Page 102 of Saving His Heart

“One day, Goldie found herself thrown into a new family by Prince Charming. This one was big and loud with people and drama at every turn. The loud family may not have had the same hardships as the little family, but they faced heartbreak just the same. Goldie was often overwhelmed by the new family’s ridiculous ways, but she was determined to save them, too.

“The prince didn’t make it easy on her, but it was in this loud family that he fell in love with his little Goldie. The problem is, Prince Charming didn’t do a very good job of preparing Goldie for all the noise. He was so busy making his heart sing, he didn’t realize that Goldie couldn’t hear the song. Somewhere along the way, she thought she had just become part of the ensemble. In reality, she was his only melody.”

Somehow, even the children are quiet, but there is no dry eye in this loud house.

“The prince called a meeting.” I watch as all of Preston’s family gathers into a circle, yelling and cheering. Making as much noise as they possibly can until Preston’s voice drifts through the speaker again. “The prince decided that while Goldie loves the little family and the loud family, they just didn’t fit.”

Sylvie steps forward and hands me the blindfold. As soon as I place it over my head, I hear everyone scatter.

“One more stop. Are you ready?”

“I-I think so,” I say nervously.

“Okay. You know the drill. Just count to ten.”

I’ve never counted so fast in all my life. Ripping the tie over my head, I see the third house. This one is green, and I rush the door to find the little family and the loud family sitting in chairs looking back at me. This one is not actually a building at all. It is just the front facade that opens up to the ocean with everyone I love together—everyone but Preston. My heart sinks.What did you expect? You know he’s still in the hospital. Then I hear his voice over the speaker, and I lower myself to the sand to listen.

“The prince knew long ago that Goldie fit just right. Like all fairy tales, they had their ups and downs. The prince may have gotten a new heart, but he knows it will only ever beat for his perfect fit—his perfect Goldie. Together, the little family and the loud family can make a happily ever after. Is that what you want, sweetheart?”

I’m sitting on my knees in the sand, sobbing like a baby.How is he doing this?

“Goldie?”

I jump when I hear Preston whisper and whirl around to see him on one knee behind me.

“You’re going to get arrested for stealing my heart if you don’t answer me soon,” he grins.

How can he still have bad pick-up lines? My repertoire ran dry months ago.

“Jesus, Preston. What are you doing? You can’t be down here like that,” I scream, scrambling and flailing in the sand to get him off the ground, but Ashton beats me to it.

“It’s okay, Ems. We have everything covered, but he will not get off his knee until you answer him. It’s all part of his plan,” Ash says with a wink.

“Answer? Answer wh—?”

“Emory Westbrook, will you marry me for real and forever?” In his hands is the ring I’ve only ever worn once.

I stumble back with my mouth hanging wide open. Glancing around, I see everyone is waiting on my answer. My hand flies to my mouth, and I flop forward in front of Preston.

“Are you sure this is what you want? That I’m what you want, Preston? I don’t want you to feel like—”

“Emory, I have never once done anything I didn’t want to. When I said you were mine, I meant it. I need you to understand that I still mean it. I want you forever. Please, Emory, give me your forever?”

“Yes, yes, Preston. I want to be your forever,” I cry.

“Thank fuck. Come here,” he orders, and I don’t hesitate. When his lips touch mine, I know I’m home.

“Okay, break it up, you two. I promised Mom I wouldn’t let him sit in the sand too long,” Ashton chuckles.

“You look beautiful, Emory.” Preston stares into my eyes for a long time. “I’m jealous of your heart, though.”

“My heart? Why?” I’m staring at him in confusion when I see the devilish gleam in his eye.

“Because it’s beating inside of you, and I’m not.” He says it like a joke, but I can feel the heat behind his words.

“No way, Preston. I know you have not been cleared for that kind of activity.”

“Fucking hell. This will be the second time you give yourself to me, and we don’t consummate it,” he sulks.