Page 123 of The Singles Club

“It’s a surprise.” She leaned closer and softly brushed her lips with mine. I pulled back and gazed into those eyes that could light me up like no other.

Eyes I wanted to wake up to and fall asleep to every damn day of my life.

“I love you.”

Her hand traced my jaw. “And I love you.”

* * *

Vivian

After the kids had settled down from opening gifts, Becky gave me the go-ahead to begin my speech. The DJ handed me a microphone, and soon all eyes were on me. My belly twisted in knots as I thanked everyone for coming and named all those who had helped with our project, as well as those who had agreed to be a part of the feature.

“There was a time I didn’t care much for the holidays. But then again, I also had this crazy theory that love didn’t exist. I believed that love was in the mind and could be explained by science and psychology.” I scanned the room and found my mother smiling up at me… and standing only ten feet away from my father. Not once did she pick a fight with him the whole night, and I know she did that for me and Benny.

My eyes traced over Lucas and Taylor, Alex and Emma, Logan and Mia, Isabella, Crystal, and her sisters. Even Brock, Carmen, and Justin’s parents came to support our holiday fundraiser to help single moms and their children.

“But I was wrong. Lovedoesexist, and it isn’t just about romance; love goes much deeper than that. I look around this room, and I see family and friends, both old and new, celebrating, laughing, embracing, and giving… even to complete strangers whom they just met. This whole room is filled with love, and I realize that this is what holidays are all about.”

I searched the faces until I found Justin standing in the front off to the side, wearing a smile that could still make me melt.

“I wanted to personally thank the man who helped me to believe in love again.” My eyes locked with his. “Thank you for not giving up on me.”

He mouthed the words “I love you.” And my heart expanded beyond my chest.

I stepped closer to him. “I’m not perfect by any means, but I know what it is I want most: love.” I took his hand in mine. “Justin, would you do me the honor of being my husband and my dance partner? Maybe make a baby or two?”

Justin’s hands cupped my face. “There’s nothing I want more.” The cheers in the room grew softer and muffled as our lips met.

I was officially engaged to the man I wanted to share the rest of my life with.

Becky took the microphone from my hand, congratulating us. Music filled the room once again.

“You know what I just realized?” I asked.

Justin wrapped his arms around me. “What?”

“I think we’re the only couple who got engaged without ever having an official first date.”

The corners of his mouth rose as he held me tighter. “Thankfully, I will never have a first date again.”