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This ring, though, Lia had loved Small, alhter overlooked it in favor of the large baubles that bordered on looking like costuraved flowers on either side of the circular cut diamond add a bit of individuality It was—and is—quintessentially Lia It is an artisan’s ring I bought it then and tucked it away, planning on soeift from Tasha to Lia someday When I fell in love with her and then learned of the pregnancy, I knew there was no better ring to give her than one she herself had chosen and I had kept safe for a little over a decade

“You bought Tasha the one with the rubies,” Lia replies, her voice tender with a haze of memories “I tried to convince the owner to let ic”

I nod “We can go to the shelter and adopt a cat for you to have in our office when it opens Monday, but I have a ht now” I take a deep breath and exhale slowly, stilling my nerves “Will you marry me?”

The whole roo silent It’s then, when allus with baited breath, I worry What will I do if she declines? Hoill—

Lia interrupts ht with a squeal and kiss “Yes, Beck, I’ll marry you! You’re the only ainst my mouth

Cheers erupt around us, and despite how hellish the past twenty ot to where we are My security guards take Jean off the table, and while obviously upset at everything he has witnessed, Paul hasn’t punchedto s htly as she asks There are no doubts in her voice, so I try not to allow the question to worry otten copied for her “Given this to so to scratch sootten into trouble in junior high for using a nail file to write “Nate’s a big, fat, lying jerk” on aher date to a school dance

She hitsbefore she pauses to stare at the ring “I can’t believe you bought this ring and kept it all this ti “I love you”

It’s the first time she’s said it, and my heart catches in my throat I knew from her kiss—from her acceptance of me—but to actually hear her say it after all the questionable moments… It’s my turn to wipe at an errant tear

8

Lia

“Tell roo her for this” My father’s eyes are icy and lips narroith the ry, disappointed, or just in shock It’s the first thing he’s said to us since the announce his head, his arm wrapped around my waist, ready to protect o of azebo “I swear to you, Paul, I never touched Lia until after she ca out of state” He’s careful in his word choices,sure that whatever he says is both true and not so spread around by any reporters We’ll be pri our pregnancy and engagee love affair would be too hard for thehtest hints to pick apart

My dad turns toup to cupat whatever he does or doesn’t see there He’s been able to read me like this ever since childhood, and I hope I can do the sa about soh Satisfied, my dad nods and releases nant, not when you’re so young, but I won’t give you any lectures That’s not what you need froht now I love you, and I will do my best to be happy for you” My father turns to Beck, one hand outstretched in a peace-offering “You’ll take care of hter and your child?” he says, his voice clear, and it’s obvious he’sa question