I glance away and mutter, “Yeah, that might have been true. But you could have told me you needed closure.”
“I guess I wasn’t one hundred percent positive about what I needed. But I’m glad I figured it out.”
“And what do you need?” I ask.
She drags her thumb over my five o’clock shadow. “I need you, Breaker. I need us. I want us.” She wets her lips. “I’m not convinced I was fully committed up until this point, and I can truly say I know what my feelings are. I know where they rest, and that’s with you.” She leans in and presses her forehead against mine. “I’m in love with you, Breaker, and that might be too soon to say, but that’s where I’m at.”
I place my hands under her shirt and hold her tightly as my chest swirls with so many fucking emotions.
She loves me.
Jesus Christ. And here I thought she was going to break up with me.
I chuckle, and she pulls away. “What’s so funny?”
“Shit, sorry. I didn’t mean to laugh at that. Poor timing.” I let out a deep sigh. “I’ve wanted to tell you I love you for some time now, but I’ve held back because I didn’t want to freak you out. And then today, I thought you were breaking up with me, but instead, you tell me you love me. I mean, fuck, I’ve been through the wringer.”
She smiles and leans in close while playing with the collar of my shirt. “You love me?”
“Desperately,” I answer. “Pathetically. To the point that I’d have no shame in following you around even if you did get back with Brian. I’m so fucking in love with you, Ophelia, that I can feel it all the way to the marrow of my bones. It’s a part of me. You’re a part of me.”
Right when I think she’s going to kiss me, she stands from my lap.
“Where are you going?” I ask, confused.
She holds her hand out, and I take it. She weaves me through her apartment to her bedroom, and then turns to face me. In one smooth motion, she lifts her shirt up and over her head.
“Fuck,” I mutter as I take in her purple lace bra.
She slides her hands under my shirt as she says, “You are a part of me too, Breaker. I’m sorry it took me a second to realize that, but I’m glad I did.”
“Are you saying that you’re mine . . . forever?” I ask.
She helps me out of my shirt and nods. “Yes, I’m yours . . . forever.”
Then she lays me down on the bed and straddles my lap. I roll her to her back and pin her to the mattress. I lower my mouth to hers and kiss her with every inch of my heart. And she returns the kiss, her mouth parting, making room for my tongue.
When I pull away and stare down in her beautiful eyes, I say, “I love you, Ophelia. So fucking much.”
She smirks and says, “I love you too . . . Pickle.”
Laughing, I bury my head in her shoulder and kiss up her neck while she settles underneath me, letting me take the lead.
Sure, do I wish I’d realized several years ago that getting together with Lia was inevitable—some might say . . . a long time coming? Of course. But I also realize the extraordinary bond we built over the years, and Lia might be right. I’m not sure how close we would really be if we didn’t have those years to bond.
All I know is that I’m fucking happy, and my brothers will never let me live this down.
Ever.
Epilogue
BREAKER
“Is this stupid? This feels stupid,” I say as Lia is in our bedroom with Myla, getting her a spare shirt since we spilled a drink on hers.
“This is not stupid. This is well executed,” JP says. “Now, don’t fuck this up for me. I’ve put a lot of energy into this.”
“You bought the balloons,” I say.
“Uh, and I came up with the Bloody Mary spill idea—the tactic to surprise Lia. You’re welcome.”
He is right about that, unfortunately.
Shortly after Lia and I said the big I love yous to each other, we decided to give up our apartments and buy a house. It was a big decision, one we didn’t take lightly. We walked through twenty-three houses until we found the perfect one . . . a block down from my brothers. Lia liked that we were close to Lottie and Kelsey, and I liked that Lia was finally happy with a house.
We moved in two weeks ago, and today, we’re hosting Sunday brunch with some help from Reign of course. No, we didn’t steal him, but we’re hosting so I could propose to Lia but make it a surprise.
The plan was this. We eat, chat, have a good time, and then Myla spills a drink on Lia’s shirt. Her task is to keep Lia upstairs for at least five minutes. The moment they disappeared, all hands were on deck. We moved all the pre-made decorations into place, along with a giant light-up sign that says Marry Me.
When it came to the proposal, I thought of many ways I could do it. There was proposing at Disney since that’s where we shared our first kiss. I thought about it before we moved out of our apartments. I thought about it while playing a game of Scrabble with her, you know, to make it full circle. But when it came down to it, I knew having the support of friends and family was what I truly wanted. Plus, I wanted pictures and video, so I’ve put Lottie and Kelsey in charge of that.
Not to mention, I truly believe one of the main reasons Lia is with me now is because of the people around us. They helped bring us together with their advice and their gentle nudges of encouragement. Okay, full-on pointed opinions. It feels only fitting to have everyone here.
“Do you have the ring?” Huxley asks as he comes up next to me.
“Of course I have the ring,” I say as I hold up my hand.
A week ago, Huxley, JP, and I picked out the ring, the exact style I know Lia will love. Three stones represent past, present, and future on a white gold band, topping off at two carats. I considered getting something bigger, but I know she wouldn’t want it. This is perfect.
“Are you nervous?”
“Yes,” I say, my legs trembling beneath me. “I think she’s ready for this. I mean, we bought a house together, but a part of me is still scared that she’ll tell me she’s not ready.”
“Not going to happen,” Huxley says. “She looks at you the way Lottie looks at me and the way Kelsey looks at JP. That kind of love is forever.”
“Thanks,” I say as he pats me on the back.
Something has happened to Huxley over the past couple of months since they announced Lottie’s pregnancy. He’s more sensitive and less robotic. He seems to have actual feelings now. And the only time I see the old Huxley return—the sharp, rigid Huxley—is when someone is looking at Lottie the wrong way, or he needs to put someone in their place. But this new, touchy-feely guy is really throwing me off.