Page 43 of Quinton's Quest

“I love Champ—” Everett tried to squeeze that in.

“Well, that’s good to know.”

Just do it already. Good Lord, man. This was your idea.

“Will you marry me?” Everett grinned.

Sonofabitch. Okay, I hadn’t seen that coming. I hooted. Loudly.

A loud cheer went up, filling the room completely with joy.

Rayne threw his arms around Everett and pulled him in for a hug.

They kissed.

“Okay…now?” Because I damn well knew I could only hold the surprise off another few seconds.

Rayne met my gaze. “Yeah. Now.”

I sprinted up the stairs.

To be greeted with the entire Williams clan—minus one sister, one brother-in-law, and the nieces and nephews.

Denali pushed past me and clomped down the stairs.

Everett’s mother patted my arm. “You did good.”

“Please follow me.” I led Mr. and Mrs. Williams, as well as their daughter Ursula down the stairs.

To find Denali hugging Rayne.

“Hey,I’myour brother.” Everett, however, didn’t appear the least bit offended.

“Yeah, but he asked the family’s permission first.” Denali grinned. “And he proposed—”

“Actually, Everett beat me to it.” Rayne appeared a little sheepish with a grin on his face.

Denali turned to her brother. “Always the dark horse.”

“Yeah, something like that.”

“Oh, my darling boys.” Mrs. Williams stepped forward next.

Rayne, Denali, and Everett stepped off the hearth, and they hugged their family.

And then everyone else started hugging each other.

I glanced over to Gideon and Archer. Archer had his arms securely around Gideon and had the man pulled against him.They appeared…comfortable. Hopefully not regretting coming out for the party too much.

Lucia nudged me. “We need to take a photo.”

“Right.” I clapped my hands. “To commemorate this occasion, we need to take a photo of everyone here.”

Partygoers migrated toward the happy couple.

“Why don’t I take the photograph? So you can be in it.” Archer’s deep voice resonated. “You need to be in it.”

“Uh, okay. Sure.” I certainly wasn't going to insist the newcomers join us. I handed Archer my phone, then joined all my friends.