Page 25 of Face-Off with my Childhood Best Friend

He nods.

“You’re crazy.”

“Your crazy husband-to-be. Am I?” Oscar asks, his eyes shining with happiness.

I nod, feeling my eyes well up with tears. “Yes... It can only be yes.”

Oscar’s gesture causes an explosion of cheers throughout the entire bistro, drowning out all other sounds, as he slips the ring onto my finger. “Nadia, you’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever known, and I will be the best man for you.”

“I’d prefer you to be my husband,” I say with a smirk.

Oscar bursts into laughter, his booming chuckles echoing through the cafe.

“In all seriousness, you’re a wonderful man.” I glance at the cheapest ring in the world. “And it’s a perfect fit. Just like us. I think your mom will be proud of your proposal. It was actually incredibly romantic.” With a watery smile, I whisper, “And I can’t wait to be your wife.”

“I love you, Nadia Simmons. I’ve always loved you.” Oscar beams at me, his eyes shining with pure adoration. He takes my new dollar ring-adorned hand and presses a tender kiss to my fingers.

Unable to contain my joy, I tug him up from the floor and slam my lips on his in a scorching passionate kiss, not caring who is looking as I put every ounce of love I feel for this man into it.

And the moment I pull away, I tell him for the first time in years, something I never stopped feeling. “I love you.”

Our eyes meet, and I see the shimmer of unshed tears in his watery eyes.

The waiter chooses that moment to return to our table, his eyes landing on the makeshift dollar ring with an amused smile. “Would you both care to start with something to celebrate this special occasion?”

Oscar looks at me with a wink. “Two glasses of your finest champagne, please. My beautiful fiancée and I have our engagement to toast.”

As the waiter moves off with a nod, Oscar leans across the table, his eyes sparkling. “You know, we should start practicing for the wedding night festivities later,” he murmurs, waggling his eyebrows.

A peal of delighted laughter slips from my lips at his playful antics. Throwing propriety to the wind, I yank him forward into a heated kiss, uncaring of who sees. This man is mine forever now, and I’m delighted.

When we part, I gaze at him with a breathless smile, cradling his face in my hands.

“I can’t wait to be your wife, Oscar. I love you so much.”

Chapter 10

Nadia

Four months later

The ‘Bridal Chorus’ fills the church, blending seamlessly with the soft rustle of guests turning in their pews.

The bridal procession begins as Lucia, my sister, and Olivia and Amelia, Oscar’s sisters, take their first steps down the aisle.

My father’s arm links with mine and with a deep breath, I make the first step toward my soulmate.

“You picked well,” Dad says as we slow walk down the aisle.

I glance at Oscar. His back is to me. “I did.”

“You know your mom and Oscar’s mom have wanted this day since the two of you met when you were five years old?”

I laugh. “They’re like two mafia moms. Plotting for their children to be joined, so the families stay in power.”

Dad grins. “I just wanted you to be happy.”

With my free hand, I squeeze his arm. “I know and I am.”

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