Page 136 of Break Me

As our guests backed away, allowing us inside, I was almost overwhelmed with joy.

“Time to break out the champagne,” Vissarian called.

“Forget the champagne,” Alexsey mused. “We’re talking scotch. Lots of it.”

“Do you like it?” Kristine asked.

“What’s not to love?” And I meant that. Everything was perfect as if I’d chosen every color, every piece of furniture, and even every picture on the walls myself.

The chatter was unreal and as I looked at a few of the rooms, I knew this was exactly the kind of place I could call home, but mostly because I would be able to share it with the man I loved.

A glass of champagne was placed into my hand before I realized it. From where I stood in the bright, beautiful, and huge kitchen, I had a bird’s-eye view of my little girl happily playing with her new best friend on her new swing set in her new home. Then I saw what looked like another house maybe a hundred yards away. “What is that?”

“Officially,” Alexsey said as he flanked my side, “that’s the caretaker’s house.”

“Now, it’s my house.” Kristine waited to see my reaction. Then we both squealed together. “I’m going to be your best neighbor.”

“Are you kidding?”

Alexsey laughed. “Would I kid about that? Not at all. When I was shown the property, I knew it was perfect. It’s good to keep family close.”

“Everythingisperfect.” Sighing, I glanced at everyone who was laughing and talking. “Wait a minute. Where’s Bristol and Mikhail?”

He backed away, shrugging while at the same time pulling out his phone. I could tell he’d just received a text. “Gotta take this call. I’ll be right back.” He backed away before I even had a chance to grab him.

“What is he doing?”

“I dunno,” Kristine purred. “You should see Emily’s bedroom. It’s meant for a princess.”

“You were in on this.”

“I was. So what? You still love me.”

“More than you know. Maybe I should see what’s keeping him.” I was even antsier.

My sis grabbed my arm before I could get away. “Why don’t we take a look at the bedrooms.”

“Oh, no, you don’t. I need to know what he’s up to.”

Kristine frowned. “You really do need to learn patience.”

Actually, I didn’t. Something caught my attention and as I turned around, the first thing I noticed was the joy on Bristol’s face, her smile so wide. After that, I only had eyes for the Golden Retriever she had on a leash.

Somehow, the champagne was taken from my hand and it felt as if I was gliding in her direction, immediately bending down.

“This is Blazer. He just graduated from a special training course for children with asthma. He’ll be able to recognize an attack before it begins.”

I looked up at Bristol, waiting until she nodded before I threw my arms around him. “Oh, my God.”

“That’s our gift, the entire family to you for your engagement,” she continued.

Now I was sobbing and I was pretty certain I was freaking out the gorgeous dog.

With all the commotion, I couldn’t hear a thing.

Except for my little girl’s concerned question.

“Mommy. What’s wrong?”

I pulled away, kissing Blazer on the head. “Nothing’s wrong, baby. Mommy and Mr. Boyfriend have a little surprise for you. You have all your new aunts and uncles to thank for this.” As soon as I stood, the shrill scream was something we’d all remember. Both she and Nina raced toward him and I was shocked Blazer was completely calm, allowing the two girls to love all over him.

As I stood, I thanked everyone in the room through my tears. Then I pushed the love of my life back away from the crowd.

“I can’t believe you did this. All of this. You are… amazing.”

He cupped my face, tilting his head slightly. “I want the world for you, Halle.”

“I don’t need the world. I just need you.”

The End