Page 101 of State of Grace

“I’m done with the show officially after this week, and I have no other projects on the table. I’m done with that life. This,” Blake closed the space between them once more, lacing her fingers with Alexis’s again, “is the only life I want now.”

“It is?”

“It is.”

“You want to be with me forever? And my insanely adorable but very needy kid?” She laughed. “Oh, and the equally needy puppy you convinced me to get?”

“Hey, I promised you I’d help with the puppy, remember?”

“I do.”

“And I always keep my promises.” She laughed as she playfully booped Alexis on the nose, making her giggle. “You mean more to me than my career ever could. I thought I knew that before but these past few weeks have only confirmed that. I’m so much happier with you and Harper than anywhere else in the world. I want to be a part of your life if you will let me.”

“My brain is spinning.” Alexis nervously laughed as she held on tighter to Blake’s hands.

“I love you, Alexis.”

“I love you, too.”

“And I know we have a lot of things to figure out.” Blake tenderly caressed her cheek. “We can and we will make this work because we are worth it. We’ll live in a state of grace and figure everything out.” Blake shed another tear that Alexis quickly caught with her thumb. “I promise you, Alexis, I will spend the rest of my life telling you every single day how much I love you and how amazing you are and how lucky I am to have you in my life.”

“Ditto, babe.” As they resumed their kissing, Alexis felt Blake reach into the pocket of her hoodie and take something out. Blake took a step back from Alexis as her arms fell to her side. Alexis watched as if the scene in front of her was happening in slow motion as Blake dropped down to one knee while simultaneously holding a small black box in her hand.

“I had this whole romantic proposal idea planned out for later, but I just can’t wait.” They both giggled as Blake opened the box to reveal a gorgeous diamond engagement ring. Alexis gasped loudly as a sob escaped from her throat. “Alexis, will you marry me?”

There was only one answer.

“Yes!” Alexis practically tackled Blake as she tumbled onto her back while Alexis covered her with kisses. “Yes, a thousand times in a thousand lifetimes, yes.”

“Let me put the ring on you.” Standing up, Blake slipped the ring out of the box and onto Alexis’s finger. Alexis couldn’t stop looking at it as absolute happiness seemed to be bubbling out of every pore.

“Mazel tov!” Salem called out from the front door with applause.

“Congratulations, Lex.” The all too familiar voice startled Alexis as she looked around Blake to see Sophia had stepped out of the passenger side of the SUV. She was beyond confused about what was happening as she let go of Blake and watched Sophia walk toward them.

“What are you doing here?”

“Blake invited me a few days ago.”

“I needed help ring shopping.” Blake winked at her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I could say the same thing to you.” Although she pretended to be mad by placing her hands on her hips, the smile on Sophia’s face was undeniable. “Where’s Harper?”

“She’s with Emily.”

“Emily didn’t mention anything when I talked to her.”

“I asked her not to say anything, silly.” Not being able to stand it any longer, Alexis closed the space between them and hugged Sophia. Her best friend’s hug was one of the best Alexis had ever received. “I’m so glad you were here for this.”

Sophia kissed her forehead. “Me too, mon amour.”

“Hey, come on inside. I think I have some champagne.”

“Now that’s what I’m talking about.” Sophia winked at Alexis before heading toward the front door. Blake was doing something on her phone as Alexis walked back over to her, slipping an arm around her waist.

“What are you doing?” Alexis studied the small screen. She could see Emily walking through her apartment with a huge smile on her face.

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