Page 80 of For Eva

I let out a heavy sigh and gave Denise’s arm a quick squeeze. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

She nodded. “Go on. We’re not leaving. We can talk about it tomorrow. Nothing’s gonna change between now and then.”

I offered her a half-hearted smile and headed toward Mark. “What’s so important that he needs meright now?”

Mark swept his hand to a sea of people who parted as I approached them. “See for yourself.”

“I—” My words caught in my throat, and I blinked, sure the scene in front of me was a mirage…an illusion…a side effect of too much champagne.

Aaron was down on one knee, black box in hand, with a grin stretching wide across his face.

Jesus fucking Christ.

I threw my hand over my mouth and inched my way to him, my eyes darting around the room to the crowd that circled us. The music that had been playing came to an abrupt halt, and the DJ’s voice boomed over the speakers. “Will everyone please turn their attention to the center of the room for a moment? I believe something very special is about to happen.”

I stopped in front of Aaron, flames burning my cheeks. Thoughts raced around my brain like they were trying to win the Kentucky Derby.

Is it too soon? Do I want this? I think I do, but not this way. It’s so…public. But I love him. And Denise is pregnant. What the hell. Am I pregnant? No, I’m not pregnant. Oh my God, what do I say? What do I do?

My eyes met Aaron’s for a moment before he flipped open the box, revealing a sparkling stone bigger than I’d ever seen. Bigger than I’d everwanted.

“Eva Holloway,” he said, his eyes shining like the diamond he was holding, “I have loved you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Even if itwasbecause you hit my car.”

A chorus of laughter streamed from what seemed like a hundred people gathered around us.

“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

My hand slid from my mouth, falling limply to my side. He looked so handsome, so vulnerable, that the racehorses in my brain passed the finish line and slowed their pace. This was what I wanted…right? Even if it wasn’t exactly the way I’d imagined it happening. Even if the ring wasn’t exactly my style.

I nodded slowly, but no words came. He cocked his head, and I immediately cleared my throat.

“Yes.” A nervous chuckle escaped my lips as Aaron slipped the ring onto my trembling finger, and the partygoers cheered. “Yes, I will.”

Aaron stood and wrapped me up in his arms, covering me like a blanket, and I was reminded of how safe he made me feel. It was everything I’d ever wanted but never had. Until now. When he let his arms slide down to my waist, I turned to see Denise standing at the front of the crowd. I wiped a tear from my cheek before holding up my left hand, wiggling my fingers. She flashed a grin, walked toward me, and gave me a hug.

“Are you okay?” she whispered into my ear.

Her question caught me off guard, and I pulled back as Aaron’s friends gathered around to congratulate him.

“Of course, I’m okay,” I said, smiling and dabbing my fingers under my eyelashes. “I’m better than okay. This is incredible, right?”

“Right,” she said, the grin turning into a tight smile. “Right.”

FORTY-TWO

January - March 1991

January 12, 1991

Eva,

Happy New Year from Miami! Just wanted to send a postcard from the road and say sorry we couldn’t catch up over the phone before I left. The show went amazing last night—it was scary and exciting and crazy. Keith had to (literally) give me a push onto the stage, but once I got out there, it was like I was fucking home again. It helped that it was a smaller venue (not big enough for an arena tour just yet—ha ha), so I could really see the crowd smiling and singing. It felt fucking amazing. Wish you’d been watching from the side of the stage like old times, though. I’ll try to call you soon. Maybe I can fly you out to a show since you’ll be out of town when I’m in Chicago?

Love,

Eric

February 5, 1991

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