the rug.If I lay it out now, it should have enough time for it to flatten out.

Several hours later, after I’ve practically worn a path into my hardwood floors, the delivery truck arrives with the chair. It doesn’t take them long to place it and pull off the plastic wrapand tags. After they leave, I shoot a message off in our group chat letting them know we are a go.

It doesn’t take them long to show up. I chuckle at their disguises as they glance around like operatives on a mission.

We spend two hours unboxing and placing everything on the shelves. I really hope this works. I’ve been dreaming of this moment since the idea formed all those months back. Hoping that I could have the moment. The one where she sees it, mouth dropping open, and spinning in a circle in the center of the room. Her dress picking up as she twirls in a circle. Her eyes twinkling from the refractions of light coming from the chandelier. Watching her decide what she will say or how she feels about it. I want to stand here as I watch her run around the room, examining each piece we selected for her, plopping down in the chair to test its comfort.

I want to find her cuddled up in the chair with a fuzzy blanket, her favorite drink, and whatever fantasy book she is reading. Sitting by the fire as she tells me all about the things she reads about. I want to share stories as we both read a book and compare notes, the quiet nights as we read in bed together. To watch her cheeks bloom red when I find her tender spots and whisper sweet nothings in her ear.

Checking the time on my phone, I give one last look at the room as I watch the dream versions of her moving around it. The door snaps shut as I place my hand on it. “Tonight is our last night apart. I vow you will never be alone after this. You’ll realize I’ve always been the man you’ve needed. I just had to find him first.” I rest my head on my hand as I huff out a breath that wets the back of my hand.

Forgetting that the girls are all still here, I hear a small sniffle before I turn around. I find Hazel wiping a tear from her eye. “Don’t mind me. I’ve just been waiting for this moment for so long. Hoping one day you would finally realize you weren’t living a full life.”

She walks over and wraps her arms around me as she whispers in my ear, “I’m proud of you, Warrick. I know we haven’t ever been close, but I look forward to not only watching your relationship bloom but also getting to know you as well!”

I wrap my arms around her back and squeeze her to me. We might not have ever been close, but we have always known each other.

She pulls back as she taps her hand on my shoulder and walks over to slide her shoes on and grab her purse. With a glance over her shoulder, she gives me a nod before opening the front door and stepping out.

Gail is still patiently standing in my living room when I look at her. “Would you like a drink before you go?”

“Sure.”

I pour both of us two fingers’ worth of bourbon on the rocks in the crystal glasses. I pass her one as I step past her to sit in the armchair. She sits down on the sofa and takes a small sip from her glass.

I take a large sip from mine before holding it up and watching the ice move back and forth as I twist my hand from side to side. “It’s all come down to this. Tomorrow is it. My last shot at winning over Aspen and claiming her.”

“I wanted to let you know I’m so proud of you and the changes you have made to get to this point. Putting aside your desiresto claim the life that fate wished you to have takes courage and strength. Just remember that your journey is only beginning. You both will face challenges that will test the strength of your bond. Not the goddess given one, but the one you will forge as you face your demons from your past. I can see two paths, but the deciding moment is still far down the path for you both.”

My brows scrunch in confusion. “Gail, what are you saying?”

“I’ve already said more than I can. Just know that the only way you will get through it is together. Set aside those thoughts, choose her every time, and you will make it to the dream you’ve been having.” With that, she stands, places her glass on the table in front of her, and walks out the door.

I stare at the door, trying to process what she said.Does that mean that tomorrow works and somewhere down the road, we have a harder decision to make? What could possibly happen?

Shaking my head, I remind myself of what her parting words were.Choose Aspen every time and I’ll have my dream come true.That’s exactly what I’ll do.

Chapter 23