Page 124 of Born to Make You Smile

“How did you come up with this idea?”

“I wanted a creative way topop the question, and it just came to me.”

“Oh my God.” I shook my head with a smile. It was so corny. But so sweet.So Gavin.“I was really surprised. But very confused at first. A bit of a risk to take on your birthday, though! What if I said no?”

“Well, what can I say? I walk on the wild side these days.”

I giggled, then stared at my ring. God, it was beautiful.

“You picked this ring for me, right? No one else,” I teased.

“Definitely.” He brought the back of my hand up to his mouth and gave me a gentle kiss. “Marcelo there is quite the character.”

I smiled. “Did he give you a good deal?”

“Yes. Thefamily discount. I also got something for the girls, a small heart necklace for each of them. And perhaps a few more things for you. Your birthday is coming up in a month’s time.”

“Nothing too crazy, right?”

“Well...” He winced.

He definitely went overboard. However, I was a new Grace who didn’t mind the bling. “That’s great. Gimme all the jewelry. Head to toe. Spoil me!”

He chuckled. “Good. You’ll be completely covered.”

THIRTY-EIGHT

That Saturday, we madeour way to Gavin’s parents’ house to celebrate his birthday. I bought a brand-new designer dress and strappy sandals for the occasion. Running my hand along my flared navy-blue skirt, I let out a nervous sigh. Gavin reached for my hand while my stomach tumbled. He wanted to announce our engagement tonight. His family wasn’t even aware we were together yet, and I wasn’t sure how they would react. They were nice people. I’d met them many times at various functions and parties, but Gavin warned me that it might take some time for them to accept our relationship.

His parents, Elizabeth and Alexander, lived north of the city in Aurora. Their home was very large and extravagant without being pretentious. The grand staircase and the floor-to-ceiling windows were striking, but the small details made it feel personal. The house had a whimsical uniqueness with its gray-and-white tiled floors, archways, and modern wallpaper. Each room had pops of random colors—reds, pink, and blues that came together in harmony. Gavin's family was definitely on the wealthy side. I believe his father used to own and manage several distribution companies before he retired.

Elizabeth, or Gran as everyone called her, was fashionable in a pink Chanel suit. She had curly white hair and always wore a stream of pearls.

Appetizers were served, and champagne was opened with a loud echoingpop.Everyone enjoyed a glass and cheered with birthday wishes for Gavin. Then he got everyone's attention with a fork chiming against his glass.

“Hello, everyone,” he started, his voice resonant. “I wanted to thank you for being here today to celebrate my forty-seventh year on this earth.”

“You miserable old git!” his brother, Jared, shouted.

“Ahh you’re not far behind, you dirty sod!” Gavin retorted.

Siblings. I snickered.

“But all joking aside, I’d like to make a very important announcement.”

He cleared his throat and reached for my hand. My heart trembled.

“I’d like to raise a toast. To Grace. My everything. My future wife. I cannot wait to marry you, love.”

My eyes moved around the room as the many stunned faces raised their glasses. After the cheers died down, Gavin’s mother came around to me.

“Congratulations, my dear. Let me see.” She took my hand and peered at my ring. “Oh, very nice. But I must admit, I’m a little surprised at the news. It seems very sudden. Are you sure you’re ready for this kind of responsibility at your age? To be a stepmum to my granddaughters?”

“Yes,” I said with a firm nod. “Absolutely. As you know, I’ve always been a part of Charlotte and Mackenzie’s lives. They’re very special to me, and I love them with all my heart.”

“Well,” she said with an inhale, “you clearly make my son and the girls very happy. Welcome to the family.”

She wrapped her frail arms around me.

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