Page 82 of Going All In

Robert’s face creases in a smile as he listens to Julio. He erupts in a fit of laughter. “Do I think he’s good enough for Holly?”

Wait. Fuck. The kid thinks I’m not good enough?

Holly starts laughing too, and then the girls all join in.

Robert rises from his feet and crosses the room to stand in front of me. “Well, son. It seems you took my advice.”

Holly’s eyes widen as her father grips me in a quick hug before returning to his seat.

“My dad knew?” she asks, her gaze darting between Robert and me.

I nod. “I called him for advice, back when you weren’t sure about me. Asked if it would be weird to date his daughter. Think it worked out okay?”

Holly looks around at the smiling faces. “I guess so.”

I dig in my pocket. “Now. I know we called off the bet, but I still feel like I owe you a win, because you ended up at the wedding with a man you were in love with. One who loved you back one hundred percent.”

She nods, but her brow creases in confusion. “You already donated so much to that organization I told you about. You don’t owe me anything.”

I pull something out of my pocket, sliding off the couch to rest on one knee in front of Holly. “I do. And I’m hoping this might be an acceptable prize.” I hold out the diamond solitaire and hold my breath.

Her smile doesn’t fade, but her brow wrinkles. “Um. Maddox?”

“Oh. Right.” I give her another wink. “Will you marry me?”

The smile that spreads across her face is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

“I love you, Maddox. Of course I’ll marry you.”

I slide the ring onto her finger and step back as she admires it, and as Addison, Josie, and my mom gather around her.

I squeeze her tight. It feels so good, so right to have her here in my arms, surrounded by our family.

Holly pulls back, her eyes bright. She hugs me again, and this time, Julio buries himself between us.

I didn’t even see the little ninja get up from the couch. Sneaky little thing.

“Miss Holly, I’m so happy for you!” His muffled voice comes from between us. “Can I be in your wedding?”

Holly laughs. “Of course, Julio. I’m not your caseworker anymore, but you’re my brother. I’d love for you to be in my wedding.”

Even Josie gives Holly a big hug. Maybe Holly managed to break through Josie’s walls.

But Josie’s smile doesn’t fade when she releases Holly. If anything, it widens as she looks at Chris. “So, if we’re all sharing news, we have some, too.”

Chris stands up to hold her hand.

Josie beams as Chris puts her hands over Josie’s belly. “We’re pregnant. Twins. The IVF worked.”

Another round of cheers erupts from everyone but Julio, who’s asking my mom what IVF is.

Robert taps me on the shoulder as the girls take turns embracing one another, happy tears in all of their eyes. “Congratulations, son. I’d say welcome to the family, but…” He sweeps his hand toward my mom.

I just smile.

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

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