Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Oliver flashes a lazy grin over the rim of his tumbler. “What, baby? What are you gonna do? Tell me. I’m curious.”
Her eyes narrow as her tone turns sharp enough to draw blood. “Why don’t you try me and find out.”
His brows lift, but the smirk never fades. “You make it damn hard not to push the envelope when you threaten me like that.”
She lets out a low growl before spinning on her heel and stalking off, muttering something under her breath that’s definitely not fit for polite company.
I shake my head as Oliver’s gaze follows her, his expression equal parts amused and fascinated. “If you’re trying to get on her good side, that isn’t the way to do it.”
Oliver’s gaze drifts to mine. “Who said I wanted to be on her good side? Maybe I like the view from where I’m at.”
Laiken snorts. “Should we take bets on whether he gets traded before next season?”
With a shrug, Oliver strolls off in the same direction Rina disappeared in.
Even if he’s acting like he’s not following her, I know better.
We all do.
“Those two are like oil and water.” Callie tilts her head as she watches them. “They just don’t mix.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” I say with a chuckle, sliding my arm around her waist and pulling her into me. She fits there like she was made for the spot. “You good, baby?”
She nods, her gaze slowly sweeping the room. Her eyes soften as they take in the friends, the laughter, and the life we’ve started building together, piece by piece. “I am. I didn’t realize what home felt like until now. And that has everything to do with you.”
I brush my lips against her temple. “No, baby. That has everything to do with you.”
My pulse thrums a frantic rhythm. I’ve been planning this moment for weeks, but now that it’s here, I’m nervous as hell.
Before I can lose my nerve, I press one last kiss against her forehead and then step away, lifting my glass high. “Hey, everyone. Can I have your attention?”
Someone turns the music down, and the hum of conversation dies away until the room is quiet. All eyes shift toward me, but the only ones I’m locked on belong to the woman standing a few feet away, her brows furrowed as confusion flickers across her expression.
Callie leans toward me. “What are you doing?”
“Making sure everyone knows exactly how I feel,” I say with a small smile.
Facing the room, I force my voice to stay steady. “When I moved into this place a couple years ago, it was just a penthouse. Four walls that were cold and sterile, echoing with quiet. It didn’t feel like a home until the day Callie and Nora walked through the door.”
Willow presses a hand to her chest as Nora races over to us. Evelyn’s lips curve into a tender smile as Hugh positions himself just behind her, drink in hand, eyes intent.
I take in the friends who’ve become family and, in the center of that, the two people who changed everything for me.
“Tonight isn’t just a housewarming party,” I continue. “It’s a celebration of the life we’re building together.”
Callie’s eyes widen when I sink to one knee in front of her daughter and slip a hand into my jacket before drawing out a small velvet box. Flipping it open, I reveal a delicate heart-shaped locket with a picture of the three of us inside.
“Nora,” I say, my voice catching just enough to give me away, “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I want to be your family for the rest of my life. If you’ll have me… this is for you, ladybug.”
She claps her hands, squealing, and launches herself into my arms. “I love you, Rivvy!”
“I love you too,” I choke out against her curls, holding her tight before gently setting her back down again and rising to my feet.
My gaze shifts to the woman I’ve spent years waiting for, and my hands tremble as I pull out the second box. Inside is a diamond ring that is simple, stunning, and timeless. Just like Callie. On the inside of the band, five small words are engraved, carrying every truth I’ve ever wanted her to know.
Where you are, I’m home.
“The very first time I saw you, I knew you were going to change my life. And I was right. You’ve given me love and purpose. And you’ve made me a father in every way that matters.”
Tears spill down her cheeks as she presses her hands to her mouth.
“I want to spend the rest of my life proving I deserve you,” I continue, taking a step closer as nerves twist in my gut. “So, Callie…” I draw in a breath. “Will you marry me?”
For just a beat, she doesn’t speak. She just stares, her whole heart shining in her eyes before she nods. “Yes,” she says on a shaky exhale. “Yes, of course I will.”