Page 73 of Knox

“Soon?” Mom asked.

“Uh, yeah. We’re thinking of going to City Hall next week,” I answered.

“Oh,” her tone sounded a little dejected. “Just keep us posted with whatever you decide.”

“We will,” I agreed. “Love you.”

“Love you both,” she replied and we ended the call.

I turned to Crew. “I don’t think my mom was thrilled with the idea of us eloping. Maybe we should plan a reception or something at the end of the season, so our families don’t feel left out.”

He nodded. “We’ll figure out something.”

“Are you going to call your parents?”

He shook his head. “I already told them my plan to propose. I’m sure they watched it on TV even though it’s super late in Tennessee. I’ll give them the full rundown tomorrow.”

We arrived at Mallory’s around eight and were greeted by an excited Grady when we got to the door.

“Yay, you’re here!” he screeched. “Now we can eat the ice cream Mom bought.”

Crew knelt to hug his son. “Ice cream? That sounds super yummy. Are you sure you have room for it after all the ballpark food I’m sure you ate?”

“That was soooo long ago.” Grady sighed, and we all laughed.

“I’ll go dish it up,” Mallory said, but Archer stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.

“Why don’t you go sit with everyone. I can take care of the ice cream,” he offered.

“Just don’t eat it all.” Grady chuckled and climbed onto one of the stools at the island.

The rest of us joined him, as Archer pulled down some bowls from the cabinet.

“I know I already texted you, but congratulations again. I’m so excited you two are engaged.” Mallory leaned over and gave me a side hug from where she sat next to me.

“Thanks, Mal.” I lowered my voice. “I hear I have you to thank for the idea.”

She shook her head. “It was inevitable. From the first time I met you, I knew you guys were the real deal.”

“What’s engaged?” Grady asked.

Crew brushed his hair back off his forehead. “It means Knox and I are getting married.”

Grady’s eyes widened. “Does that mean I get to wear a tie?”

Mallory chuckled. “That was his favorite part about my sister’s wedding at the beginning of last year.”

“Actually, I don’t know, buddy. We might just get married at City Hall and wear regular clothes.”

Mallory looked around me. “Crew, you know your mom will be crushed if she isn’t at your wedding. Besides, you guys have a beautiful location to host a wedding.”

I furrowed my brow. “We do? Where?”

“Here in the backyard,” she suggested as though it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Archer began passing out bowls of cookies-and-cream ice cream, Grady’s favorite. “That’s a great spot for a wedding,” he agreed.

“Appreciate the offer, Mal, but we’re talking about doing it next week. Not sure we’d have time to plan anything,” Crew replied.