Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76364 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 382(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 255(@300wpm)
He glances over my shoulder and nods, and then Jordan is by my side. “Someones,” he clarifies, and a ball of emotion clogs my throat as tears prick my lids.
The first proposal was for me. It was done the same way everything has happened between us: in the moment, filled with heart and without thought.
But this proposal isn’t just for me—it’s for Jordan, too, because we’re a package deal. From the first day, Pierce has not only known it but welcomed it.
“Now,” he continues, “when I look around my house, I see things differently. I see possibility. I see a kitchen filled with love, walls covered with family portraits, bedroom walls painted pink and filled with Barbies…”
He looks at Jordan, and she grins. “I love Barbies.”
Pierce chuckles and turns back to me. “I can see nights spent by the fireplace, mornings in bed…” He shoots me a flirtatious wink, and my face heats up at the memories of our recent mornings in bed. “When I look around my house now, I see it in a whole new light because I know that once you and Jordan move in, it will feel like a home.”
He reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a black box, opening it to expose the beautiful engagement ring that sparkles against the lights surrounding us.
“Kelsie Albright, will you help me fill the house with love and happiness and make it a home as my wife?”
“Yes,” I whisper, wondering how the heck I ended up in this fairy tale when not too long ago it felt like a happily ever after wasn’t anywhere near the path I was on. “Yes,” I say again. “I would love nothing more than to fill our home with love and happiness.”
He slides the ring onto my finger and stands. Cradling my face gently, he kisses me softly, then a bit more passionately. “Thank you,” he murmurs against my lips before backing up slightly.
“Does this mean I get a brother like Tilly?” Jordan asks, making everyone laugh.
“We’ll see,” I tell her, not wanting to make promises we can’t keep.
She opens her mouth to argue, but before the words are out, her eyes land on the box in Pierce’s hand that wasn’t there a moment ago. It’s long and pink and nestled inside is a necklace.
“This is for you,” Pierce tells her, kneeling in front of her.
“A princess crown,” she whispers in awe. “For me?”
“Yep. Your mom is my queen”—he looks up at me and winks, and my heart races in my chest at his thoughtfulness—“which makes you my princess.”
“Can I be Merida?” Jordan asks. “She has hair like me, and she’s my favorite.”
“Of course,” Pierce says, holding in a chuckle. He unclasps the necklace and puts it on Jordan, who takes the charm between her tiny fingers, smiling down at it.
“Thank you,” she says shyly, very unlike herself. “Can we move into your house now so Cinderella can sleep with me?”
“As soon as we’re married,” I tell her.
“Which will be on Christmas,” Pierce adds.
His family takes his admission as a cue to come over and congratulate us.
“Congratulations,” Marta says when she hugs me tightly. “Welcome to the family.”
Family… Jordan and I are now part of a family. The thought causes the tears that were already threatening to spill over to fall. “Thank you,” I murmur. “I’ve always wanted to be part of a real family.”
“I love seeing my ring on your finger.” Pierce and I are lying in bed. It’s just after midnight. Jordan’s asleep in her room, and we’re in mine, cuddling.
“I can’t believe you went out and bought a ring today.” I snuggle closer to Pierce, admiring the ring. I don’t know much about rings, but it’s simply beautiful. If I were to pick out one myself, I would go with something like this.
“Do you like it?” he asks, a hint of vulnerability in his tone, which is very un-Pierce-like.
“I love it.” I shift so I’m looking up at him. “It’s beautiful and perfect, but a ring isn’t important to me. My mom has a huge ring on her finger. It’s gaudy and flashy and screams wealth, but she and my dad have a miserable marriage.
“What’s important to me is happiness, how you think about me and Jordan and want to take care of us. The way you look at me with a mixture of love and desire. You’re patient and kind and smart and considerate. Pierce, you give us so much. I know I said it before, but I feel like you provide so much while I have nothing to offer. If there’s anything I can bring to the table, please let me know. I don’t care about the house or the cars or even the ring, as long as we’re happy.”
Pierce dips his face and kisses me passionately, sending a shiver racing through my body. “You and Jordan being in my life is all I need, sweetheart. I’m a simple man. All I want is to spend my days and nights with you. That’s what will make me happy.”