Page 176 of Closer

“We should probably head back soon,” she murmurs against my skin.

“Mmm, five more minutes.”

“Your five minutes always turn into another round.”

“Can you blame me?” I palm her breast. “I love you.”

She hums. “I love you, too.”

She is it for me, my one and only, and I will do whatever is needed to make her happy.

“I can’t wait to put a ring on your finger, princess.”

Chapter 52

Epilogue Lilian

Sebastian’s hand finds mine, and we make our way up the gravel drive, the crunch of stones beneath our feet the only sound in the early morning stillness.

The countryside mansion looms ahead, all stately brick and ivy-covered walls. John and Sloan decided to leave the city and get a mansion in the countryside. It’s become a tradition, these weekly brunches at his parents’ estate. At first, Marc didn’t join, but it only took three brunches and some convincing for him to join Levi and Landon. Now, we’re all together.

“Do you think Elijah and Gem will break the news today?” Sebastian nudges me.

“I don’t know. Should I hide the ring?”

“Don’t you dare, princess.” He takes my hand and places a kiss on the engagement ring.

We kept it a secret to make sure our families got together and put aside their differences for real so that we all could celebrate our wedding without bad blood.

“Think they’ll notice?” I ask.

His lips quirk. “Knowing my mother? She’ll spot it from a mile away.”

We round the corner of the house. The sprawling back lawn stretches out before us with one big white-clothed table with chairs in the middle. Sunlight glints off crystal glasses and decorations, the scent of freshly baked scones and coffee wafting on the breeze.

Anne, Gemma, and Elijah are bent close together as they talk to each other. Mary is perched on Connor’s lap, her laughter floating across the grass. Levi is deep in conversation with Landon, their expressions serious. Marc and John sit near the pool, drinks in hand.

It’s still surreal sometimes, seeing them all like this. Together.

We close the remaining distance, and Sloan is the first to spot us, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile. “There they are! My favorite couple!”

Gemma’s head whips around, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Excuse you, mother. I thought Eli and I held that title.”

Sloan waves a dismissive hand and rises to greet us, pulling me into a warm hug. “Oh hush, you know I adore you both. But today…” She pulls back, her gaze dropping to my hand. To the ring. “Today is special.”

I tense, glancing up at Sebastian. But he just grins, unrepentant. “Told you she’d notice.”

Sloan gasps, her hands flying to her mouth. “Is that… are you…?”

Sebastian’s arm tightens around me. “Surprise?”

And then it’s chaos. Shrieks of joy and exclamations, bodies crushing against us as we’re enveloped in a flurry of hugs and kisses. Sloan is crying, clutching me to her chest, and babbling about wedding plans and grandchildren. Gemma nearly tackles me in her excitement, already calling dibs on maid of honor duties.

It’s overwhelming in the best possible way. Even Levi, reserved and cautious as he is, pulls me into a gruff hug, muttering his congratulations. Though I don’t miss the warning, look, he shoots Sebastian over my shoulder.

“What’s got you so worked up, darling?” John approaches, followed by Marc.

She pulls back enough to gesture at the ring. “Look!”

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