Page 135 of Worth Every Risk

I crouch down and give her a hug. “Not as beautiful as you,” I whisper, and she giggles.

“I love you,” she mumbles softly in my ear. “I’m so glad we got to keep you.”

I get a little choked up, and raise my gaze to Matt’s over Lucie’s head as I say, “Me too, honey, me too.”

By the time we arrive at the engagement party, I’m feeling buoyant with happiness. I never imagined I could feel like this—whole, complete, and fully supported by a man I cannot get enough of—and I know that Mum, if she’s out there somewhere, must be delighted too.

The party is glamorous, the room teaming with well-dressed guests. And tonight, all made up and elegant, I fit in, but there are so many people here that I doubt anyone is looking at me. Except Matt, of course. His gaze always lingers on me, his eyes seeking me out, latching on, even when we’re talking to other people.

We’re standing in a little group, congratulating Nico and Kate on the impressive party.

“I never thought he’d step up,” Seb says to Kate whilst nodding at Nico. “Thought he’d string you along forever.”

Kate glares at Seb, then smiles. “Liar.” She’s so pretty, the sparkling overhead lights making her skin look dewy and her jewellery glitter. The diamond ring on her finger looks like the iceberg that sank the Titanic.

Seb laughs and that little dimple appears to the side of his mouth. “Fine. I admit it. I’m surprised it took him this long. He wasthatdesperate to put a ring on it.”

“You’re a prick,” Nico says, averting his gaze as he drains the rest of his champagne.

Even in the face of his brother’s cussing, Seb’s smile doesn’t dim. He gestures to Matt. “What about this one? Finally got his act together. We should drink to that.” He casts a wide smile in my direction, which I mirror without hesitation.

Seb raises his glass, and Nico summons a server over to top him up before joining in the toast.

“To true love,” Seb says.

Nico splutters, only just managing to hold his champagne in his mouth before he swallows. “Hearing you toast to true love is just wrong. Sorry.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Seb jibes, and they begin to bicker, while Kate laughs.

I drown them out as Matt’s arm tightens around me and he dips his head to whisper in my ear.

“You sure you’re keen to stick with me when we have to spend time with this lot?”

“I like your family.”

He pulls back to raise a sceptical brow.

“Okay, fine. They’re growing on me. But I like you enough to put up with anything.” Right at that moment, Seb bursts out laughing, spraying champagne across the floor, narrowly missing the silk of my dress. He swears, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, cursing Nico for something he said and apologising profusely to me.

I glance at the ceiling. “Almost anything,” I add.

Charlie appears beside us, a glass of champagne in hand. He’s so different now that he’s living permanently with us. The strain on his face has vanished, and he looks much more the carefree kid he always ought to have been.

“Only one glass,” Matt instructs, indicating Charlie’s drink.

“Yes, Dad.”

God knows how Matt worked it all out with Charlie and Gemma. I think part of him wanted to charge the twins with attempted murder for putting that strawberry in the champagne. As it is, Gemma agreed to only see Charlie when the twins aren’t around. It’s a peculiar arrangement, and I can’t even begin to understand it. But, most importantly, everyone I care about seems happier.

Alec is babysitting Lucie tonight, so we could all be here to celebrate with Nico and Kate. Alec says it’s a bit weird now thatI’m officially with Matt… as if I’ve been promoted above him. I told him not to be ridiculous. I’m still me, and I still go and hang out with him in the staff block. He’s trialling at the Hawkston Mayfair next week, and he’s so nervous. Nervous, but excited. A whole new chapter.

Up on the stage, a beautiful blonde woman with wild curls begins to sing. I recognise her from Charlie’s birthday party. Elly, I think her name is. Kate’s brother’s girlfriend. Apparently, there was a lot of hoo-hah about her on social media not so long ago, but I’m not into that sort of stuff, so I don’t know. Her voice is beautiful, and for a moment I tune in, and the music makes me feel as though I’m living a dream.Everything is perfect.

The others are so busy chatting that they hardly notice when Matt squeezes my hand and leads me away, pushing through the guests until we reach a door that leads out to a balcony. He opens it and lets me pass through in front of him. I have no idea why he wants to go outside, given how chilly it is, but I’m used to him seeking out quiet places to kiss me.Fuckme. I smile at the idea, anticipating his hands on me.

The door closes, and we’re alone. A full-body shiver rips through me. “Holy crap, it’s freezing.” My breath fogs out into the night. “We’re not having alfresco sex on the balcony, if that’s why we’re out here.”

Matt smiles, amused. “It’s not. Sorry.” He takes my champagne glass from my hand and puts it on a nearby table, next to his own. Then he removes his jacket and wraps it around me. I snuggle into it as he says, “I’m going to make this quick. There’s something I want to ask you.”

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