Page 67 of Only Ever You

“Don’t call me that.” I pull back and glare at him.

All he does is grin. “Stopped you crying.” He places a gentle kiss on my lips. “Let’s go tell your family.”

“Our family.”

Deacon’s eyes mist over, and he nods. “Our family.”

Lizzy’s beat-up Toyota Corolla sits in the driveway, and I roll my eyes.

“Don’t let that upset you,” Deacon says, giving my hand a squeeze.

“I’m not. It’s just funny how she suddenly starts visiting my parents when you’re around.”

He knocks his shoulder into mine. “Our news should bring it home to her.”

I grin. I think I’m going to spend the rest of my life grinning with Deacon by my side. He’s been so wonderful and accommodating coming back here for Christmas when he never wanted to return. But there was still a small part of me that believed our relationship was more one-sided than it actually is.

I’ve been in love with Deacon forever.

I know he loves me, but just how much I wasn’t sure—still letting my insecurities beat what my heart tells me.

Every day he shows me that he loves me more than I realise. He gives and gives and expects nothing in return. Being with him is easy, and I can just be myself.

Mum and Dad are watching TV when we walk into the living room. Lucas sits on the couch with Lizzy alongside him.

Her eyes light up when we enter the room. I’m not stupid. It’s not me she’s excited to see.

Deacon slips his arm around my waist.

“We’ve got something to tell you all,” I say.

Mum and Dad turn and smile. Lucas looks at us with one eyebrow raised. Lizzy fixes her gaze on me.

I hold out my hand, showing off my ring. “Deacon and I are engaged.”

My mother cries out, leaping to her feet and rushing over to me. She wraps me in a tight hug. Dad’s right behind her, shaking Deacon’s hand before gently removing my mother’s arms from me and wrapping his own around me.

“I’m so happy for you, love,” he says. “Deacon checked with me a couple of days ago and me and your mum are over the moon.”

I peck him on the cheek. “Thank you, Dad.”

When he lets go of me, Lucas rises and makes his way over.

“Congratulations, Pip.” Lucas kisses my cheek. He holds out his hand to Deacon.

I hold my breath, but only for a moment as Deacon accepts the handshake.

“I know my sister couldn’t be in better hands,” Lucas says.

Deacon nods. “I’ll always take good care of her.”

Lucas smiles. “I’m happy for you two.”’

“Congrats, Pippa.” Lizzy waves at us from the couch. Her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

No. He’s all mine. No amount of flirting is going to take him from me.

“Thanks, Lizzy.” I flash my ring around a bit, making sure she sees it shine.

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